The fog rolled thick over the Thames, casting London’s historic streets in a veil of gothic mystery that felt almost scripted – as if the city itself were conspiring to echo the themes of Guillermo del Toro’s masterful Frankenstein. On a chilly December weekend, the Oscar-winning director and his towering star, Jacob Elordi, descended upon the British capital for the latest leg of their global press tour. Fans braved the drizzle, lining up for glimpses of the duo who have breathed new, pulsating life into Mary Shelley’s 1818 classic. But this wasn’t just promotion; it was a celebration of artistry reborn, with Elordi – fresh off his double Golden Globe nominations announced just days earlier – radiating the kind of electric confidence that signals a career forever altered.

At the heart of the whirlwind: a special in-conversation event at the venerable British Library on December 7, followed by echoes of the previous night’s immersive screening and Q&A at the BFI IMAX. Elordi, stylish in a tailored gray wool coat and matching scarf that accentuated his 6’5″ frame against the library’s grand architecture, posed patiently for photos, signing autographs and chatting with admirers who marveled at his transformation from teen idol to awards contender.

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The night before, at the iconic BFI IMAX Waterloo, the pair had commanded a packed house. Elordi in a sleek leather jacket and jeans, del Toro ever the enthusiastic storyteller – they introduced the film before diving into a riveting Q&A moderated by Edith Bowman. The massive screen amplified del Toro’s lavish visuals: stormy laboratories, scarred flesh, and Elordi’s Creature awakening with wide-eyed wonder amid thunderous applause.

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What stole hearts – and headlines – was Elordi’s raw reflection on the role’s intensity. “Preparing for the Creature was profound,” he shared, voice steady but eyes alight. “Guillermo reminded me constantly that art and creativity are life or death. He gave me the motivation – the wind in my sails – to keep making films for the rest of my life.” Del Toro, chuckling beside him, added, “It’ll take a long time,” before teasing his next stop-motion project. The crowd erupted; it was a masterclass in mentorship, with del Toro’s passion reigniting Elordi’s fire.

This London sojourn caps a triumphant year for Frankenstein, del Toro’s long-cherished adaptation that premiered at Venice, dazzled at the BFI London Film Festival in October, and stormed Netflix in November after a theatrical run. But for Elordi, it’s personal vindication – earning him a 2026 Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture, part of his historic double nod (the other for lead in Prime Video’s The Narrow Road to the Deep North).

From Heartthrob to Horror Icon: Elordi’s Metamorphosis

Jacob Elordi’s journey to this moment reads like a modern fairy tale – or nightmare, depending on the lens. The Brisbane-born actor exploded via Netflix’s The Kissing Booth trilogy (2018-2021), charming as bad-boy Noah Flynn. But he swiftly subverted the image with HBO’s Euphoria (2019-), playing volatile Nate Jacobs. Roles in Priscilla (2023) as a brooding Elvis and Saltburn (2023) as seductive Felix cemented his versatility, earning BAFTA buzz.

Yet Frankenstein demanded transcendence. Cast last-minute after scheduling shifts, Elordi underwent a grueling physical overhaul: 10-hour daily prosthetic sessions with designer Mike Hill (42 silicone pieces), weight fluctuations, and movement inspired by butoh dance and newborn innocence.

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Del Toro’s vision: a “gothic fairytale” emphasizing humanity over horror. Oscar Isaac as arrogant Victor, Mia Goth dual-roled, Christoph Waltz sinister – but Elordi’s Creature steals souls. Critics rave: “Transformative” (Hollywood Reporter), “heart-stealing” (Guardian). The film snagged five Globe nods, including Best Picture – Drama and Director.

Elordi’s Q&A revelations hit deep. He spoke of del Toro’s sets as sacred spaces: handmade practical effects, no green screens dominating. “This is the only way to make movies – by hand,” he declared at BFI. “Guillermo instilled that art is life or death. It’s not a job; it’s existence.” Fans teared up; one tweeted, “Jacob quoting Guillermo on creativity being life or death – I’m reborn.”

The Mentor and the Monster: Del Toro’s Lifelong Dream

For del Toro, 61, Frankenstein is fulfillment of a childhood obsession. The Mexican maestro (Pan’s Labyrinth, Shape of Water) first fell for Boris Karloff’s 1931 icon at age seven. “Gothic horror became my church,” he says. This version: operatic, faith-infused, exploring fatherhood, abandonment, love’s failures.

In London, del Toro charmed with anecdotes: accepting popcorn from fans, praising IMAX immersion (“No substitute for collective experience”). He lauded Elordi: “Jacob’s performance astonished me – battered nobility.” Their bond evident: playful banter, mutual admiration.

The British Library event, hosted by Matthew Sweet amid Shelley’s manuscripts, felt poetic. Discussions delved into Romanticism, isolation, creativity’s stakes. Elordi: “Guillermo’s reminder that art is life or death gave me purpose – to create until I’m gone.”

Awards Lightning Strikes Twice

Timing couldn’t be sweeter. Days after London, Golden Globes nominations dropped December 8. Elordi’s double: Supporting Actor for Frankenstein (against Paul Mescal, Benicio del Toro), plus Limited Series Actor for war epic The Narrow Road to the Deep North. Rare air – joining Amanda Seyfried, Jeremy Allen White as multi-nominees.

Netflix’s haul: 35 nods, led by Frankenstein‘s five. Elordi, first-time nominee, reacted humbly on Instagram: “Grateful beyond words.” Australian pride surges; fans hail his “unreal rise.”

Pundits predict wins: His Creature’s vulnerability – innocence hardening to rage – resonates. As one voter anon: “Elordi disappears yet shines; it’s Oscar-worthy.”

London’s Gothic Spell: Fans, Fashion, Future

London embraced them. At British Library, Elordi met young actors, signing posters, posing in that effortlessly chic gray ensemble – Bottega Veneta coat? Fans speculated. “He looked like a modern Byron,” one gushed.

BFI IMAX: Sold-out, popcorn-shared vibes. Del Toro teased next projects; Elordi hinted Wuthering Heights with Emerald Fennell and Margot Robbie.

Broader impact: Frankenstein revives practical effects discourse. Del Toro/Elordi advocate handmade cinema amid AI fears. “Healthy for audiences,” Elordi insists.

As tour continues – whispers of Paris, Tokyo – Elordi’s star ascends. From rom-coms to monsters, he’s proven range. Del Toro’s wind in his sails? It’s carrying him to heights unimaginable.

In foggy London, amid Shelley’s echoes, they reminded us: True monsters are within – but so is redemption. And for Elordi, this is just the awakening.