Filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro’s latest film, Frankenstein, starring Jacob Elordi as The Creature, has recently premiered on Netflix and in select theaters to positive reviews. The project originally planned to feature Andrew Garfield in the lead role, but his unexpected exit due to scheduling conflicts caused by the 2023 Hollywood strikes led to a significant casting change. Del Toro recently discussed Garfield’s departure and the effects it had on the film in an interview with Sunday Morning.
Del Toro’s Perspective on Garfield’s Departure
Del Toro described Garfield’s withdrawal as a necessary turning point, framing it as a positive sign amid unforeseen challenges. He shared,
“At this age and this moment in my life, career and craft, I know that when something goes wrong, it is going right,”
highlighting a philosophy of resilience during difficult times. While acknowledging that Garfield’s exit might seem like an insurmountable setback, Del Toro emphasized he never feared it would endanger the project’s success.
Choosing Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac for Key Roles
The director elaborated on his casting decisions, focusing on the importance of capturing a character’s essence through their eyes.
“I look at the eyes. If the eyes do not hold the character, you do not hold the character,”
Del Toro explained. He praised Oscar Isaac’s portrayal of Victor Frankenstein for embodying “brilliance, madness, seduction, and pain.” In contrast, Del Toro described Elordi’s qualities for the role of The Creature as marked by
“innocence, openness and a purity in his eyes that was completely disarming.”
Del Toro also referenced Elordi’s recent role as Elvis Presley in the film Priscilla as a key factor influencing his choice. He noted,
“He had a moment of rage (in Priscilla), which The Creature needed, and I went ‘Bingo! This is the guy.’”
This connection between Elordi’s past work and the emotional demands of The Creature helped solidify the casting.
Impact and Moving Forward from the Casting Change
The shift from Garfield to Elordi under challenging Hollywood strike circumstances reflects the unpredictable nature of film production. Yet, Del Toro’s outlook remains hopeful and focused on the creative opportunities that arose from the changes. With strong performances and a distinct vision, Frankenstein continues to resonate with critics and audiences alike, suggesting that the film’s ultimate direction benefits from the unexpected turn of events. Del Toro’s reflections underscore the idea that even setbacks can lead to new creative breakthroughs in filmmaking.
