How Jacob Elordi Turned Frankenstein's Monster After 10-Hour Makeup Session

The Making of a Monster: Jacob Elordi’s Full Prosthetic Transformation

Transforming into an iconic movie monster is never easy. Still, Jacob Elordi’s latest role demanded a level of physical endurance and artistic craftsmanship that pushed the limits of modern prosthetic design. The process required nearly 10 hours in the makeup chair, turning the actor into a towering, unsettling, and emotionally layered version of Frankenstein’s Monster. While the final look is visually arresting, the journey behind it reveals an even more fascinating story of technique, patience, and sheer creative ambition.

The Vision Behind the Monster

The production team aimed to reimagine Frankenstein’s Monster with a darker, more atmospheric tone. Instead of leaning on classic green skin and exaggerated stitching, the creative direction focused on:

• Hyper-realistic texturing
• Anatomical distortion
• Subtle asymmetry
• Visible emotional depth under heavy prosthetics

The goal was to create a monster that felt both terrifying and tragically human.

The 10-Hour Transformation

The team responsible for the transformation included prosthetic artists, sculptors, color technicians, and special-effects designers. The session unfolded in meticulous stages:

1. Base Prosthetics Application

Large silicone pieces—sculpted weeks in advance—were laid across the face, neck, and shoulders. Each piece was custom-molded to Elordi’s bone structure to maintain performance flexibility.

2. Detailing the Structure

Fine lines, scars, graft points, and anatomical irregularities were added layer by layer. This stage required extremely steady hands and intense focus from the makeup professionals.

3. Airbrushing and Colorization

The skin tone was built using dozens of translucent layers, creating depth and realism. Bruises, veins, and undertones were added to match the grim, stitched-together aesthetic.

4. Mechanical Enhancements

Parts of the makeup were integrated with subtle animatronics and flexible materials to allow full facial expressions despite the heavy prosthetics.

5. Final Touches

Hair strands, reflective blood finishes, and weathering effects completed the look, giving the monster a haunting, lived-in presence.

Elordi’s Physical Endurance

Sitting for 10 continuous hours required intense patience. Throughout the process, the actor maintained:

• Controlled breathing
• Minimal movement
• High focus for performance preservation

Once the makeup was complete, additional weight from costume elements further transformed posture, walk, and overall physicality.

This endurance allowed the character to appear raw, imposing, and emotionally complex on screen.

Why the Transformation Matters

This kind of makeup-driven character work reflects a shift back toward practical effects in cinema. The decision to rely on handcrafted prosthetics instead of full CGI:

• Preserves authenticity
• Enhances on-set performance
• Strengthens horror realism
• Gives actors deeper immersion into their roles

Jacob Elordi’s transformation stands as a tribute to the craft of practical effects and a reminder of the artistry behind monster cinema.

Final Takeaway

The 10-hour makeup session was not just a technical achievement; it was a fusion of passion, precision, and storytelling. The result is a Frankenstein’s Monster that feels new yet timeless, capturing both the horror and humanity of one of literature’s most enduring characters.