Jacob Elordi’s Frankenstein Role Marks a Professional and Personal Transformation

Actor Jacob Elordi is generating significant Oscar buzz for his performance in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein. The film recently premiered at the Venice Film Festival to a 15-minute standing ovation. It is now the most-watched English-language film on Netflix.

Elordi describes the experience of making the film as profoundly life-changing. He felt a sense of freedom and a great calm about his place in the industry afterward.

From Teen Heartthrob to Auteur Actor

Elordi’s rise to fame began with Netflix’s The Kissing Booth. That role turned him into an overnight internet sensation. He then gained critical acclaim for his part in HBO’s hit series Euphoria.

His career trajectory shifted toward prestigious projects in 2023. He portrayed Elvis Presley in Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla and starred in Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn. According to The Hollywood Reporter, these roles cemented his status as a serious actor.

The Grueling Physical Demands of Playing The Creature

The role of The Creature required an immense physical commitment. Elordi endured daily makeup and prosthetic sessions that lasted up to eleven hours. He described the process as a “biblical experience” that put him in a monastic state by the time he reached set.

The performance is being hailed as a major breakthrough. The New York Times called it a standout that could push him into Oscar contention. This critical recognition marks a significant departure from his earlier teen-oriented work.

Elordi’s transformative Frankenstein role has redefined his career. It showcases his dramatic depth and commitment to challenging material. The actor has firmly established himself as a formidable talent in Hollywood.

Thought you’d like to know

What is Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein about?

It is a new adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic novel. The film explores the classic tale of creation and abandonment. Jacob Elordi plays The Creature, with Oscar Isaac as Dr. Frankenstein.

How long did the Frankenstein makeup take?

The full-body prosthetic application took up to 11 hours. A simpler application with clothing took four to six hours. The process involved applying over 40 individual pieces.

What was the reaction to the film’s premiere?

It received a 15-minute standing ovation in Venice. Critics have praised Elordi’s performance as a standout. The film is currently a top performer on Netflix globally.

What are Jacob Elordi’s next projects?

He will star in Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of *Wuthering Heights*. He is also set to lead Ridley Scott’s film *The Dog Stars*. The third season of *Euphoria* is also in production.

How did Elordi prepare for the Frankenstein role?

He had only four weeks to prepare after another actor dropped out. He approached the prosthetics as a sacrificial rite. This mindset helped him overcome the physical demands of the role.