Mike Hill, a sculptor and special effects artist, has a long-standing collaboration with filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, which began when del Toro commissioned Hill to create a sculpture of Boris Karloff in makeup for the 1931 film "Frankenstein." Their partnership flourished over the years, leading to creature designs for films like "Nightmare Alley" and "The Shape of Water." When del Toro announced he was working on a new version of "Frankenstein," Hill initially felt anxious about not being contacted for the project. However, during a breakfast meeting, del Toro made it clear that the film depended on Hill's involvement. Hill agreed, setting the stage for a unique reinterpretation of the iconic monster. Hill faced the challenge of designing a creature that felt fresh and original, given the many interpretations that have come before. Del Toro provided guidance on what to avoid—like heavy stitching—while Hill researched 18th-century surgical methods to inform his design. The final version of the creature is tall and lean, covered in scars arranged in geometric patterns. This design reflects the film's exploration of Victor Frankenstein's pseudoscientific processes and the contrast between beauty and horror. The creature evolves throughout the film, starting off innocent and later becoming more menacing, with changes mainly in hair and wardrobe. Casting Jacob Elordi as the creature added another layer to the design. Hill praised Elordi's physical attributes, noting his height, strong bone structure, and expressive face, which made the makeup process easier. The final design required 42 prosthetic pieces and involved extensive makeup sessions. Elordi's portrayal allowed for a powerful transformation, as the character shifts from childlike to threatening, underscoring the emotional depth of the story. Hill's lifelong passion for "Frankenstein" and his artistic journey culminate in this project, making it a significant moment in his career.