Is Jacob Elordi’s Frankenstein Monster Too Handsome?

The question of “Monster’s Beauty” is at the heart of the discourse surrounding Guillermo del Toro’s upcoming film, “Frankenstein.” The premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on August 30, 2025, ignited a debate: Can Jacob Elordi, known for his conventionally attractive features, convincingly portray Mary Shelley’s tragic, grotesque creation? This casting choice challenges traditional interpretations and has sparked a discussion about the essence of the Monster’s character and the film’s overall message.

A Handsome Monster? The Elordi Debate

Jacob Elordi’s casting as Frankenstein’s Monster in Guillermo del Toro’s upcoming film has become a focal point of discussion. While the character will feature prosthetic scars, early reactions from the Venice Film Festival, where the film premiered, suggest that Elordi’s inherent attractiveness is still apparent. Some critics, as reported by outlets like Vulture, have even described Elordi’s Creature as “a bit of a hottie” and “ridiculously good-looking.” This perception challenges the traditionally grotesque image of the Monster, leading to questions about how this portrayal will impact the film’s themes.

The Key Players

Several key figures are central to this debate. First, there’s Jacob Elordi himself, the actor tasked with bringing a fresh interpretation to the iconic Monster. Then there’s Guillermo del Toro, the acclaimed director whose vision shapes the entire film. Oscar Isaac also plays a vital role as Victor Frankenstein. Initially, Andrew Garfield was slated to play the Monster, but scheduling conflicts arising from strike-related postponements led to Elordi’s casting in January 2024, according to The Independent. The opinions of film critics and the wider public, expressed across social media and entertainment news platforms, further fuel the discussion.

Timeline of Events

The conversation surrounding Elordi’s casting began in January 2024, following Andrew Garfield’s departure. The discourse intensified after the film’s premiere at the Venice International Film Festival on August 30, 2025. The release strategy for “Frankenstein” involves a limited theatrical run on October 17, 2025, followed by a global release on Netflix on November 7, 2025, as noted by Yahoo News UK. This staggered release will likely further amplify the ongoing debate.

Setting the Stage

While the film’s production took place primarily in Toronto, with additional filming in Edinburgh, the current debate is unfolding in two distinct arenas. First, the prestigious Venice Film Festival served as the launchpad for these discussions. Second, the internet, encompassing entertainment news outlets and social media platforms, provides a space for diverse opinions and critical analyses.

The “Why” Behind the Choice

Guillermo del Toro’s decision to cast Jacob Elordi stems from a specific artistic vision. According to People.com, del Toro was drawn to Elordi’s “innocence and openness” and the “humanity” he saw in the actor’s eyes, particularly after watching “Saltburn.” Del Toro explicitly stated, “I cast him because of his eyes,” indicating a desire for a more emotional and lyrical interpretation of Shelley’s novel, diverging from a purely horrific depiction. The director appears to be aiming for what some have described as a “monstrously beautiful melodrama,” as mentioned in The Express Tribune.

A Departure from Tradition

The traditional understanding of Frankenstein’s Monster centers on his grotesque appearance as a catalyst for societal rejection and a symbol of otherness. By casting a conventionally attractive actor, even with prosthetic enhancements, del Toro is challenging this established narrative. Elordi’s height, standing at 6’5″, contributes to the imposing physical presence, but the underlying handsomeness remains a point of contention for some viewers.

Impact and Interpretation

The casting choice and Elordi’s portrayal are generating significant buzz and diverse critical reactions. Some critics argue that making the Monster conventionally attractive “muddles” the film’s message, potentially weakening the core theme of societal rejection based on physical appearance. Others, however, commend Elordi’s “humanist” portrayal and the film’s artistic ambition, viewing it as a refreshing, albeit unconventional, interpretation of the classic tale. According to FandomWire, Elordi underwent a rigorous makeup transformation process, lasting up to 10 hours daily, to create a creature with translucent skin and artfully stitched parts. This transformation evolved to reflect the Monster’s emotional journey, showcasing the dedication to the role. This bold artistic choice by del Toro and Elordi ensures that “Frankenstein” remains a prominent topic of discussion as its wider release approaches.

The Future of the Monster’s Beauty

The controversy surrounding Jacob Elordi’s casting is set to continue in the coming months as the film approaches its release. The success of del Toro’s vision hinges on whether audiences will embrace this new interpretation of the Monster. Regardless of the critical reception, the film has already sparked a valuable conversation about beauty, monstrosity, and the enduring power of Mary Shelley’s original story. The debate surrounding Elordi’s appearance ultimately highlights the subjective nature of beauty and the evolving ways in which classic narratives can be reimagined for modern audiences. The film’s impact on the horror genre and its ability to resonate with contemporary viewers remains to be seen, but the discussion is undoubtedly underway.