Jacob Elordi's Secret Weapon Against Intense Acting Roles
The Euphoria actor opens up about his emotional outlet and thoughtful career choices that set him apart from typical Hollywood heartthrobs.
Jacob Elordi isn't your typical pretty-face actor. The Euphoria breakout has built a reputation as a serious performer who seeks out challenging projects with acclaimed directors. Even while filming his most demanding role yet, he found time to watch a beloved classic that serves as his emotional reset button.
HBO's Euphoria launched Zendaya into superstardom, but it also introduced audiences to Elordi as a compelling leading man. Instead of cashing in on his popularity with easy romantic comedies or superhero franchises, he's chosen a path that mirrors respected British actors like Ralph Fiennes and Gary Oldman.
From Elvis to Frankenstein
Just one year after Austin Butler's Oscar-nominated turn as Elvis, Elordi tackled the King of Rock'n'Roll from a completely different angle. Sofia Coppola's Priscilla showed Elvis through his wife's eyes, with Elordi delivering a more vulnerable, troubled portrayal alongside Cailee Spaeny.
His momentum continued with Emerald Fennell's divisive class commentary Saltburn, followed by a supporting role in Paul Schrader's overlooked historical drama Oh, Canada. But his most transformative performance came in Guillermo del Toro's 2025 Frankenstein adaptation.
Despite being known for his looks, Elordi disappeared completely into the creature role. Del Toro's version allowed him to bring unprecedented depth and humanity to the character. The performance has already earned him major awards recognition, with Oscar buzz building for the coming months.
Preparing for Heathcliff
Elordi's biggest challenge lies ahead with his return to working with Fennell on Wuthering Heights. Playing Heathcliff in Emily Brontë's adaptation comes with enormous pressure and has already sparked debate among literary fans.
To handle the intensity of such demanding roles, Elordi revealed his unusual coping mechanism to W Magazine. He turns to Ang Lee's Sense and Sensibility, calling it the one film guaranteed to make him cry. The 1995 Jane Austen adaptation helps him emotionally retreat from his most challenging characters.
Lee's film remains one of the finest Austen adaptations ever made. The Taiwanese director brought unexpected sensitivity to 18th-century England, drawing brilliant performances from Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, and Kate Winslet in her breakout role. A new version starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and George MacKay hits theaters this fall, though it faces tough competition against the beloved original.
Unlike previous Heathcliff portrayals, Elordi won't be measured against one definitive performance. This freedom might just allow him to create something entirely his own.