Jacob Elordi Discloses Mother's Cautionary Advice About Guillermo del Toro Collaboration
Jacob Elordi, the acclaimed star of "Euphoria", has revealed an intriguing personal anecdote about his mother's stern warning against collaborating with legendary filmmaker Guillermo del Toro. The actor confessed that if he had heeded his mother's advice, he would have missed the opportunity to work on the critically acclaimed 2025 film "Frankenstein", which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Childhood Encounter with 'Pan's Labyrinth' Sparks Maternal Warning
Elordi recounted a memorable childhood incident that shaped his mother's perspective. While browsing through DVDs, they came across the cover of del Toro's 2006 masterpiece, "Pan's Labyrinth". The Australian actor described his initial reaction to the haunting imagery.
"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," Elordi shared during an event at BFI IMAX in London, as reported by Variety.
Despite the film being rated "M" (for mature audiences) under Australia's classification system, Elordi was permitted to watch it. However, this experience prompted his mother to issue a firm directive: "She said you must never work with this man."
Defying Maternal Advice for Career-Defining Role
Elordi's decision to disregard his mother's warning proved fortuitous for his career. He joined the cast of del Toro's "Frankenstein" after original star Andrew Garfield exited the project due to scheduling conflicts. The actor portrayed the monstrous creation in this reimagining of Mary Shelley's classic tale.
Reflecting on his excitement upon reading the screenplay, Elordi expressed absolute confidence in del Toro's vision: "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."
Critical Acclaim and Awards Recognition
The 2025 film adaptation received widespread critical praise and substantial awards recognition. "Frankenstein" garnered an impressive 9 nominations at the 98th Academy Awards, including:
- Best Picture
- Best Adapted Screenplay
- Best Supporting Actor for Jacob Elordi
The film featured an ensemble cast including Mia Goth and Oscar Isaac, with the narrative focusing on a brilliant but egotistical scientist who brings a monstrous creature to life through a daring experiment. It was released on October 17, 2025.
Director's Humorous Response to Family Anecdote
When Guillermo del Toro learned about Elordi's mother's warning, the director responded with characteristic wit. "It's good to disobey one's mother," del Toro quipped, acknowledging the fortunate outcome of Elordi's decision to work against maternal advice.
This revelation provides fascinating insight into the personal dynamics that sometimes influence casting decisions and career trajectories in Hollywood. Elordi's willingness to trust his artistic instincts over family caution ultimately led to one of his most celebrated performances and significant awards recognition.
