In a surprising revelation, Jacob Elordi, the acclaimed star of HBO's Euphoria, has disclosed that he would have missed the opportunity to collaborate with legendary filmmaker Guillermo del Toro on the 2025 film Frankenstein if he had heeded his mother's advice. The 28-year-old actor portrayed the monstrous creation in the cinematic adaptation, which garnered an impressive nine nominations at the 98th Academy Awards, including categories such as Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor for Elordi himself.
A Childhood Warning from Mother
Recounting a memorable childhood anecdote during an event at the BFI IMAX in London, Elordi shared that his mother issued a stern warning after encountering the DVD cover of del Toro's 2006 masterpiece, Pan's Labyrinth. According to reports from the entertainment news outlet Variety, Elordi described the moment vividly: "And I saw the tree and the little girl, and I turned it around, the DVD case, and I saw the Pale Man. And I remember thinking, what is that." Despite the film being rated "M" for mature audiences under the Australian classification system, Elordi was permitted to watch it, but with a specific condition attached.
"You Must Never Work with This Man"
Elordi's mother, upon seeing the eerie imagery, firmly instructed him, "She said you must never work with this man." This directive, however, did not deter the actor when the chance to work with del Toro arose years later. In response to the anecdote, del Toro humorously quipped, "It's good to disobey one's mother," highlighting the serendipitous nature of their collaboration.
Excitement Over the Frankenstein Project
Elordi expressed immense enthusiasm for the Frankenstein project, particularly after reading the screenplay. He stated, "So excited and so sure when I read the screenplay for the first time, that I had no fear... there's no other filmmaker on this planet that could make a truly great 'Frankenstein' film." This passion underscores his commitment to the role, which came about after Andrew Garfield exited the project due to scheduling conflicts, paving the way for Elordi's involvement.
Star-Studded Cast and Plot Details
The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Mia Goth and Oscar Isaac, and revolves around a brilliant yet egotistical scientist who brings a monstrous creature to life through a daring experiment. Released on October 17, 2025, the movie has been praised for its innovative take on the classic tale, blending horror with profound thematic depth.
Academy Recognition and Impact
With nine Oscar nominations, Frankenstein has solidified its place as a critical and commercial success, showcasing del Toro's visionary direction and Elordi's compelling performance. This achievement not only highlights the film's artistic merits but also serves as a testament to the power of defying conventional wisdom, as Elordi's decision to ignore his mother's warning ultimately led to a career-defining role.
As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, stories like Elordi's remind us of the unpredictable journeys that shape Hollywood narratives, where childhood fears can transform into professional triumphs on the global stage.
