How Jacob Elordi’s Painful Weight Loss for ‘Frankenstein’ Turned Into a Surprising Blessing

Jacob Elordi has shared insights into his transformative experience while preparing for his role in Guillermo del Toro’s film, Frankenstein. In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, the actor reflected on the challenging circumstances he faced while filming The Narrow Road to the Deep North. This project required significant weight loss for the World War II miniseries, which took a toll on his mental and physical state.
Embracing Pain for a Powerful Performance
Elordi described his time on set as “grueling.” He recalled waking up in anguish, navigating pain, and uncertainty in the early hours. Despite these challenges, he recognized this suffering as an opportunity to enhance his portrayal of an iconic literary character.
“It was a blessing with Frankenstein coming up,” Elordi explained. He was able to channel his exhaustion into a deeper understanding of the complex emotions associated with the creature.
Personal Struggles and Artistic Growth
During the filming of Frankenstein, Elordi was wrestling with his sense of purpose as an actor. He expressed a desire to retreat from the spotlight, yearning for normalcy and a new approach to his craft. “At that time in my life, I really wanted to hide,” he admitted.
Despite his initial reluctance, he discovered that embodying the Creature offered him a unique form of liberation. “I was supposed to go into that mask of freedom,” he said, emphasizing how the character allowed him to escape his personal struggles.
Transformation Through Makeup
Elordi’s daily transformation into Frankenstein involved extensive makeup. Surprisingly, he found this process liberating rather than confining. “I didn’t have to be this version of myself anymore,” he noted. This experience allowed him to reconstruct his identity over the six months of filming.
Film Details and Anticipation
The release of Frankenstein is highly anticipated, featuring a talented cast including Oscar Isaac, Mia Goth, and Christoph Waltz. The film is set to premiere in select theaters this Friday, followed by its Netflix release on November 7. It is based on Mary Shelley’s 1818 classic, Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.
Critics, including David Rooney from The Hollywood Reporter, have praised del Toro’s adaptation, describing it as “epic-scale storytelling.” The film is characterized by its blend of tragedy, romance, and philosophical exploration, offering a fresh perspective on humanity.
- Film Title: Frankenstein
- Director: Guillermo del Toro
- Release Dates: November 3 in theaters, November 7 on Netflix
- Cast: Jacob Elordi, Oscar Isaac, Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz
- Inspired by: Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel