2026 has been a lucky run for Jacob Elordi. He has appeared in the critically challenged Wuthering Heights and Euphoria, and his relationship with Kendall Jenner has kept him in the spotlight. Starting as a teen heartthrob on Netflix, Elordi has charted a quaint rise. Here’s a breakdown of how he transformed from an unknown set extra into a generational heartthrob.
Jacob Elordi, an Australian boy
Elordi is a quintessential Aussie who grew up with an avid interest in acting. He pursued rugby and basketball, aiding his masculine looks and stature. Besides, he had been a regular at school musicals and acting classes. He found his inspiration in Heath Ledger’s performance in The Dark Knight, and thus started early on with his American accent, modelling it after Vin Diesel.
Origins: The Kissing Booth, 2018
With a raspy accent, brown eyes, and 6.5 feet height, Elordi captured hearts as the lead of Netflix’s chick flick, The Kissing Booth. Noah Flynn’s charm quickly made him the poster boy for a whole new generation, following in the cult footsteps of Robert Pattinson in Twilight.
Furthermore, his role as a “bad-boy jock” and as a natural with ladies brought him widespread fame. Despite receiving negative reviews from critics, it launched Elordi’s career.
His relationship with the lead actress, Joey King, became the new talk of the town.
However, apart from giving him the title of a “sex symbol”, the 3 part Netflix film did nothing to amplify his “acting” career. In a later interview with GQ, Elordi vocalised the ridiculousness of the films and how he was overly objectified.
Thus, his looks gave him mileage, but Elordi was meant to be a bigger star.
Breakthrough: Euphoria, 2019
The controlling, manipulative, violent, and unlikeable Nate Jacobs gave Elordi the vital push. He was meant to be hated from the pilot episode. Elordi donned the shoes with much ease.
Noah’s charm quickly dissolved into Nate’s cockiness.
Elordi himself described Nate as a “narcissistic sociopath.” However, critics lauded his acting. Maanya Sachdeva of The Guardian described it as an “impressive career pivot” for him.
People hated his character, giving Elordi the boost he needed. Yet his image as a “sex symbol” remained constant with Nate’s chiselled looks and dashing bad boy personality. The toxicity enamoured audiences.
His dating life with Zendaya also made headlines, along with the show.
Whereas it was supposed to be Elordi’s last audition, Euphoria turned out to be a game-changer for him.
Priscilla: Jacob Elordi’s Elvis
After a few more failed stints, Elordi hopped into more serious roles. His next stint as Elvis Presley in Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla in 2023 grabbed attention.
Elordi was unwilling to play the role due to the theatrics, while Coppola specifically wanted him due to his “effect on women.” However, this was too good an opportunity to be blown away.
Priscilla premiered at the 80th Venice International Film Festival, earning positive praise. Marlow Stern of Rolling Stone noted that Elordi’s Elvis felt more grounded in reality. The role earned him a nomination for “The Drama Movie Star of the Year” at the People’s Choice Awards.
Saltburn and the solidification of his role as a Sex Symbol
Jacob’s casting and role in Saltburn felt like a teenage dream come true. Portrayed in neon lights and as the male equivalent of the manic pixie dream girl, Felix Catton was a sight to behold.
The majesty of his appearance was reinvented by Emreld Fennel in the movie. Angel wings, toned body, fluffy hair – he was a Pinteresty vision.
Instagram was flooded with edits of Elordi in a nightclub – a dreamy, ephemeral being. Critics described it as a “star-making role” for the young actor.
He rightly earned a nomination for the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. His acting career was all set up. All he needed was a breakaway from the magnificence of his appearance.
Frankenstein and the Reformation of Jacob Elordi
Elordi’s casting in del Toro’s Frankenstein raised questions over his acting credibility. He had one chance to go beyond his appearance and act in a challenging role.
Jacob portrayed Frankenstein’s Creature with a softness and virility hitherto unknown to his characters. The bandage-clad creature, its unsculpted movements, and facial expressions gave Elordi a chance to reinvent the creature as well as his acting pedigree.
Meanwhile, clad in rags, with a deformed body, and long, unruly hair, it challenged the very roles that Hollywood has set aside for Elordi. He was no longer an eye candy teenage sex symbol – rather a proficient actor with an ability to metamorphose.
Therefore, Elordi, with his acting prowess, made the movie more about him than it was supposed to be. It earned him an Academy and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Wuthering Heights and controversies
Emerald Fennell’s unfaithful adaptation of Emily Brontë’s gothic novel of the same name sparked controversies as Elordi was set to portray a person of colour. Additionally, the screenplay disregarded racist overtones, which garnered significant negative criticism.
The sensual chemistry between Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi drove critics and audiences, but it failed to make a derivative impact.
Final Words on Jacob Elordi
From a teen heartthrob to a promising actor, Jacob Elordi has steadily climbed to the top of Hollywood. Gabriella Paiella of GQ noted that he possesses “classic, undeniable leading man looks.” As a result, he has emerged as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after leading men today.
Moreover, his striking screen presence has defined his rising stardom. However, he still needs to take on more challenging and diverse roles if he wants to firmly establish himself as a long-lasting and versatile actor.
Meanwhile, on the personal front, his dating rumours with Kendall Jenner have generated renewed public interest. From private outings to appearances at Coachella and Oscar parties, the pair has reportedly been figuring things out together. Consequently, his connection to the Kardashian-Jenner circle has drawn even more attention to the career he has built through years of hard work and persistence.
Ultimately, only time will reveal where both his career and personal life lead next.
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