In what comes as a significant shake-up in the casting lineup, Jacob Elordi has been announced as the new lead in Guillermo del Toro’s much-anticipated retelling of the classic ‘Frankenstein.’ Elordi steps in to fill the shoes of Andrew Garfield, who has had to bow out from the project due to scheduling conflicts that arose following the delays caused by the SAG-AFTRA strike. Elordi, known for his role in the “Euphoria” series, is set to navigate the complexities of one of literature’s most profound characterizations — Victor Frankenstein.
The film, which is an adaptation of Mary Shelley’s seminal novel, portrays the story of the titular scientist whose ambition leads him to create life, resulting in catastrophic consequences. The narrative probes deep themes of creation, responsibility, and the monstrous nature of ambition gone awry. As Victor Frankenstein, Elordi will explore these depths, bringing to life the intense emotional and moral dilemmas faced by Shelley’s legendary protagonist.
Del Toro, whose penchant for the gothic and the extraordinary is well known through films like ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ and ‘The Shape of Water,’ is not only set to direct but is also penning the screenplay for this latest iteration of the ‘Frankenstein’ saga. Alongside him in the producing chair is J Miles Dale, who has a history of successful collaborations with del Toro, including the Academy Award-winning ‘The Shape of Water.’
The cast surrounding Elordi includes an array of stellar actors such as Christoph Waltz, Felix Kammerer, Lars Mikkelsen, David Bradley, and Christian Convey, who are expected to contribute to the rich tapestry of the ‘Frankenstein’ story. The assembly of such a roster suggests a commitment to capturing the narrative’s complexity and ensuring that the supporting characters are as fully fleshed out as the lead.
While the essence of the story remains unchanged, there has been considerable speculation regarding the period in which del Toro’s version will be set. Whether the film will take the form of a period drama or be adapting the timeless story for a modern audience remains one of the most intriguing questions surrounding the production.
Elordi’s replacement of Garfield marks a pivotal transition for the actor into a league of high-profile, narrative-rich projects. Aside from being recently lauded for his portrayal of Elvis Presley in Sofia Coppola’s ‘Priscilla,’ Elordi has also been involved in the production of Amazon MGM Studios’ ‘Saltburn.’
This reshuffle comes amidst a period of resurgence for the Frankenstein mythos in the world of cinema. The story that has captivated audiences for over two centuries continues to find relevance and new interpretations in modern filmmaking. Del Toro’s Frankenstein promises to deliver both a homage to the legacy of Mary Shelley’s vision and a fresh take likely to resonate with audiences of today.
As for Andrew Garfield, the accomplished actor exits the project amid an increasingly busy career trajectory, but not without leaving behind a palpable buzz of excitement for what his interpretation would have brought to the character. Elordi now has the opportunity to etch his own distinctive mark on the canon of Frankenstein portrayals.
The production schedule for ‘Frankenstein’ is still under wraps, with the industry buzzing with anticipation for casting developments and a glimpse into del Toro’s vision for the project. With Elordi at the helm, the project is poised to captivate the collective imaginations of gothic horror aficionados and film lovers across the globe. As the pieces come together for what may be a defining Frankenstein feature for this generation, the world eagerly awaits updates from what is shaping up to be a monumental undertaking in storytelling.
