Inside the Hair and Makeup of Frankenstein (2025): Jacob Elordi’s Monster Transformation

Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein (2025) is more than a gothic reimagining—it’s a visual triumph, with hair and makeup effects that breathe life into Mary Shelley’s iconic Creature. At the heart of this transformation is master prosthetics artist Mike Hill, whose team spent months crafting a look that’s both terrifying and tragically human.

🧟‍♂️ Becoming the Creature: Jacob Elordi’s Grueling Transformation

To embody the tortured soul of Frankenstein’s Creature, Jacob Elordi underwent a staggering metamorphosis. Each filming day began with a 10-hour makeup session, during which Hill’s team applied 42 individual silicone prosthetic pieces. These weren’t just glued on—they were sculpted, painted, and blended with surgical precision to create a seamless, lifelike appearance. The process was so intense that Elordi reportedly had to remain motionless for hours, a testament to his dedication and the team’s artistry.

🔄 A Living Canvas: Makeup That Evolves with the Story

What sets Frankenstein apart is its commitment to narrative-driven design. The Creature’s look changes subtly throughout the film, reflecting his emotional and physical journey. Early scenes show smoother, more intact features, while later sequences reveal deepening scars, decaying skin, and matted hair—visual metaphors for the character’s psychological descent. Hill’s team used a combination of hand-punched hair, layered prosthetics, and custom-blended pigments to achieve this haunting evolution.

🎬 Del Toro’s Devotion to Practical Effects

In an era dominated by CGI, del Toro’s insistence on practical effects is a bold creative choice. “There’s a soul in the tactile,” he’s often said—and Frankenstein proves it. The decision to forgo digital shortcuts in favor of handcrafted makeup and prosthetics lends the film a visceral authenticity. Every wrinkle, stitch, and shadow on Elordi’s face tells a story, grounding the fantastical in the real.

🏆 Crafting an Oscar Contender

From the first camera test to the final frame, the hair and makeup department treated Frankenstein like a work of fine art. The team used vintage techniques alongside cutting-edge materials, ensuring the Creature’s look paid homage to Boris Karloff’s 1931 portrayal while forging a new cinematic identity. With awards season on the horizon, industry insiders are already buzzing about a potential Best Makeup and Hairstyling nomination.