Jacob Elordi's Meteoric Rise to Hollywood Stardom
Jacob Elordi, the 28-year-old Australian actor, has captivated audiences worldwide with his compelling performances and undeniable charisma. From his breakout roles in popular teen dramas to his recent critically acclaimed work, Elordi's career trajectory showcases a remarkable evolution from teen heartthrob to serious actor.
From Brisbane to Hollywood: The Early Years
Born in Brisbane and raised between there and Melbourne, Elordi discovered his passion for acting early in life. His first taste of performance came when he was cast as The Cat in The Hat, an experience that solidified his career aspirations. "As soon as I was singing and dancing with the big hat on, I knew that that was what I wanted to do," Elordi revealed in a December interview.
The Generation's Heartthrob
Elordi first gained widespread recognition through his role as Noah Flynn in Netflix's Kissing Booth trilogy between 2018 and 2021. Simultaneously, he portrayed the complex character Nate Jacobs in HBO's groundbreaking series Euphoria. These contrasting roles demonstrated his versatility and established him as a defining heartthrob for Generation Z, appealing to fans of both virtuous heroes and troubled anti-heroes.
Standing at an impressive 6 feet 5 inches, Elordi's physical presence certainly contributes to his on-screen magnetism, but his talent extends far beyond his stature.
Transitioning to Serious Roles
Much like Robert Pattinson before him, Elordi has actively worked to distance himself from his teen idol image. He has been candid about his dissatisfaction with The Kissing Booth films, describing them as "ridiculous" and claiming he "didn't want to make" them. This honesty, while controversial, reflects his commitment to artistic integrity.
Elordi's dedication to challenging roles became evident through his performances in dark, complex projects. He portrayed a serial killer in 2023's He Went That Way and a murdered piano teacher in 2022's erotic thriller Deep Water. His breakthrough as a serious actor came with his portrayal of Elvis Presley in Sofia Coppola's Priscilla, earning him critical recognition and praise from the director herself.
The Intellectual Actor
Beyond his acting abilities, Elordi has cultivated an image as an intellectual performer. In interviews, he frequently references literary works, expressing admiration for authors like Jack Kerouac, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Donna Tartt. He described reading The Odyssey as a "massive joy" and declared his love for Shakespeare "more than anything."
Elordi maintains a thoughtful approach to his craft, keeping detailed notebooks for each character he portrays and engaging in painting as a personal creative outlet. His intellectual pursuits have become part of his public persona, with paparazzi photographs of him browsing bookstores generating significant social media attention.
Navigating Fame and Controversy
Elordi's rapid ascent to fame has brought both adulation and scrutiny. His romantic relationships with high-profile figures like Zendaya, Kaia Gerber, and Olivia Jade have kept him in the public eye, while his performance in Emerald Fennell's Saltburn generated unexpected controversy.
Despite earning two BAFTA nominations for his role as aristocrat Felix in Saltburn, his performance was overshadowed by a viral scene involving bathwater. The resulting social media frenzy led to merchandise and even a physical altercation with an Australian radio producer, though no legal consequences followed.
The Heathcliff Challenge
Elordi's casting as Heathcliff in Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Wuthering Heights represents his most ambitious role to date. The decision proved controversial, given the character's description in Emily Brontë's novel as having dark skin. Fennell defended her choice, stating Elordi "looked exactly like the illustration of Heathcliff on the first book that I read."
The actor himself experienced significant doubt during the early stages of production. "It was the first time I'd been like, 'I don't know if I'm good enough,'" Elordi confessed to Vogue Australia. His breakthrough came when he realized he was holding the character "so tightly" and needed to trust his interpretation.
Early reactions to the film have been intense, with Margot Robbie describing a private screening where female viewers reacted with such enthusiasm that "it registered on the Richter scale." The adaptation has been characterized as pushing boundaries with its eroticism and social commentary.
A Career at the Crossroads
As Elordi prepares for the release of Wuthering Heights, he stands at a pivotal moment in his career. His upcoming role as Frankenstein's monster in Guillermo del Toro's 2025 Netflix film suggests he continues to seek challenging, transformative parts that defy his heartthrob image.
Elordi's journey from Australian schoolboy to international star reflects both his talent and his determination to be recognized as a serious actor. His ability to navigate the complexities of modern fame while maintaining artistic credibility positions him as one of Hollywood's most intriguing rising talents.
Whether audiences will embrace his interpretation of Heathcliff remains to be seen, but Elordi's commitment to his craft and willingness to take creative risks suggest his star will continue to rise in the coming years.
