Jacob Elordi Steps Into the Spotlight as Frankenstein’s Monster

Acclaimed director Guillermo del Toro’s upcoming adaptation of "Frankenstein" has found its creature: Australian actor Jacob Elordi, best known for his work in “Euphoria” and “Saltburn,” now steps into the iconic role of Frankenstein’s monster. This casting comes after actor Andrew Garfield reportedly departed the project, paving the way for Elordi’s involvement. The film, set to premiere on Netflix in November 2025, boasts an ensemble including Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein and Mia Goth as Elizabeth Lavenza, among other notable talents .

Del Toro’s "Frankenstein" promises a fresh interpretation of Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel, a story that has long resonated with LGBTQ+ audiences due to its exploration of alienation, the search for acceptance, and the pain of being misunderstood. The director, celebrated for his empathetic portrayals of outsiders in works like “The Shape of Water” and “Pan’s Labyrinth,” brings a uniquely sensitive approach to Shelley’s narrative. In this version, Oscar Isaac portrays the obsessed scientist Victor Frankenstein, while Elordi’s monster is expected to embody both vulnerability and ferocity, highlighting the creature’s struggle for connection in a world that fears and rejects difference .

The casting of Elordi, known for his nuanced performances that often engage with themes of sexuality and identity, is seen by many as a promising development. His previous roles have earned praise for their emotional complexity and have found particular resonance with queer viewers, making his participation in "Frankenstein" all the more significant for LGBTQ+ fans .

For many in the LGBTQ+ community, horror—and particularly the Frankenstein mythos—has provided a powerful metaphor for lived experiences of marginalization. The monster’s journey, from creation to exile, has often been interpreted as a story about queerness: the feeling of being “othered,” the longing for acceptance, and the dangers of societal rejection. Del Toro’s sensitive storytelling and Elordi’s rising prominence as an actor willing to explore non-traditional masculinity offer hope that this adaptation will meaningfully engage with these themes .

The film’s creative team further amplifies its queer resonance. Del Toro is known for his inclusive approach and for working with diverse casts and crews, and the project’s creative direction is expected to highlight the universal struggle for belonging. As Elordi dons the iconic makeup of Shelley’s monster, early images and teasers have already sparked conversations across LGBTQ+ social media platforms about the film’s potential to reframe Frankenstein as an allegory for queer resilience and self-discovery .

As "Frankenstein" readies for its Netflix debut, anticipation within LGBTQ+ circles is high. Advocacy groups and queer film critics have expressed optimism that the film will not only honor Shelley’s text but also expand on the story’s capacity to speak to those who have ever felt “monstrous” simply for living authentically. With Elordi’s casting, the production signals a commitment to telling stories that reflect a spectrum of identities and experiences.

Netflix’s decision to back a bold reimagining of a classic—especially one that holds special meaning for queer audiences—reflects the industry’s gradual but ongoing commitment to greater diversity and inclusion in mainstream storytelling. As the film’s release approaches, it stands poised to invite new conversations about identity, community, and what it truly means to be seen and accepted .