Watch Jacob Elordi’s 10-Hour Transformation into Frankenstein’s Monster

ByHrvoje Milakovic Published on
0 Comments
Depositphotos / Netflix
Our Editorial Policy.

Share:

Jacob Elordi underwent a dramatic transformation to play Frankenstein’s monster in Guillermo del Toro’s latest film, a process that demanded incredible patience and dedication from the Australian actor.

He stepped into the role after Andrew Garfield had to drop out nine weeks before production, leaving Elordi to take on the physically and emotionally demanding part.

According to Mike Hill, head of prosthetic makeup effects, Elordi was an ideal choice not just because of his towering height of 6’5”, but also because of the “soul” he brought to the character.

“Yes, he was a fabulous canvas for me to play with and to work this creature on. But there’s also a soul in there, and there’s an active performance in there,” Hill told ELLE. The full-body prosthetics took up to 10 hours to apply, and Elordi’s commitment to the process was crucial. “Without Jacob Elordi’s patience, this would not have been possible,” Hill added.

Del Toro and his team, including Hill and costume designer Kate Hawley, aimed to create a monster closer to Mary Shelley’s original vision than previous cinematic versions. They avoided exaggerated wounds and common clichés like green skin or neck bolts, focusing instead on geometric, man-made shapes that reflected the creature’s constructed nature. Hill drew inspiration from 19th-century anatomy textbooks and phrenology heads to ensure historical consistency, while Hawley worked on costumes that reflected the world around the character.

“I look at the environment and the world they’re building and what Mike was doing, and then I work from the inside out,” Hawley said.

Art also played a role in the design. Hawley cited Caravaggio’s use of light and shadow as influencing the creature’s theatrical and romantic appearance. The prosthetics included 42 pieces across the body and 14 for the head and neck, with removal taking around 90 minutes in a special inflatable sauna to help Elordi shed the makeup.

Despite the long hours, Elordi never complained. Hill recalled, “Never once did he come to me and complain. Never once did he come to me and say, ‘I’m tired. I’m hungry. Can I go?’ And he put in 20-hour days.” The actor used his time in the chair to fully inhabit the monster’s character. Even with such a demanding role, he remained approachable on set and maintained moments of normalcy, like hugging his dog, Layla, while in full makeup.

Costume design was equally intensive. Hawley and her team developed garments that reflected the creature’s evolving journey, from leather bandages inspired by Christ-like imagery to a military coat sourced from a Crimean War battlefield.

Each piece was designed to complement the prosthetics and the character’s movements, contributing to the tense opening scene on the icy landscape. Hawley described watching Elordi in the costume as akin to “seeing a child learning to walk,” emphasizing his long limbs and physical expressiveness.

The result is a visually striking interpretation of Frankenstein’s monster that blends practical effects, costume artistry, and Elordi’s performance into a cohesive, memorable creation. Hill and Hawley worked closely to ensure that every element, from skin details to clothing, conveyed the patchwork nature of the being, capturing the essence of del Toro’s vision.

The meticulous work on this character highlights the extraordinary collaboration between director, designers, and actor. Elordi’s dedication, the team’s creativity, and del Toro’s direction brought a fresh and humanized perspective to a classic monster.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments