When Jacob Elordi got the call to play the iconic Creature in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, he immediately knew he was facing the most challenging role of his career. Known for his work in Euphoria, 2 Hearts, and Saltburn, Elordi dove headfirst into the dark, gothic world of the Oscar-winning director, fully aware that he was about to embark on a singular experience. “I wasn’t afraid,” he told Netflix Tudum
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In Guillermo del Toro’s visionary reinterpretation of Mary Shelley’s classic, Elordi undergoes a complete transformation to embody the Creature. From moments of innocent curiosity to profound introspection, the Creature’s journey unfolds into a powerful exploration of human nature, forgiveness, and the bond between father and son. “This role rekindled my passion for cinema… Now I have new energy to make films,” Elordi reflected.
“The way Jacob plays him like a baby in the beginning is just wonderful, and then the way he moves like a man is so moving.”– says del Toro. “Jacob was completely prepared for this role.”
Jacob Elordi in Frankenstein
The makeup team, led by practical effects expert Mike Hill, crafted 42 prosthetic pieces to bring the Creature to life. Elordi wore special contact lenses, false teeth, and endured long makeup sessions. “As soon as I stepped into the makeup trailer, the whole world of the film came alive,” he recalls. “Guillermo told me it wouldn’t just be a meditation, but a true metamorphosis.” With only four weeks to prepare, Elordi fully immersed himself in the character, committing to the transformation both physically and mentally.
“You have to close all the doors to your house emotionally. You close your ears off and close your eyes off and change the way that you see things.They have to take on a new life to be able to shift into something else.”
To find the Creature’s voice, Elordi let the prosthetics guide him: “I would enter the room, stand in front of the mirror, and make guttural sounds. Then, with the teeth in, the Creature just started to speak.” Del Toro was fascinated by the natural intensity of the performance: “Everything was there – in Jacob’s voice and movements.”
At the heart of the story is a universal theme: forgiveness. Elordi calls it “the key to the Creature’s soul” — a process that transforms monstrosity into humanity. “You can’t move forward after trauma until you face it and learn to forgive” – explains the actor. “Through forgiveness, the Creature discovers he can finally become a man.”
Guillermo del Toro conceived the film as a reflection on three generations of men: father, son, and Creature, each trapped in their own traumas but capable of transformation. Frankenstein is not just a horror film, but a poetic tale about the need for love and redemption.
“Frankenstein is not a film to be taken lightly” – warns Elordi. “It’s a story that changes you.”
Jacob Elordi is now entering a new phase of his career, firmly establishing himself as a versatile actor. His turn in Frankenstein promises to be unforgettable, showcasing both artistic depth and emotional sensitivity. The film is now streaming on Netflix and is shaping up to be one of the most intense cinematic experiences of the decade.
