Jacob Elordi couldn’t tie his shoes by the end of filming Frankenstein because he’d become too weak. Co-star Mia Goth had to help him with basic tasks after his 40-pound weight loss left him barely functional.
Extreme Measures
Jacob Elordi Frankenstein preparation involved crash dieting that his doctors now call “medically inadvisable and potentially dangerous.” He consumed roughly 800 calories daily while maintaining a grueling filming schedule.
“My body was shutting down,” Elordi admitted during press. “I was in such pain that sleeping became impossible. Everything ached constantly.”
Director Guillermo del Toro didn’t request this transformation. Elordi made the choice independently, believing Victor Frankenstein’s obsession required physical manifestation. He wanted audiences to see Victor’s mental deterioration reflected in his body.
The problem escalated when Elordi refused to adjust his approach despite clear health consequences. “I was committed to the vision,” he explained. “I thought suffering was necessary for authenticity.”
On-Set Crisis
Production sources reveal Elordi required IV nutrients during filming’s final three weeks. He’d become too weak to maintain energy through food, and his body had started catabolizing muscle tissue.
“We had a medic monitoring him constantly,” del Toro said. “I felt terrible. Jacob’s dedication was admirable but ultimately harmful. I should have intervened earlier.”
The Jacob Elordi Frankenstein situation nearly shut down production when Elordi fainted during a physically demanding scene. The insurance company threatened to halt filming unless he agreed to medical supervision and caloric increases.
Elordi compromised by allowing IV nutrients but refused to significantly increase food intake. His reasoning – gaining weight would create continuity errors with already-filmed scenes.
Recovery Challenges
After filming wrapped, Elordi spent three months working with nutritionists to safely regain weight. But the damage extended beyond physical.
“I developed disordered eating patterns,” Elordi revealed. “My relationship with food became completely dysfunctional. I needed therapy to overcome it.”
His honesty about these struggles contrasts sharply with typical actor interviews glorifying extreme transformations. Christian Bale, Jared Leto, and Matthew McConaughey all received praise for similar weight losses without discussing negative psychological impacts.
The Jacob Elordi Frankenstein situation highlights production companies’ ethical obligations to protect actors from themselves. Current industry standards allow actors to make dangerous choices without intervention.
Some directors and producers now advocate for mandatory medical supervision whenever roles require significant physical changes. Oscar Isaac suggested limiting weight changes to 15 pounds unless absolutely necessary for the story.
Elordi’s willingness to discuss his mistakes publicly could influence how future actors approach physically demanding roles. His platform gives him ability to challenge toxic patterns around “dedication” and suffering for art.
Performance
Despite concerning methods, early Frankenstein footage suggests Elordi delivers career-best work. His hollow-eyed intensity and trembling physicality make Victor’s descent visceral and disturbing.
“Jacob gave me exactly what the character needed,” del Toro acknowledged. “But I deeply regret not protecting him better. The performance isn’t worth permanent health damage.”
Jacob Elordi Frankenstein will likely dominate awards conversation when the film releases this October. But hopefully that conversation includes how actors achieve great performances without destroying their bodies in the process.
Also Read: Ashton Kutcher Look Cost Him Serious Acting Roles