The highly anticipated Netflix gothic horror film Frankenstein, featuring Jacob Elordi, showcases a remarkable transformation of the actor into The Creature, involving the use of over 40 prosthetic pieces.
Directed by the renowned Guillermo del Toro, this new version of Mary Shelley’s classic novel is set to premiere on Netflix on November 7. Elordi takes on the role of the Creature, and as reported by Variety, 42 prosthetic pieces were needed to embody del Toro’s vision of the character.
In alignment with the movie’s debut, a free public exhibit titled Frankenstein: Crafting a Tale Eternal will be available until November 9. This event provides an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes, featuring the contributions of production designer Tamara Deverell, prosthetics specialist Mike Hill, and costume designer Kate Hawley.
Frankenstein retells the story of a self-absorbed scientist, Victor Frankenstein, who is obsessed with creating life. His experiment results in the birth of a monstrous being, leading to catastrophic consequences. The Netflix adaptation includes a stellar cast with Oscar Isaac, Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz, and Ralph Ineson.
Visitors are particularly astounded by the handcrafted sets, including a 130-foot ship named The Horisont.
The design of The Creature was crafted to mirror the 19th century aesthetic rather than a contemporary interpretation. Elordi endured 10 hours in the makeup chair for each transformation, with Hill’s design focusing on the minute details that Victor Frankenstein would have implemented in his creation process.
“We see patchworks and errors, which represent this body. It’s like observing Victor himself assembling the limbs, making this figure taller than an average person. Our approach was logical—if you’re constructing a man, why use parts from multiple bodies? Instead, aim for the best single body possible.”
The full-body transformation of Elordi required 42 prosthetic pieces, with 14 of these just for his head and neck. Another notable aspect was the extensive effort needed to realize del Toro’s vision. Due to the demands of the shooting schedule, the 10-hour-long prosthetic application process was repeated 50 times, necessitating a team of eight for application.
Early critiques of del Toro’s latest project have been favorable, with the film earning an impressive 83% on Rotten Tomatoes. Although this marks del Toro’s last directorial effort for the foreseeable future, fans are eager to see his unique take on a story that has seen numerous renditions.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
