Andrew Garfield Explained How Meeting Jacob Elordi Helped Him Process The Disappointment Of Being Replaced By Him In The Upcoming “Frankenstein” Movie

Ellen Durney
·3-min read

Way back in March 2023, fans of Andrew Garfield were overjoyed when it was announced that he’d been cast in Guillermo del Toro’s highly anticipated Frankenstein movie for Netflix.

Man on red carpet in a tailored suit, collared shirt, and a neatly groomed beard, attending a film event

However, just as fans got excited to see him take on his creepiest role yet, it was announced in January 2024 that Andrew had departed from the project due to scheduling conflicts — and that Jacob Elordi would be replacing him.

Man in a light suit with a beard and long hair poses at a film festival event
Marc Piasecki / Getty Images

As you may remember, the change caused a lot of discourse, with some questioning whether or not Jacob was the right person to take on the role. Despite this, the Saltburn star addressed his casting for the first time a few weeks later and expressed his excitement about working with the “brilliant” Guillermo del Toro.

A man in a stylish gray suit sits, clapping his hands during an event, with a thoughtful expression. Geometric wall design in the background
A man in a stylish gray suit sits, clapping his hands during an event, with a thoughtful expression. Geometric wall design in the background
A person on a stage in a stylish suit and black boots, sitting thoughtfully on an ornate chair
A person on a stage in a stylish suit and black boots, sitting thoughtfully on an ornate chair

Stephane Cardinale - Corbis / Corbis via Getty Images, Marc Piasecki / Getty Images

Fast-forward to now, and Vanity Fair recently published a first look at the movie, showing a glimpse of Doctor Frankenstein in his laboratory, standing alongside scattered human remains and a body on an operating table — presumably his monster.

Man in black suit with a white shirt and decorative pin at a formal event
Stephane Cardinale - Corbis / Corbis via Getty Images

And as the film’s 2025 release draws closer, Andrew has emphasized that there are no hard feelings between himself and Jacob — revealing that they had a valuable conversation about the role during a “serendipitous” run-in at the Marrakech International Film Festival recently.

Three people sitting on an ornate couch, dressed in formal attire, clapping at an event
Marc Piasecki / Getty Images

“I was hearing about how amazing, and [how much] hard work, and how satisfying that [job] was for him,” the British actor told Deadline in a new interview at the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah. “So, I’m very, very glad that it was him doing it.”

A man with a beard holds a microphone labeled "Deadline" during an interview. He wears a casual shirt and is seated indoors with plants in the background

Andrew acknowledged that he was “disappointed” that he didn’t get to play the role himself but said that meeting Jacob helped him understand that it was for the best.

Person posing on a red carpet wearing a pinstripe suit with a yellow collared shirt
Gilbert Flores / Variety via Getty Images

“I love Guillermo, and I love Oscar and everyone that he assembled, so I was disappointed. But meeting Jacob felt really, I don’t know, serendipitous so that I could really see and hear that, Oh, no, maybe he really needed that experience more than me,” he said, recalling their interaction.

Man with short beard holding a Deadline microphone during an interview, seated next to a plant

If I couldn’t love Andrew more, that gracious response really proved that he’s one of the sweetest people in Hollywood. What did you think of Andrew’s comments, and are you excited to see Jacob take on the role? LMK in the comments.

You can find the full Deadline interview here.

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