In a surprising twist of fate, Jacob Elordi, now starring in Guillermo del Toro’s highly anticipated “Frankenstein,” might have missed out on his award-nominated role if he had heeded his mother’s advice. Decades earlier, his mother, Melissa, discouraged him from working with del Toro after glimpsing the eerie DVD cover of “Pan’s Labyrinth.” This revelation adds an intriguing layer to Elordi’s journey in the film industry.
The First Encounter with Del Toro’s Work
Elordi reminisces about his childhood fascination with horror films, which he would explore during trips to Blockbuster. At 10 years old, he encountered the DVD cover of “Pan’s Labyrinth.” Intrigued by the unsettling imagery, including the infamous Pale Man, Elordi recalled, “What is that?” His mother reluctantly agreed to let him rent the film, but with a caveat: “You must never work with this man.” The comment seemed lighthearted at the time, yet it foreshadowed his eventual collaboration with the acclaimed director.
The Role of a Lifetime
Despite his mother’s playful warning, Elordi joined the “Frankenstein” project under unique circumstances. Originally not the first choice for the role, a last-minute casting change provided him the opportunity just weeks before filming began. Elordi expressed confidence upon reading the screenplay, recognizing it as a dream chance to work with a filmmaker capable of crafting a significant rendition of Mary Shelley’s classic. Guillermo del Toro had waited over three decades to bring this vision to life, ever since reading the novel as a child.
Del Toro’s Passion and Philosophy
For del Toro, “Frankenstein” is more than a film; it’s a deeply personal project. During a screening at London’s BFI IMAX, he described the story as akin to a personal belief system. “The Creature is me,” he shared, highlighting the universal themes of identity and humanity. Describing it as his own form of religion, del Toro emphasized the importance of telling the story authentically, capturing Shelley’s intended narrative of existential and philosophical depth.
The Theatrical Experience
Though made for Netflix, del Toro passionately advocates for the communal experience of cinema, especially on the grand scale of an IMAX screen. He argues that connecting with films in a shared environment fosters empathy and community, vital in an increasingly digital and isolated world. With his characteristic wit, he urged the audience to embrace the full movie theater experience, suggesting that this collective viewing can enrich understanding and connection among individuals.
Elordi’s journey with del Toro and “Frankenstein” underscores the serendipity often involved in artistic collaborations. What began as a childhood warning transformed into a pivotal career-defining opportunity, allowing Elordi to step into a role shaped by one of cinema’s visionary storytellers.
