Andrew Garfield’s exit from Frankenstein 2025 explained

Andrew Garfield was originally set to star in Netflix’s Frankenstein, but was ultimately replaced by another actor.

Hannah McGreevy Assistant Editor

15:53, 10 Nov 2025

Guillermo Del Toro’s epic reimagining of Frankenstein has finally arrived on Netflix, with Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac earning widespread acclaim for their performances in the production.

The 2025 gothic period drama is already sparking significant awards speculation, but viewers may be intrigued to discover that another high-profile actor was initially lined up for a leading part.

Andrew Garfield, renowned for his work in films such as The Amazing Spider-Man, Hacksaw Ridge and The Social Network, was originally cast in the star-studded Netflix production.

Continue reading to discover why the actor ultimately didn’t feature in Frankenstein, who took over the role and who else stars in the much-discussed film.

Andrew Garfield was set to star in Frankenstein(Image: Getty)

Why did Andrew Garfield leave Frankenstein?

Andrew Garfield was initially set to portray The Creature in the 2025 adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, reports the Express.

However, he was compelled to withdraw from the part in early January 2024 owing to scheduling conflicts, which arose from the Hollywood strikes of 2023.

Director Guillermo Del Toro and makeup artist Mike Hill had just nine weeks to develop a fresh look for Garfield’s successor, having originally dedicated nine months to perfecting his interpretation of The Creature.

Discussing the demanding timeframe with Vanity Fair, Del Toro acknowledged: “You can’t be under more pressure than that.”

Frankenstein is now streaming on Netflix(Image: Netflix)

Who replaced Andrew Garfield in Frankenstein?

Euphoria star Jacob Elordi came in to take over from Andrew Garfield in the role of The Creature alongside Oscar Isaac, who portrays Victor Frankenstein. In the end, this turned out to be a brilliant choice, with the actor garnering significant acclaim for his portrayal.

Critic Peter Travers noted: “As the Creature, Jacob Elordi conveys innocence, strength, sexuality and crushing sorrow.”

Meanwhile, reviewer Kristen Lopez remarked: “Visually, Frankenstein is a feast of impeccable costumes and production design. And the first hour of the movie is thrilling, with Isaac in fine form. The second half is muted, but still has a power to it, coupled with a unique performance from Elordi.”

The cast also features renowned horror actress Mia Goth, Inglourious Basterds star Christoph Waltz, All Quiet on the Western Front’s Felix Kammerer and Game of Thrones legend Charles Dance, alongside Elordi and Isaac.

Netflix’s synopsis for Frankenstein states: “A brilliant but egotistical scientist brings a creature to life in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation.”

Frankenstein is currently available to watch on Netflix.