Australian actor Jacob Elordi has officially stunned fans and critics alike with his latest transformation — taking on the role of Frankenstein’s Creature in Guillermo del Toro’s highly anticipated adaptation of Frankenstein. The casting of Jacob Elordi as Frankenstein marks a pivotal moment in the young actor’s career, blending classic gothic storytelling with a fresh, emotionally grounded approach to one of cinema’s most iconic figures.
After captivating audiences in Euphoria and Saltburn, Elordi has now stepped into a role unlike anything he’s done before — one that challenges both his physical endurance and emotional range.
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Guillermo del Toro’s Vision Comes to Life
Award-winning director Guillermo del Toro, known for visually rich and emotionally powerful films like The Shape of Water and Pan’s Labyrinth, has long dreamed of adapting Frankenstein. The project, years in the making, finally took shape in 2025 with Netflix backing the production and an all-star cast attached.
Del Toro’s interpretation of Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel is not a conventional monster movie. Instead, it explores the creature’s humanity, loneliness, and longing for acceptance, bringing depth and pathos to a tale that has fascinated audiences for over two centuries.
When the director approached Elordi, he was seeking more than a terrifying presence. He wanted vulnerability — a soul trapped in a body it didn’t ask for. According to del Toro, Jacob had “the physicality of a myth and the sensitivity of a poet,” making him the perfect embodiment of the Creature.
The Casting: How Jacob Elordi Became the Creature
Originally, the role of Frankenstein’s Creature was rumored to go to actor Andrew Garfield. However, scheduling conflicts opened the door for Jacob Elordi to step in — and the decision proved to be nothing short of brilliant.
Elordi’s tall, imposing frame, combined with his intense yet expressive eyes, allowed him to channel the tragic duality of the Creature — terrifying in form but deeply human in emotion.
The actor underwent over ten hours of daily prosthetic and makeup application to achieve the film’s distinctive look. The transformation process included layers of silicon, prosthetic scarring, and custom facial molds, helping him embody the eerie but sorrowful essence of Frankenstein’s creation.
Elordi reportedly described the experience as “grueling but rewarding,” adding that he spent months studying movement and emotional expression to bring nuance to the performance.
A New Kind of Frankenstein
Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein is not a straightforward horror film. It’s a gothic character study, focusing on the emotional and existential struggles of both the Creature and his creator.
Jacob Elordi’s Creature:
Unlike previous interpretations that emphasize the monster’s rage and violence, Elordi’s portrayal centers on loneliness, tenderness, and confusion. His Creature is a being who feels deeply — one who is as curious about the world as he is pained by its cruelty.
Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein:
Opposite Elordi is Oscar Isaac, who delivers an equally compelling performance as Dr. Victor Frankenstein — a man tormented by guilt and obsession. The chemistry between the two anchors the film, their relationship shifting from creator and creation to an emotional duel between father and abandoned son.
Supporting Cast:
The film also features Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz, and Charles Dance, adding gravitas to what has already been hailed as one of the most artistically ambitious projects of 2025.
The Transformation: Physically and Emotionally Demanding
Elordi’s dedication to the role extended far beyond the makeup chair. The actor worked closely with movement coaches and physical theater experts to redefine how Frankenstein’s Creature moves — stiff yet fluid, powerful yet fragile.
He adopted a method-acting approach, spending long hours isolated on set to mirror the Creature’s solitude. Crew members noted that Elordi often stayed in character between takes, communicating through minimal dialogue and gestures to maintain emotional continuity.
The result is a performance both haunting and heartbreaking — a man trapped in a monstrous form, yearning to be seen and understood.
The Film’s Release and Reception
Frankenstein premiered at the 2025 Venice Film Festival, where it received a 13-minute standing ovation — the longest of the event. Critics and audiences praised del Toro’s artistic vision and Elordi’s deeply emotional portrayal, calling it the most powerful adaptation of Mary Shelley’s novel in decades.
Following its festival debut, the film was released in select U.S. theaters on October 17, 2025, before its global streaming launch on Netflix on November 7, 2025.
Viewers immediately took to social media to celebrate Elordi’s transformation. Many noted that his performance captures the tragedy of being “created but unloved,” offering a human dimension to the Creature rarely seen in modern adaptations.
Jacob Elordi’s Career-Defining Moment
Jacob Elordi’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. From playing the troubled teen Nate Jacobs in Euphoria to his seductive turn as Felix Catton in Saltburn, Elordi has proven he can master both contemporary drama and psychological complexity.
But his portrayal in Frankenstein may be his defining role — a full-circle moment where he trades modern angst for timeless tragedy.
This project cements his place among Hollywood’s most versatile young actors. It also showcases his willingness to take risks and break away from romantic lead archetypes, venturing into darker, more challenging territory.
Why Jacob Elordi as Frankenstein Is Perfect Casting
The decision to cast Elordi as Frankenstein’s Creature surprised some audiences initially — but the final result silenced all doubts.
Here’s why it works so perfectly:
- Emotional Depth: Elordi brings quiet vulnerability to the role, capturing both innocence and fury.
- Physical Presence: Standing at 6’5″, he embodies the Creature’s imposing yet tragic form.
- Artistic Maturity: His commitment to transformation and willingness to surrender vanity reflect a new level of artistic seriousness.
- Cinematic Chemistry: His dynamic with Oscar Isaac balances intensity and empathy, creating a dual performance that drives the film’s emotional weight.
In short, Elordi’s casting isn’t just inspired — it’s the heart of why this Frankenstein feels alive and relevant to modern audiences.
Guillermo del Toro’s Masterful Direction
True to his signature style, Guillermo del Toro crafts Frankenstein as a poetic blend of horror, fantasy, and moral philosophy. The film’s visual design combines gothic architecture with surreal landscapes, while the cinematography bathes every scene in shadows and candlelight.
Del Toro’s interpretation honors Mary Shelley’s original themes — creation, identity, and isolation — while infusing modern sensibilities about human emotion and trauma.
His collaboration with Elordi represents a perfect marriage of vision and performance: the director known for monsters who feel human, and the actor who makes humanity feel monstrous.
Early Awards Buzz and Industry Impact
Critics are already predicting that Frankenstein could be a major contender in the upcoming Academy Awards season. Jacob Elordi’s performance, in particular, is being hailed as Oscar-worthy, with reviewers calling it “a revelation” and “career-defining.”
The film also positions Netflix as a serious player in the awards circuit once again, following its string of critical successes in previous years. For Elordi, the acclaim marks his official graduation from teen drama fame to full-fledged cinematic artistry.
What Audiences Are Saying
Fans and critics across the United States have reacted enthusiastically, flooding social media with praise. Many have highlighted the emotional resonance of the story and Elordi’s haunting performance.
One viewer commented:
“Jacob Elordi as Frankenstein isn’t just acting — it’s transformation. You can feel every ounce of pain and longing behind those eyes.”
Another added:
“Guillermo del Toro and Elordi have redefined the monster genre. It’s breathtaking, tragic, and strangely beautiful.”
Final Thoughts
With Frankenstein, Jacob Elordi has officially entered a new era of his career — one defined by bold choices, emotional depth, and fearless transformation. His portrayal of the Creature is not just another horror performance; it’s a moving exploration of what it means to be human.
Jacob Elordi as Frankenstein stands as a reminder that true horror lies not in monstrosity, but in the pain of being misunderstood. His performance, paired with del Toro’s visionary direction, makes this film one of the most significant cinematic achievements of 2025.
What did you think of Jacob Elordi’s take on Frankenstein’s Creature? Share your thoughts below and stay tuned for more updates on his incredible career journey.