New Frankenstein images give the first good look at Jacob Elordi as the monster

Frankenstein’s monster is one of those iconic characters that keeps evolving with every generation. Now, Guillermo del Toro, the Oscar-winning filmmaker known for his love of monsters, is giving the creature a whole new life in his upcoming film Frankenstein. But this isn’t just any version of the monster. It’s a carefully crafted mash-up of everything that’s come before, and a little something new.

Del Toro has always been fascinated by monsters, not just as scary beings, but as misunderstood, emotional, and deeply human characters. It makes perfect sense that he’d eventually take on Frankenstein, one of the most complex monsters ever written.

You’ve seen Frankenstein’s monster before. From Halloween costumes to horror classics, he’s everywhere. But what’s different about del Toro’s version? It doesn’t try to erase the past; it embraces it. Think of this monster as a remix, blending history, horror, and heart.

Any Frankenstein conversation has to start with Boris Karloff. His portrayal in the 1931 film defined the monster in popular culture: flat head, bolts in the neck, and heavy movements. Del Toro’s team didn’t shy away from that influence.

Karloff's look is so iconic that it still shows up nearly 100 years later. Del Toro honors that visual legacy while adding new emotional depth.

Another major influence? Bernie Wrightson, a comic book artist who illustrated the monster in beautifully detailed, haunting ways. Del Toro was hugely inspired by Wrightson’s work.

Jacob Elordi as Frankenstein's monster

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Taking on the role of the monster is Jacob Elordi, known for Euphoria and Saltburn. At first, people were skeptical. Could a young, good-looking actor pull this off?

But Elordi dived in completely. His performance isn’t just about looking the part; it’s about feeling it. He transforms physically and emotionally to become this creature.

Elordi originally thought he should avoid watching past Frankenstein movies.

“At first I thought, I'll stay away from this. I want to do my own thing,” He said.

He asked del Toro, “Should I watch the other Frankensteins?” And del Toro’s response?

“What the f--k do you mean?”

Del Toro told him,

“My friend, it's a movie, it can't f--king hurt you."

Elordi laughed, went home, and binge-watched them all.

Elordi wasn’t just focused on the monster’s look. He studied how the character moved and felt.

“Something in his gaze, something in the way that he moves …. The biggest thing was just immersing myself in the world of these creatures," he said.

This version of Frankenstein’s monster is like a patchwork, literally and symbolically. It’s part Karloff, part Wrightson, part Shelley, part Hill, and all del Toro.

Because it draws from so many sources, the monster feels both classic and brand new. It’s like hearing a song you know, but with a different vibe.

This wasn’t a one-man job. It took a team of passionate creatives, del Toro’s vision, Hill’s makeup, and Elordi’s acting to make this monster feel real.

If you know del Toro’s work (Pan’s Labyrinth, The Shape of Water), you know he brings heart to horror. His Frankenstein isn’t just scary, it’s moving.

Del Toro’s monster isn’t just a creature of terror. He’s a mirror of humanity, flawed, broken, and still searching for love.

With the release of new images showing Jacob Elordi in full make-up, fans are buzzing. The first look has created a wave of excitement and curiosity.

Del Toro’s Frankenstein is more than just another horror film; it’s a tribute. A tribute to Shelley, Karloff, Wrightson, and every version of the monster that came before. And with Elordi’s thoughtful performance, we’re getting a creature that feels real, tragic, and unforgettable.