Netflix has released a stunning close-up portrait of Jacob Elordi as the Creature in Guillermo del Toro’s new film Frankenstein, giving audiences their clearest view yet of the monster. The image reveals a dramatic departure from the classic flat-headed look, presenting a more human-like being assembled from the best available parts. The film is currently showing in select theaters and will be available for streaming on November 7.
A New Look for an Iconic Monster
The newly released image showcases Elordi’s Creature as a tragic figure rather than a purely monstrous one. The design focuses on intricate details like visible veins and patchwork skin, aiming to show the “inside of a human body on the outside.” Prosthetics artist Mike Hill explained the approach, stating the goal was to make the creature appear man-made, not like a “repair job.”
This version moves away from the familiar Boris Karloff-inspired design that has dominated screens for decades. Instead of green skin and neck bolts, Elordi’s Creature has ivory-white skin with seamless lines where body parts join. The actor’s own facial structure, including his cheekbones and eyes, remains visible beneath the makeup. Hill noted that Elordi’s natural bone structure was so good there was no need to hide it.
The Massive Transformation Process
Bringing the Creature to life required an extensive daily transformation for Jacob Elordi. The actor spent 10 hours in the makeup chair each day, with a team of eight people applying 42 individual silicone prosthetics. This included 12 pieces on his head and neck and 30 on his body.
The prosthetics were designed to show Victor Frankenstein’s process of creation, including what Hill describes as “a few patchworks, a few mistakes.” The design logic was that Victor would use the best possible body and only replace damaged parts, such as a hand injured in war or a damaged foot, rather than stitching together multiple corpses. This resulted in a creature that stands tall and imposing, yet shows clear signs of its constructed nature.
Del Toro’s Lifelong Passion Project
For director Guillermo del Toro, Frankenstein represents the fulfillment of a dream he has held since childhood. He has often cited Mary Shelley’s novel as his favorite book and a major inspiration throughout his career. In a past statement, del Toro shared that seeing James Whale’s Frankenstein films at age seven was a seminal moment where “Gothic horror became my church, and Boris Karloff my Messiah.”
The film adapts Shelley’s 1818 novel, following the story of Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac), a brilliant but arrogant scientist who brings a creature to life through a monstrous experiment. The story explores the tragic consequences for both creator and creation. Del Toro has described the project as concluding a quest that began when he was seven years old.
An All-Star Cast Brings the Story to Life
The film features an impressive ensemble cast beyond Elordi and Isaac. Mia Goth plays dual roles as Elizabeth, the woman caught between Victor and his creation, and Claire Frankenstein, Victor’s mother. Christoph Waltz appears as Heinrich Harlander, a wealthy arms merchant who funds Victor’s experiments. Charles Dance plays Leopold Frankenstein, Victor’s cold and controlling father, while David Bradley appears as a blind man the Creature encounters during his wanderings.
Del Toro explained his casting philosophy, emphasizing the importance of the actors’ eyes. He stated that you need Isaac’s eyes to show his character is tortured and driven, while Elordi’s eyes bring the necessary innocence to the Creature.
A Modern Take on a Classic Tale
This adaptation aims to be more faithful to Shelley’s original novel while incorporating del Toro’s unique visual style. The Creature’s design is closer to Shelley’s description than the Karloff version that became iconic in popular culture. Instead of being rejected for his hideous appearance, this Creature faces rejection due to his limited intellectual capacity initially, which frustrates his creator.
The film is set against the backdrop of the Crimean War, with the Creature’s body sourced from battlefield casualties. This provides a historical context for the story while maintaining the Gothic atmosphere del Toro is known for. The director has filled the film with practical effects and handmade elements, wanting everything to feel “full-scale” and crafted by humans.
Where to Watch Frankenstein
Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein began a limited theatrical release on October 17, 2025. The film will be available globally on Netflix starting November 7, 2025. With its striking reimagining of a classic character and the director’s passionate vision, this adaptation promises to offer a fresh perspective on a story that has captivated audiences for over two centuries.
Also Read: Oscar Isaac Calls Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” His Most Fun Filming Experience
Credits: Variety, Netflix Tudum, CNN
