By Germain Lussier

In the world of Hollywood, where reboots and reimaginings are a dime a dozen, there’s one project that’s causing a stir for reasons other than its storyline. Guillermo del Toro’s upcoming adaptation of Frankenstein has been the subject of speculation, excitement, and mystery ever since it was announced. Known for his visually striking and deeply human films like Pan’s Labyrinth, The Shape of Water, and Crimson Peak, del Toro’s take on Mary Shelley’s iconic monster is highly anticipated. But it’s not just the director’s involvement that’s got everyone talking. The casting has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with one actor in particular raising more than just a few eyebrows: Jacob Elordi.

Elordi, who first became a household name for his role as Nate Jacobs on the hit HBO series Euphoria, is stepping into one of the most iconic roles in horror literature. In del Toro’s Frankenstein, Elordi is playing the monster—and from the early glimpses, it’s clear that this Frankenstein’s creature isn’t just monstrous in size and strength, but in sheer, jaw-dropping attractiveness as well. And that’s where the real trouble begins. As fans of the actor and the classic gothic tale have pointed out, Jacob Elordi looks, quite frankly, monstrously hot in the role.

A New Take on an Old Classic

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein was first published in 1818, and the story of a scientist who creates a living being out of body parts has become one of the most adapted narratives in film and literature. From Boris Karloff’s iconic portrayal of the monster in the 1931 Universal Studios classic to more recent takes like Kenneth Branagh’s 1994 Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, the creature has always been a symbol of the consequences of unchecked ambition and the fear of the unknown.

However, del Toro, known for his imaginative, darker, and deeply emotional storytelling, has promised a new, more poignant take on the creature. In interviews, he has hinted that his Frankenstein will explore the idea of the monster not only as a physical entity but also as a tragic figure who longs for love and acceptance in a world that fears and rejects him. This depth of emotional complexity is a hallmark of del Toro’s work, and it’s clear that his version of the creature will be no different.

But let’s be clear: when you cast an actor like Jacob Elordi in the role, you’re adding a layer of appeal that has the internet ablaze. The decision to have the famously tall and striking Elordi portray a character that’s usually depicted as grotesque and inhuman is a daring and, let’s face it, quite risky one. But del Toro’s vision of Frankenstein is not bound by traditional standards of beauty or horror. In fact, the director’s interpretation of the monster is as much about empathy as it is about fear. And therein lies the magic of Elordi’s casting—he’s not just a pretty face, though that’s certainly a part of it, but he also brings an air of vulnerability and emotional depth to the role, qualities that have made him a rising star in the acting world.

Jacob Elordi: From Heartthrob to Heartfelt Horror

Jacob Elordi’s rise to fame has been nothing short of meteoric. As the brooding and troubled Nate Jacobs in Euphoria, Elordi showcased his impressive range, going from a charismatic but emotionally damaged high school athlete to one of the most talked-about characters on television. His ability to play complex, multi-dimensional characters has earned him a dedicated fanbase, and it’s no surprise that del Toro saw potential in him for such an iconic role.

In recent years, Elordi has become a go-to actor for roles that require a mix of rugged good looks, emotional complexity, and a certain darkness that makes him perfect for a role like Frankenstein’s creature. Before landing the role of the monster, Elordi had already proved his versatility in a range of films, from romantic comedies like The Kissing Booth to dramatic fare such as 2 Hearts and Prayers for the Stolen. It’s his nuanced performances, however, that have propelled him to the forefront of Hollywood’s rising stars.

In Frankenstein, Elordi’s portrayal of the creature will likely lean into the duality of beauty and beast. Traditionally, the monster has been portrayed as something to fear, a being that’s both misunderstood and horrifying. But del Toro has always been fascinated by the blurred lines between what is monstrous and what is human. This is where Elordi’s physical presence—tall, lean, with sharp features—becomes interesting. He brings a striking beauty to the role that could make audiences question why they are so drawn to the creature, even when his actions may be monstrous. In the same way that del Toro’s The Shape of Water humanized a literal fish man, his Frankenstein’s creature will likely push the boundaries of empathy and attractiveness, encouraging audiences to rethink their concept of what is monstrous.

The Physical Transformation

While Elordi’s natural looks may be the initial talking point, it’s important to note that del Toro is known for his visual mastery and practical effects. It’s unlikely that Elordi’s beauty will remain unscathed in the final version of the film. As with most of del Toro’s creatures, the monster will likely undergo a significant physical transformation to make him appear more monstrous and otherworldly. However, this doesn’t mean that Elordi’s inherent attractiveness will be lost altogether—after all, del Toro has a way of creating characters that, though often grotesque, still retain an almost tragic allure.

Consider Doug Jones’s portrayal of the faun in Pan’s Labyrinth or the creature in The Shape of Water, where physical beauty is combined with an otherworldly appearance to evoke a deep sense of both attraction and repulsion. Elordi’s portrayal of the monster will likely walk a similar line—his sharp jawline, intense gaze, and tall frame will create a striking contrast to the body of a reanimated being. But this contrast could ultimately be one of the most intriguing parts of the character. By combining Elordi’s natural allure with the grotesque nature of the monster, del Toro will be able to play with the audience’s expectations in a way that is both unsettling and compelling.

The Internet’s Reaction: Monstrously Hot

The internet has had a field day since the casting announcement. Fans and social media users have been quick to comment on how, despite the grotesque nature of the role, Jacob Elordi looks “monstrously hot.” It’s a tongue-in-cheek comment, but it reveals a larger truth: the world’s obsession with Elordi’s good looks is colliding with a centuries-old narrative of what the Frankenstein monster is supposed to represent. Elordi’s casting is a perfect storm of beauty, horror, and societal fascination with celebrity.

On social media, memes have flooded platforms, with fans playfully expressing their inability to decide whether to be frightened or captivated by Elordi’s version of Frankenstein. The phrase “monstrously hot” has become a viral sensation, and it’s clear that the combination of Elordi’s appeal and del Toro’s signature touch is sparking endless conversations about beauty, horror, and the intersection of both.