Back to Personal Growth

Jacob Elordi: Career Highlights, Wuthering Heights & 35 Acting Insights

Jacob Elordi cinematic portrait representing his transition from Euphoria to prestige cinema roles like Heathcliff.
Image generated by AI / Source: Unsplash

The Essential 25: Jacob Elordi Milestones and Career Shifts

To understand the sheer magnitude of the Jacob Elordi phenomenon, we have to look at the data points that define his rapid ascent. This isn't just about height or aesthetics; it’s a masterclass in career curation.

  • Breakout role as Noah Flynn in Netflix's The Kissing Booth (2018).
  • Casting as the terrifying Nate Jacobs in HBO’s Euphoria (2019).
  • Official transition to prestige cinema with Deep Water alongside Ben Affleck.
  • Starring as Elvis Presley in Sofia Coppola's Priscilla (2023).
  • Critical acclaim for the role of Felix Catton in Emerald Fennell's Saltburn.
  • Winning the BAFTA Rising Star Award nomination in 2024.
  • Landing the role of Heathcliff in the upcoming Wuthering Heights.
  • Partnering with Margot Robbie for the Fennell adaptation.
  • Serving as a brand ambassador for Bottega Veneta.
  • Making his Saturday Night Live hosting debut in early 2024.
  • Featured on the cover of GQ’s Men of the Year issue.
  • Performing in the Australian horror film The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee.
  • Joining the cast of Paul Schrader’s Oh, Canada.
  • Starring in the limited series The Narrow Road to the Deep North.
  • His first professional acting credit in the short film Carpe Liam.
  • Casting in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein as the Monster.
  • Consistently topping IMDb’s STARmeter during Euphoria seasons.
  • Viral popularity of his 'Jacob Elordi aesthetic' on TikTok and Pinterest.
  • Influence on the 'Short King Spring' alternative through his 6'5" stature.
  • Advocacy for classical literature through his public reading habits.
  • Strategic distancing from teen rom-com projects post-2021.
  • Collaboration with director Sean Price Williams in The Sweet East.
  • Recognition at the Venice Film Festival for Priscilla.
  • Voice acting work in the animated film Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (uncredited).
  • Solidifying his status as the primary muse for modern psychological thrillers.

You are sitting in a dimly lit theater at the Venice Film Festival. The credits roll for Priscilla, and for a split second, the audience forgets they are looking at a 26-year-old Australian. They see the ghost of a king. This is the 'Elordi Effect'—the ability to occupy a space so fully that your previous 'teen idol' skin simply evaporates. It is a transition fueled by a specific brand of High-Energy Logic: choosing the role that scares the audience the most.

This evolution from the sun-drenched beaches of a Netflix rom-com to the brooding, gothic moors of Wuthering Heights is no accident. Jacob has utilized a specific psychological framework to decouple his physical appearance from his artistic output. By leaning into dark, often repulsive characters like Nate Jacobs, he forces the viewer to reconcile their attraction with their discomfort, creating a high-retention cinematic experience that lingers long after the screen goes dark.

Wuthering Heights Casting: The Heathcliff Controversy

The announcement of the Wuthering Heights adaptation, directed by Emerald Fennell and starring Margot Robbie, sent the internet into a psychological tailspin. The casting of Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff is a polarizing decision that reveals a lot about our current obsession with 'dark masculinity.'

  • The adaptation reunites Elordi with director Emerald Fennell (Saltburn).
  • Margot Robbie joins the cast as Catherine Earnshaw.
  • Traditionalists argue about Elordi's height and Australian background for the Yorkshire role.
  • The film is expected to focus on the obsessive, toxic nature of the central romance.
  • Production is slated for a high-budget theatrical release via Warner Bros.

From a psychological perspective, Elordi is the perfect choice for a modern Heathcliff. Heathcliff is an archetype of the 'shadow self'—a character driven by rejection and an insatiable need for revenge. Jacob’s history of playing men who struggle with their internal darkness (Nate Jacobs) or performative charm (Felix Catton) allows him to tap into the 'Heathcliffian' intensity without falling into caricature. According to Variety, this collaboration is one of the most anticipated prestige projects for 2025, signaling a shift toward 'A-List' stability for Jacob.

When we see Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie on screen together, the chemistry is expected to be more than just romantic; it will likely be a collision of two powerhouses who understand the 'prestige pivot.' Margot has successfully moved from 'bombshell' to producer-mogul, and Jacob is following a similar trajectory, using his role in Wuthering Heights to cement his place in the literary canon of cinema.

10 Method Insights: How Jacob Elordi Becomes the Character

Jacob’s acting method is less about 'staying in character' at the grocery store and more about a deep, cerebral immersion into the period and psychology of the script. If you want to understand how he does it, look at these 10 core insights into his process.

  • The 'Monster' Archetype: Jacob often looks for the 'ugliness' in handsome characters to find their humanity.
  • Era-Specific Immersion: For Priscilla, he studied hours of Elvis’s home movies to mimic his private voice, not the stage voice.
  • Physicality as Narrative: He uses his 6'5" height to create a sense of either protection or intimidation, depending on the role.
  • Director-First Selection: He prioritizes working with 'auteurs' like Sofia Coppola and Guillermo del Toro over big paydays.
  • The 'Silent' Study: Jacob is known for taking long walks in the city of his character to understand their 'rhythm.'
  • Script Annotation: He is a notorious note-taker, filling scripts with psychological motivations for every line.
  • Wardrobe Anchoring: He uses specific costume pieces (like Nate’s shirts or Felix’s eyebrow ring) to 'click' into the persona.
  • Empathy for the Villain: He refuses to judge his characters, even the ones who do terrible things, which makes them more realistic.
  • Australian Grounding: He maintains a 'workmanlike' attitude toward acting, a trait common in the Australian film industry.
  • Intentional Mystery: He limits his social media presence to maintain a 'blank slate' for his next transformation.

This logic-based approach to acting is what differentiates a 'celebrity' from an 'actor.' Jacob is acutely aware that his looks are a tool, but his method is the engine. By focusing on the 'why' behind a character's actions—whether it's the jealousy of Heathcliff or the entitlement of Nate Jacobs—he builds a bridge of empathy that the audience can't help but cross.

Jacob Elordi Filmography: The Definitive Career Matrix

To truly appreciate the scope of his work, we must look at the filmography that has defined his career so far. This table breaks down his most significant projects and the impact they had on his trajectory.

Project TitleYearCharacterGenreKey Achievement
The Kissing Booth2018Noah FlynnRom-ComGlobal breakout success
Euphoria2019-PresentNate JacobsTeen DramaCritical acclaim for dark role
Deep Water2022Charlie De LisleThrillerFirst role with Hollywood veterans
Priscilla2023Elvis PresleyBiopicVenice Film Festival spotlight
Saltburn2023Felix Cattonpsychological thrillerViral cultural moment
The Sweet East2023IanIndie/DramaCannes Film Festival inclusion
Oh, Canada2024Leonard Fife (Young)DramaDirected by Paul Schrader
On Swift Horses2024JuliusDramaToronto Int. Film Festival debut
Wuthering Heights2025 (Expected)HeathcliffGothic RomanceMajor literary adaptation
Frankenstein2025 (Expected)The MonsterHorror/Sci-FiCollaboration with Guillermo del Toro
The Narrow Road to the Deep North2024Dorrigo EvansWar DramaFirst major lead in a limited series
2-Hearts2020ChrisRomanceFirst major theatrical lead role
The Mortuary Collection2019JakeHorrorExploring genre cinema early on
Swinging Safari2018RoosterComedyEarly Australian ensemble work
Carpe Liam2015LiamShort FilmThe very beginning of his journey

Analyzing this data, it’s clear that Jacob’s strategy involves a high degree of variety. He moves from the massive scale of Netflix to the niche artistic circles of A24 and back to the prestige studio systems. This 'oscillation' prevents him from being pigeonholed, a psychological tactic used by actors who intend to have 40-year careers rather than 4-year peaks.

From Brisbane to Hollywood: The Origin Story

Every 'overnight success' has a decade of groundwork behind it. For Jacob, the journey began in Brisbane, Australia. Growing up in a creative but grounded environment, he developed a thick skin that would eventually help him navigate the shark-infested waters of Hollywood.

  • Born in Brisbane, Queensland, to John and Melissa Elordi.
  • Attended St. Kevin's College in Melbourne, where he first found his passion for drama.
  • Influenced by classic Hollywood cinema and the works of Heath Ledger.
  • Moved to the US with very little backup plan, relying on his audition for The Kissing Booth.
  • Openly critiques the 'heartthrob' label, preferring to be judged by his craft.

Jacob has often spoken about the 'tall poppy syndrome' in Australia—the tendency to criticize those who achieve great success. This cultural background has made him incredibly humble yet fiercely protective of his privacy. According to his interview with GQ, he finds the fame aspect of his job 'absurd' and often retreats to simpler activities, like reading or photography, to maintain his mental health.

This duality—the global movie star who still feels like a 'regular guy' from Brisbane—is a huge part of his appeal. It creates a sense of authenticity that resonates with Gen Z fans who are tired of over-curated celebrity personas. When Jacob speaks about his roots, it’s with a sense of logic: 'I’m just doing a job that I happen to love.'

Style Profile: Red Carpet and Fashion Influence

In the world of 2024 fashion, Jacob Elordi is more than a model; he is an 'aesthetic architect.' His red carpet appearances and paparazzi shots have redefined modern masculine style by blending 'high-fashion' with 'utilitarian' ease.

  • The Bottega Veneta 'Andiamo' bag moment that went viral.
  • His preference for vintage-inspired, wide-leg trousers and loafers.
  • Consistent use of the 'luxury-meets-thrift' look in street style.
  • Breaking gender norms by incorporating traditionally feminine accessories.
  • The use of luxury watches (Cartier) as a signature of sophistication.

From a psychological standpoint, fashion is a form of 'enclothed cognition'—the idea that what we wear influences how we think and act. By choosing brands like Bottega Veneta and Valentino, Jacob signals that he belongs in the upper echelon of the creative class. However, by often appearing in a simple white tee and a baseball cap, he signals accessibility. This 'Push-Pull' fashion strategy keeps his image dynamic and interesting to both high-fashion editors and everyday fans.

His style is a physical manifestation of his career logic: respect the classics, but don't be afraid to add a contemporary, edgy twist. Whether he's wearing a custom suit at the Met Gala or carrying a disposable camera through LAX, every choice is a deliberate piece of the Jacob Elordi brand.

The Psychology of the Dark Heart: Why He Plays Villains

Why do we love the villains Jacob plays? From the menacing Nate Jacobs to the manipulative allure of Felix Catton, Jacob has cornered the market on 'dark heart' characters. There are five specific quotes that illustrate his mindset toward these roles.

  • "I think there’s something very human about the things we’re most afraid of."
  • "Nate Jacobs is a product of his environment, and I had to find a way to love him to play him."
  • "I don’t want to be the guy everyone wants to date; I want to be the guy who makes them think."
  • "Working with Emerald Fennell taught me that the most beautiful things can also be the most dangerous."
  • "Acting is about stripping away the vanity and seeing what's left underneath."

Psychologically, Jacob’s portrayals tap into our fascination with the 'forbidden.' Nate Jacobs represents the peak of toxic masculinity, yet Jacob’s performance allows us to see the trauma that created him. This adds layers of complexity that make the character more than just a 'bad guy.' It makes him a mirror for society’s failures.

This willingness to go 'dark' is a sign of high artistic confidence. He isn't afraid of losing his 'fanbase' by being unlikable on screen. In fact, he uses that unlikability to build a deeper, more intellectual connection with his audience, who appreciate the risk-taking involved in these performances.

What’s Next? Frankenstein, 2025 Projects, and Beyond

As we look toward 2025 and 2026, Jacob Elordi’s schedule is packed with 'bucket list' projects. The move toward horror and gothic literature suggests he is looking to challenge his physical and emotional range even further.

  • Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein: Jacob takes over the role of the Monster, a legendary character.
  • The Wuthering Heights shoot: Filming in the UK with Margot Robbie.
  • The Narrow Road to the Deep North release: A major Australian prestige series.
  • Rumored collaborations with other 'A-List' directors in the psychological thriller genre.
  • Continued expansion of his production interests behind the camera.

His trajectory suggests a 'De Niro-esque' commitment to the craft. By taking on the role of Frankenstein’s monster, he is quite literally shedding his 'pretty boy' image to play one of the most physically demanding and tragic figures in literary history. This is the ultimate 'prestige pivot.'

For fans of Jacob Elordi, the future is bright but brooding. He has successfully navigated the most difficult transition in Hollywood, proving that with the right combination of logic, method, and a little bit of dark charm, you can go from the 'Kissing Booth' to the annals of cinema history. Keep an eye on his project choices—they are the blueprints for the next decade of film excellence.

FAQ

1. Who is Jacob Elordi playing in Wuthering Heights?

Jacob Elordi has been cast as the iconic character Heathcliff in the upcoming adaptation of Wuthering Heights, directed by Emerald Fennell. He will star alongside Margot Robbie, who will play Catherine Earnshaw. The project has generated significant buzz due to the duo's star power and Fennell's reputation for subversive storytelling.

2. How tall is Jacob Elordi in feet and cm?

Jacob Elordi is exceptionally tall, standing at approximately 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm). His height has become a signature physical trait, often influencing the way directors frame him in scenes and how he portrays dominant or imposing characters like Nate Jacobs in Euphoria.

3. Are Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie dating?

While there have been many fan rumors, there is no official confirmation that Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie are dating. They are currently professional collaborators, starring together in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Wuthering Heights. Jacob is known to be private about his romantic life.

4. What are Jacob Elordi's best movies and TV shows?

Jacob Elordi's best-known works include the HBO series Euphoria, the psychological thriller Saltburn, and the biopic Priscilla. Other notable films in his filmography include The Kissing Booth trilogy and the upcoming Frankenstein directed by Guillermo del Toro.

5. Is Jacob Elordi Australian or British?

Jacob Elordi is Australian. He was born and raised in Brisbane, Queensland, and began his acting career in the Australian film industry before moving to the United States for his breakout role in The Kissing Booth.

6. Who did Jacob Elordi play in Euphoria?

Jacob Elordi played Nate Jacobs in the HBO hit series Euphoria. Nate is a complex, troubled high school athlete whose character explores themes of toxic masculinity, repressed identity, and aggression, earning Jacob significant critical acclaim.

7. Did Jacob Elordi use a method acting approach for Saltburn?

While not a traditional 'method actor' in the extreme sense, Jacob Elordi utilized a deep immersion strategy for Saltburn. He focused on understanding the psychological entitlement and effortless charm of his character, Felix Catton, to create a performance that felt both authentic and unsettling.

8. What is Jacob Elordi's next movie in 2025?

In 2025, Jacob Elordi is expected to star in Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein as the Monster and in the new adaptation of Wuthering Heights. These roles represent his continued commitment to prestige, dark-themed cinematic projects.

9. How did Jacob Elordi get famous?

Jacob Elordi rose to international fame through his role as Noah Flynn in the Netflix original movie The Kissing Booth. However, he successfully pivoted to prestige stardom through his challenging role as Nate Jacobs in the HBO series Euphoria.

10. What did Jacob Elordi say about The Kissing Booth?

Jacob Elordi has expressed mixed feelings about The Kissing Booth, famously stating in interviews that he wanted to do 'serious' work and initially felt that the rom-com genre didn't align with his long-term artistic goals, though he remains grateful for the opportunity it provided.

References

variety.comVariety: Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie Join Wuthering Heights

imdb.comIMDb: Jacob Elordi Filmography and Awards

gq.comGQ: The Ascent of Jacob Elordi