Elordi & Isaac’s $120 Million ‘Frankenstein’ Gamble: 10 Hours in Makeup, a Misunderstood Monster, and Why Netflix Isn’t Pitching Pure Horror
Netflix is betting big – $120 million big – on a reimagining of Mary Shelley’s iconic “Frankenstein,” and at the heart of this ambitious gamble are two of Hollywood’s most sought-after leading men: Jacob Elordi as the monstrous creation and Oscar Isaac as the brilliant, perhaps tortured, Dr. Victor Frankenstein. This isn’t just another adaptation; early whispers suggest a monumental undertaking, promising a deep dive into the philosophical and emotional core of the classic tale, with a significant emphasis on the painstaking artistry involved, including an astounding 10 hours of makeup for Elordi’s transformation. FunTimesUS sat down with the stars and creatives to understand why this project is more than just a creature feature, and why Netflix might be looking for a different kind of scare.
The Unprecedented Scope: Beyond the Monster Mash
The sheer scale of Netflix’s “Frankenstein” is already generating buzz. A reported $120 million budget signals a commitment to visual splendor and narrative depth rarely seen in adaptations of this classic. This isn’t about simply replicating Boris Karloff’s iconic lumbering figure or creating a standard creature-feature villain. The vision here is to explore the profound tragedy and ethical quandaries at the heart of Shelley’s novel.
“This isn’t a jump-scare kind of movie,” explains director and screenwriter Luca Guadagnino, known for his visually arresting and emotionally charged films like “Call Me By Your Name” and “Suspiria.” “It’s about the human condition, the nature of creation, responsibility, and what it truly means to be alive. We’re trying to capture the profound sadness and the existential dread that Mary Shelley so brilliantly articulated.”
The decision to cast Jacob Elordi, fresh off his critical acclaim in “Saltburn” and his fan-favorite role in “Euphoria,” as the creature is a significant departure from traditional interpretations. Elordi, who possesses a certain brooding intensity and a burgeoning ability to convey complex emotions, is poised to bring a nuanced vulnerability to a character often portrayed as purely monstrous.
Elordi’s Herculean Transformation: 10 Hours in the Makeup Chair
The commitment to realism and the transformative power of makeup are central to this production. Jacob Elordi’s portrayal of Frankenstein’s creature reportedly involves an astonishing 10 hours of daily makeup application. This isn’t just prosthetics; it’s a meticulous, painstaking process designed to imbue the creature with a palpable sense of artificiality, yet also a raw, nascent humanity.
“It’s an incredible discipline,” Elordi shared during a recent virtual press event. “Every day, I’m in that chair for hours, and it’s not just about looking the part, it’s about feeling it. The layers of makeup, the textures, the subtle shifts in appearance – they all contribute to how I embody this being. It’s a physical and emotional immersion that’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.”
The intention behind this extreme transformation is clear: to ground the fantastical in a visceral reality. The creature’s appearance is meant to be unsettling, a product of unnatural creation, but also a reflection of the pain and isolation inflicted upon him. The extensive makeup serves not just as a visual effect, but as a storytelling tool, a constant reminder of his origins and his otherness.
Oscar Isaac: The Architect of Ambition and Anguish
Oscar Isaac, a chameleon of an actor whose career spans everything from the gritty “Inside Llewyn Davis” to the epic “Star Wars” saga and the mind-bending “Moon Knight,” takes on the role of Dr. Victor Frankenstein. Isaac’s presence guarantees a magnetic performance, one that will likely explore the scientific hubris, the artistic drive, and the profound moral failings of the creator.
“Victor is a man consumed by his ambition, by a desire to conquer death itself,” Isaac commented. “But with that ambition comes immense responsibility, and I think the novel, and our interpretation of it, really grapples with the consequences of playing God. He’s not a simple villain; he’s a complex figure haunted by his choices, by the life he’s brought into the world and then abandoned.”
The dynamic between Isaac’s driven, perhaps tormented, Victor and Elordi’s evolving creature is expected to be the emotional anchor of the film. Their relationship, born of a creator’s audacious act and a creation’s yearning for understanding, promises to be fraught with tension, empathy, and ultimately, tragedy.
Why It’s NOT Just Horror: Redefining the Monster
The key takeaway from the “Frankenstein” production, and a deliberate choice by Netflix, is that this is not intended to be a conventional horror film. While elements of dread, suspense, and the uncanny will undoubtedly be present, the focus is on psychological depth and philosophical exploration.
“Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’ is often categorized as horror, but at its core, it’s a profound exploration of empathy, prejudice, and the consequences of societal rejection,” Guadagnino clarifies. “We are leaning into those aspects. The horror isn’t in jump scares; it’s in the existential loneliness, the lack of acceptance, and the ethical breaches that lead to destruction. It’s a much more human kind of terror.”
This nuanced approach aims to resonate with a broader audience, those who appreciate character-driven dramas and thought-provoking narratives. By eschewing traditional horror tropes, Netflix is positioning “Frankenstein” as a prestige event, a sophisticated adaptation that can stand alongside literary titans rather than genre conventions.
The $120 Million Gamble: A Bid for Prestige and Depth
The substantial budget underscores Netflix’s ambition to create something truly monumental. In an era where streaming services are constantly vying for subscriber attention, investing heavily in a faithful, yet fresh, adaptation of a universally recognized classic speaks volumes about their strategy. They are aiming for cultural relevance and critical acclaim.
This isn’t just about attracting viewers with a recognizable title; it’s about offering a definitive version of a story that has been endlessly reinterpreted. The “Frankenstein” narrative is a cornerstone of Western literature, touching upon themes that remain startlingly relevant today: the ethics of scientific advancement, the nature of monstrosity, and the burden of parental responsibility.
The success of this venture will hinge on how effectively Guadagnino, Elordi, and Isaac can translate the novel’s intellectual and emotional weight to the screen. The emphasis on practical effects, particularly Elordi’s transformative makeup, suggests a commitment to tangible artistry that can be a refreshing counterpoint to the pervasive use of CGI.
Navigating Shelley’s Complex Themes
Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus” published in 1818, was groundbreaking for its time, delving into themes of scientific hubris, the societal treatment of the marginalized, and the very definition of humanity. The novel is not just a gothic tale; it’s a philosophical treatise wrapped in a compelling narrative.
The creature, often called “Frankenstein’s monster” but technically nameless in the novel, is a sentient being capable of complex emotions, learning, and speech. His monstrous appearance is a constant source of fear and rejection from the world, leading to his profound isolation and eventual acts of vengeance. This nuanced portrayal of the creature as a victim of circumstance and prejudice is something Guadagnino and his team are reportedly keen to highlight.
Oscar Isaac’s portrayal of Victor Frankenstein is expected to delve into the psychological toll of his obsessive creation. The novel depicts Victor as a man driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a desire to overcome death, but his success brings him only misery and regret. He is both the architect of life and the perpetrator of immense suffering.
The Creature’s Perspective: A Voice for the Voiceless
Jacob Elordi’s challenge is immense: to embody a character who is both physically imposing and emotionally fragile, often without the benefit of dialogue in the early stages of his existence. The 10 hours of makeup are designed to create a being that is inherently other, whose appearance immediately alienates him.
“It’s a unique opportunity to explore what it means to be judged purely on appearance,” Elordi remarked. “The creature’s journey is one of trying to find his place in a world that is terrified of him. His pain stems from a profound lack of understanding and acceptance. My aim is to convey that inner world, that struggle for connection, through physicality and raw emotion.”
The film’s commitment to showing the creature’s development – his learning, his empathy, his initial desires for companionship – will be crucial in fulfilling Shelley’s vision of him as a sympathetic figure who is driven to darkness by the cruelty of others.
Beyond the Scares: The Philosophical Core
Netflix’s strategic decision to steer clear of traditional horror classifications suggests a belief that “Frankenstein” possesses a timeless relevance that transcends genre. The ethical dilemmas surrounding artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and the definition of consciousness are more pertinent now than ever.
Guadagnino’s track record suggests a director who excels at exploring the complexities of human relationships and the darker aspects of the human psyche with a distinct visual flair. His adaptation is likely to be a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating piece of cinema.
The $120 million investment is not merely for special effects; it’s for the creation of a world that can house these profound ideas. From the meticulously crafted laboratories to the evocative landscapes, every element is expected to contribute to the film’s thematic depth.
The Unanswered Questions: Will the Gamble Pay Off?
The success of this massive Netflix undertaking remains to be seen. Can they capture the literary gravitas of Shelley’s masterpiece while also appealing to a broad, modern audience? Can Jacob Elordi’s nuanced portrayal of the creature and Oscar Isaac’s intense Victor Frankenstein carry the weight of such an ambitious project?
The “Frankenstein” gamble is a high-stakes one, demonstrating Netflix’s commitment to prestige filmmaking and ambitious storytelling. By focusing on the misunderstood monster, the ethical quandaries, and the profound tragedy, they are aiming for a film that will be discussed, debated, and remembered – not just as another creature feature, but as a significant cinematic interpretation of a literary classic. The 10 hours of makeup are just the visible tip of an iceberg of dedication, ambition, and a deep respect for the original text, suggesting that this “Frankenstein” might just be the creature feature we never knew we needed, and one that offers far more than just a scare.
