Jacob Elordi’s transformation for Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein involved an arduous process that spotlighted the power of practical effects over CGI, drawing viewers’ attention since its recent premiere on Netflix. In a conversation with Jimmy Fallon, Elordi revealed how the Jacob Elordi Frankenstein makeup transformation demanded hours in the chair, fueling both his performance and dedication to the iconic Creature role.
Enduring Grueling Hours for the Creature’s Look
Frankenstein, directed by Guillermo del Toro, casts Jacob Elordi as the infamous Creature, brought to life by the tormented scientist Victor Frankenstein, played by Oscar Isaac. The film also features Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz, and Felix Kammerer, and has quickly amassed nearly 30 million views on Netflix within its first days.
Transforming Elordi into the Creature was an intense and time-consuming effort. For scenes where the Creature appears mostly uncovered, Elordi spent up to 11 hours in the makeup chair. Even when oversized costumes concealed much of his body, the process still required a minimum of six hours of makeup application each day. The attention to detail went beyond what audiences often expect in modern productions.
“Your body is made up of parts of different humans, and you would think that a lot of it would be done with CGI,”
remarked Jimmy Fallon, Host. Instead, del Toro chose to avoid heavy CGI, opting instead for intricate makeup and practical effects. Elordi wore as many as 42 prosthetic pieces at times, underscoring the commitment to authenticity and visual impact.
Elordi commented on the rarity of such extensive use of practical effects in today’s cinema, expressing admiration for the dedicated team of artists responsible for the transformation.
Immersion and Dedication to the Role
The demanding makeup process deepened Elordi’s connection to his role, allowing him to shed his recognizable persona for complete immersion. Playing various versions of the Creature, Elordi appeared utterly transformed, leaving behind the familiar charm seen in his previous projects such as Euphoria and The Kissing Booth.
“You often don’t get that much time when you’re filming to be able to get into something,”
Jacob Elordi, Actor, stated, referencing the rare opportunity provided by these lengthy sessions. The process helped him
“leave all of this stuff behind…and become something else,”
Jacob Elordi, Actor, added, highlighting the impact such preparation had on his performance.
Director Guillermo del Toro praised Elordi’s unwavering commitment, noting that the actor never complained during the process, despite demanding 20-hour workdays. Elordi’s passion for del Toro’s craft runs deep; he openly called the director the “greatest filmmaker alive,” further showing the mutual respect within the production.
After Jimmy Fallon lauded his transformative performance, Elordi described Frankenstein as a “really human” film, echoing the emotional depth sought by both cast and crew.
Frankenstein’s Legacy and Elordi’s Next Project
The dedication Jacob Elordi displayed both honors and reinvigorates the tradition of practical effects in horror films, emphasizing authenticity and artistry over digital shortcuts. The instant popularity of Frankenstein on Netflix suggests that audiences resonate with this blend of technical prowess and human emotion.
Next, Elordi is set to appear alongside Margot Robbie in a new adaptation of Wuthering Heights, scheduled for a Valentine’s Day release. His recent commitment signals a promising future in such demanding, transformative roles.
For those interested in witnessing the extent of the Jacob Elordi Frankenstein makeup transformation, the film is currently streaming on Netflix, marking another ambitious milestone for all involved in its creation.
