Jacob Elordi Takes On Iconic Role in Guillermo del Toro's 'Frankenstein'

In a surprising turn of events, actor Jacob Elordi has been cast as the titular creature in Guillermo del Toro's upcoming adaptation of 'Frankenstein' after Andrew Garfield stepped down due to scheduling conflicts. The film, which is anticipated to premiere at the Venice Film Festival, comes with a tight production timeline, leaving Elordi only nine weeks to prepare for his transformative role.

Del Toro, known for his masterful storytelling and visual aesthetics, shared in a recent interview with Vanity Fair that the casting change was both unexpected and fortuitous. 'Andrew Garfield stepping out and Jacob coming in... Jacob is the most perfect actor for the creature,' Del Toro remarked. The director emphasized the strong synergy he shares with Elordi, stating, 'It’s like, very few words. Very few things I have to say, and he does it.'

The production had initially spent nine months designing Garfield's look, which was ultimately scrapped with the actor's departure. Del Toro's makeup artist, Mike Hill, praised Elordi's unique physicality, noting, 'What attracted me to him was his gangliness...his demeanor is innocent, but it’s encompassed in a six-foot-five frame.' This physicality is expected to bring a new depth to the iconic monster character, which has seen various interpretations over the decades.

Garfield expressed disappointment in having to withdraw from the project but acknowledged the serendipity of Elordi's involvement. 'Meeting Jacob felt really serendipitous... he had a really spectacular time on that job,' Garfield stated, reflecting on their mutual respect within the industry.

Set against the backdrop of the Venice Film Festival, where Del Toro previously won the prestigious Golden Lion for 'The Shape of Water,' 'Frankenstein' is poised to make a significant impact in the cinematic landscape. Following its festival debut, the film is slated for a limited theatrical release before streaming on Netflix in November 2025.

As anticipation builds for this latest adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic novel, the casting of Jacob Elordi marks a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing his versatility as an actor and the potential for a reimagined interpretation of the beloved monster story. The film's unique production challenges and Del Toro's artistic vision are set to create a compelling narrative that resonates with both long-time fans and new audiences alike.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Elordi and Del Toro, coupled with the creative pressures of a condensed timeline, presents an intriguing case study in modern filmmaking. As the film approaches its release, it will be essential to monitor audience reception and critical analysis, particularly in the context of contemporary adaptations of classic literature.