Andrew Garfield Bows Out, Jacob Elordi Steps Up in Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein

From Disappointment to Destiny: Why Garfield Believes Elordi Was Meant for the Role

Andrew Garfield is graciously stepping aside for Jacob Elordi, who is set to star as the titular monster in Guillermo del Toro’s much-anticipated Frankenstein. Garfield, initially cast in the lead role, had to withdraw from the project due to scheduling conflicts amid the SAG-AFTRA strike. However, the actor expressed a unique perspective on the situation, suggesting that Elordi was destined for the role.

Speaking to Deadline, Garfield shared his bittersweet feelings:
“I’m very, very glad that it was him doing it, and I am, of course, disappointed that I didn’t get to do it because I love Guillermo, I love Oscar [Isaac], and everyone that he assembled. But meeting Jacob [at the Marrakech International Film Festival] felt really serendipitous so that I could really see and hear that maybe he needed that experience more than me.”

The film, a reimagining of Mary Shelley’s iconic tale, features Jacob Elordi as the monster reanimated by Victor Frankenstein, portrayed by Oscar Isaac. The ensemble cast includes Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz, Felix Kammerer, Lars Mikkelsen, David Bradley, and Christian Convery. Del Toro not only directs but also writes and produces this fresh take on the tragic story of creator and creation.

The official synopsis teases an emotionally charged narrative: “Guillermo del Toro adapts Mary Shelley’s classic tale of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but egotistical scientist who brings a creature to life in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation.”

Elordi, known for his role in Euphoria, recently hyped the project, calling it “one hell of a movie” during an interview with IndieWire.

Meanwhile, Garfield is gearing up for his next major role in Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming thriller After the Hunt, co-starring Julia Roberts, Ayo Edebiri, and Chloë Sevigny. The collaboration marks a long-awaited partnership between Garfield and Guadagnino, one that has been over a decade in the making. Garfield was previously tapped for Guadagnino’s 2010 film I Am Love and the proposed Brideshead Revisited series, but both projects fell through due to scheduling issues.

“This one hit the magic spot for both of us,” Garfield said of After the Hunt. “Luca is such a humanist. He’s all about the heart, love, eroticism, and connections. He’s approaching the material from such a humanistic angle, which I’m really grateful for.”

With Garfield embracing his role in After the Hunt and Elordi stepping into Frankenstein, fans can expect powerful performances from both actors in their respective projects.