Jacob Elordi Shed Tears as del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’ Earns a 13-Minute Ovation

Austrian actor Christoph Waltz, US producer Scott Stuber, French film composer Alexandre Desplat, British actress Mia Goth, Mexican director and producer Guillermo Del Toro, Guest, US actor Jacob Elordi, US actor Oscar Isaac and Austrian actor Felix Kammerer attend the red carpet for the movie "Frankenstein" presented in competition at the 82nd International Venice Film Festival, at Venice Lido on August 30, 2025. (Photo by Tiziana FABI / AFP) (Photo by TIZIANA FABI/AFP via Getty Images) — AFP via Getty Images

Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein earned a rapturous 13-minute standing ovation, the longest of the festival so far.

Oscar Isaac, who plays the titular mad scientist, and Jacob Elordi, who embodies his monstrous creation, couldn’t hold back their tears as the crowd continued to applaud.

During the lengthy ovation, del Toro waved to the crowd and shared multiple hugs with Elordi and Isaac. A visibly emotional Elordi also got a kiss on the cheek from Isaac as the two embraced, with Elordi resting his chin on Isaac’s head.

The gothic sci-fi film, which is competing for the Golden Lion at the festival, is a retelling of Mary Shelley’s 1818 classic horror novel. It follows a brilliant scientist who brings a monstrous creature to life, ultimately resulting in both of their undoings.

The movie, which cost $120 million, could become a major awards contender for Netflix.

Isaac and Elordi were joined at Saturday night’s premiere by co-stars Mia Goth (Dr. Frankenstein’s love interest Elizabeth Lavenza), Christoph Waltz (wealthy arms merchant Harlander) and Felix Kammerer (Dr. Frankenstein’s younger brother William, who is engaged to Elizabeth).

Among the stars who walked the red carpet before taking a seat in the audience included Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jessica Williams, Jesse Williams and Sofia Carson.

After walking the red carpet, Elordi and Isaac stopped for selfies and autographs with the fans outside the theater. Inside the venue, the masses were just as excited to see the “Euphoria” star. Someone shouted, “We love you, Jacob!” to which the actor replied, “Love you too!”

Elordi revealed that he spent 10 hours in the makeup chair to transform into an unrecognizable monster, complete with patchworked skin. “There’s so many different layers to the costume,” Elordi said. “When he’s born, he’s wearing nearly nothing. His chest is open and his head is high. Then, as he starts to experience pain, as we do as a teenager, he starts to hunch his shoulders. And as an adult, he closes off.”

Mexican born del Toro was last in Venice with his 2017 dark fantasy “The Shape of Water,” which won the Golden Lion and went on to earn four Oscars, including for best picture and director.

With “Frankenstein,” set to release in theaters on Oct. 17 and on Netflix on Nov. 7, del Toro says he’s culminating a lifelong dream to adapt the famous monster story.

“I’ve been following the creature since I was kid,” he said, “And now that it’s completed, I’m in postpartum depression.”

Frankenstein: Jacob Elordi Shed Tears as Del Toro’s Movie Earns Venice Longest Standing Ovation

Jacob Elordi Shed Tears as del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’ Earns a 13-Minute Ovation

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