Prepare to Be Mesmerized: Jacob Elordi’s Full Reveal as Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein Monster is Here, and It’s a Game-Changer
Just under a year ago, the marketing team behind 2024’s most anticipated horror film, Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu, kept fans on the edge of their seats by withholding glimpses of Bill Skarsgård’s enigmatic Count. Fast forward to 2025, and the strategy for Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein couldn’t be more different. This time, the curtain has been pulled back entirely, giving audiences a full, jaw-dropping look at Jacob Elordi’s Creature long before the film hits theaters. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this early reveal a stroke of genius or a risky move that could dilute the theater experience? Let’s dive in.
In a bold series of posts on the official Frankenstein X/Twitter account, fans were treated to a gallery of character portraits, with Elordi’s Creature taking center stage. Unlike the fleeting, cloaked glimpses from earlier trailers—think smoldering gazes reminiscent of Alexandre Cabanel’s The Fallen Angel—these images left nothing to the imagination. And this is the part most people miss: While Nosferatu fans were cautiously curious, Frankenstein enthusiasts were downright thirsty for Elordi’s 6’5” undead creation. But is this fervor a testament to the film’s appeal, or a sign that modern audiences prioritize visuals over mystery?
Shifting from fan reactions to the artistry behind the scenes, Variety revealed that transforming Elordi into del Toro’s monster was no small feat. The production team used a staggering 42 prosthetics, with 14 pieces dedicated to his head and neck alone. Here’s the kicker: It took a team of eight artists 10 hours to apply the full-body prosthetics—a process repeated 50 times throughout filming. That’s over 500 hours in the makeup chair! Bold question: Does this level of dedication elevate the film to a masterpiece, or is it overkill in an era of CGI dominance?
Elordi wasn’t the only star to get the character poster treatment. Joining him were Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein, Mia Goth as Elizabeth Harlander, Christoph Waltz as Heinrich Harlander, and Felix Kammerer as William Frankenstein. Each portrait added depth to the ensemble, but let’s be honest—Elordi’s Creature stole the show. Still, it raises the question: In a film brimming with talent, is the focus on Elordi’s monster overshadowing the rest of the cast?
In our io9 review of Frankenstein, we hailed del Toro’s vision as a cinematic triumph, writing, ‘This feels like a film he was destined to make—a director at the peak of his craft. Despite a few minor hiccups, it’s a movie we’ll cherish for years to come.’ But here’s the debate: Does del Toro’s unique take on Mary Shelley’s classic honor the source material, or does it stray too far into uncharted territory?
Frankenstein is currently playing in select theaters, with plans to expand before its Netflix premiere on November 7. As you gear up to watch, we want to hear from you: Is Jacob Elordi’s Creature the monster we deserve, or is the hype overshadowing the film’s deeper themes? Sound off in the comments—we’re all ears!
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