Jacob Elordi and the "Hot Monster" Debate in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein
Guillermo del Toro's new adaptation of Frankenstein premiered on Netflix, sparking fresh discussions about Jacob Elordi's portrayal of The Creature. Even before audiences saw him with the film’s elaborate makeup, many speculated that his casting signaled a "hot monster" trend due to Elordi’s established heartthrob image.
"Frankenstein's monster has never been hotter," wrote Polygon.
The BBC critiqued the approach, calling the Creature "too handsome" and suggesting it strayed from Mary Shelley's original concept.
Despite debates around aesthetics, Elordi’s performance has been widely praised. Critics note that his portrayal brings emotional depth and physical nuance, earning him recognition for what many describe as his finest work yet — and one of the standout performances of the year.
Elordi’s Career Growth
Elordi first rose to fame through Netflix’s teen comedy The Kissing Booth. However, his role in HBO's Euphoria solidified him as a serious actor capable of range and complexity. Over the six years since its debut, co-stars Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney have dominated headlines, but Elordi has steadily built a diverse and notable filmography.
Beyond the "Hot" Label
Whether viewers interpret his Creature as attractive or faithful to Shelley's vision, the focus on appearance risks overshadowing the artistry of his performance. Del Toro’s film ultimately reimagines the timeless story while providing Elordi a space to redefine the misunderstood monster with raw humanity.
Author’s summary: Jacob Elordi delivers a powerful and nuanced performance in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, proving that the discussion goes far beyond his appearance.