Jacob Elordi undergoes a stunning metamorphosis to play the iconic Creature in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein. The film drops on Netflix Nov. 7, 2025 after limited theatrical release. Oscar Isaac stars as Dr. Victor Frankenstein. This marks del Toro’s lifelong passion project finally coming to life.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Jacob Elordi spent up to 10 hours daily in makeup with 42 separate prosthetic pieces.
- Film premiered at Venice Film Festival Aug. 30, 2025 and hit theaters Oct. 17, 2025.
- Cast includes Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz, David Bradley, and Felix Kammerer.
- Runtime is 149 minutes with an R rating for violent content.
- 86% on Rotten Tomatoes with critics praising Elordi’s performance.
Jacob Elordi’s Complete Transformation
Jacob Elordi knew this role would be “the biggest film” of his career the moment he got the call. The Australian actor didn’t hesitate—when Guillermo del Toro asks, you say yes. Working with the Oscar-winning director meant total trust from day one.
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The physical transformation was monumental. Creature designer Mike Hill crafted custom dentures, theatrical contact lenses, and elaborate prosthetic pieces. Elordi studied Japanese butoh dance and movements from his golden retriever to embody the character’s evolution.
“From the moment I got into the makeup trailer, the performance began. Guillermo said this would be not just a meditation, but a metamorphosis.”
Each morning meant hours of prosthetic application and makeup. Yet Elordi embraced it completely. “It was alive,” he says of the process. The makeup wasn’t a burden—it was liberation into becoming someone else entirely.
What Makes This Frankenstein Different
Guillermo del Toro has called Mary Shelley’s novel his “Bible” since childhood. He’s been working on this adaptation for over a decade. This isn’t just a horror retelling—it’s a gothic fairytale exploring humanity, creation, and love.
The film divides into three sections: an icebound prelude, “Victor’s Tale,” and “The Creature’s Tale.” This structure echoes Shelley’s novel while allowing del Toro to showcase both perspectives equally.
Elordi’s Creature grows from innocent newborn to complex adult navigating betrayal and rage. The role demands nuance—playing wide-eyed naïveté early on, then mature suffering later. Critics praise Elordi for pulling off this remarkable emotional range.
| Cast Member | Character | Notable Work |
| Oscar Isaac | Dr. Victor Frankenstein | Ex Machina, Inside Llewyn Davis |
| Jacob Elordi | The Creature | Saltburn, Priscilla |
| Mia Goth | Elizabeth/Claire | X, Emma |
| Christoph Waltz | Heinrich Harlander | Inglourious Basterds |
| David Bradley | The Blind Man | Harry Potter films |
Why This Performance Matters
Elordi’s version of the Creature breaks the monster mold. He doesn’t roar and rampage—he learns, questions, and yearns. The character discovers language from David Bradley’s blind man character, finding humanity through connection.
Central to the film is forgiveness. The Creature must face his creator’s flaws while understanding his own pain. Del Toro told Elordi the film explores the father-son relationship across three generations of men. Breaking cycles of trauma becomes the ultimate journey.
Del Toro said of Elordi’s work: “The way he plays him like a baby in the beginning is wonderful. Then the way he moves like a man is so moving—it’s all Jacob.” The performance earned widespread acclaim since the film’s premiere.
What To Watch For
- The prosthetic makeup design—42 pieces creating seamless creature design.
- How Elordi crafts the creature’s unique voice using custom dentures.
- The practical set design including a fully built castle spire with real snow.
- Score by Alexandre Desplat, Oscar-winning composer.
- Themes of forgiveness and redemption explored across three timelines.
Is This Guillermo del Toro’s Best Film Yet?
Critics are calling Frankenstein a masterpiece of Gothic cinema. The film 86% on Rotten Tomatoes with universal praise for del Toro’s directional vision and Elordi’s stunning performance. It’s being considered a career highlight for both.
Elordi says working on this project completely reignited his passion for filmmaking. “My hope is that you feel something,” he tells audiences. Frankenstein is not to be watched idly—it demands emotional investment from viewers.
The film arrives at just the right time culturally. In an era of superhero spectacle, audiences crave intimate, character-driven stories. Del Toro delivers exactly that through del Shelley’s timeless tale, proving classic literature still resonates when given proper cinematic treatment.
When Can You Stream It?
Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein is now streaming worldwide on Netflix as of Nov. 7, 2025. The film had a limited theatrical run before its digital debut. At 149 minutes, plan for a substantial but engaging viewing experience.
Give yourself time to absorb this stunning achievement. Jacob Elordi’s transformation proves he’s one of cinema’s brightest talents. Will you witness the Creature’s journey?
Sources
- Netflix Tudum – Official cast guide and release information
- Rotten Tomatoes – Critical scores and reviews
- IMDb – Cast and crew details
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.