Jacob Elordi, the Australian actor known for his darker, more complex roles, recently opened up about working alongside Margot Robbie and the intense experience of filming the upcoming adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel, Wuthering Heights. Speaking from London during the final stages of post-production, Elordi highlighted Margot Robbie’s magnetic power on set, a key element in bringing their characters to life.
From Teen Heartthrob to Complex Leading Man
Elordi’s rise to prominence evolved from early roles as a teen idol in projects like The Kissing Booth and HBO’s Euphoria, to more demanding performances that showcase his depth and range. 2023 saw him portray Elvis Presley in Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla, and last year, he appeared in the TV adaptation of Richard Flanagan’s Booker Prize-winning novel, The Narrow Road to the Deep North. Yet it was the film Saltburn, directed by Emerald Fennell, that marked a turning point—an opportunity for Elordi to reveal his emotional intelligence and powerful screen presence.
Emerald Fennell, the film’s director and a respected figure in Hollywood, cast Elordi in Saltburn, recognizing his ability to oscillate between satire and seduction. This casting cemented his status as a modern leading man. It was also during this project that Fennell envisioned Elordi as Heathcliff for her much-anticipated Wuthering Heights adaptation, ultimately inviting him to take on the role alongside Margot Robbie’s Cathy.
Collaboration with Emerald Fennell and the Spirit of the Moors
Throughout their collaboration, the professional and personal bond between Elordi and Fennell clearly strengthened, despite their physical proximity during the interview being just a short distance apart in London. Fennell’s passion for this gothic tale is reflected in the film’s dark, romantic, and haunting aesthetic, accompanied by a striking soundtrack from Charli XCX. Elordi accepted the role of Heathcliff with little hesitation, drawn by the emotional and thematic weight of the story.
Both described a deeply immersive filming experience, set in the evocative moors of Yorkshire. Elordi shared,
I felt something spiritual when we got to the moors for the first time. You can see where the book came from. You can feel it
— Jacob Elordi. This connection to the landscape underscored the authenticity and intensity they sought in portraying Brontë’s characters.
The Haunting Atmosphere and On-Set Challenges
The production was marked by eerie occurrences that contributed to the film’s atmospheric tension. Fennell recounted multiple ghostly incidents on set, including unexplained noises and a persistent tapping on a colleague’s forehead during the night, which her cinematographer Linus Sandgren also experienced with a television mysteriously turning on and off. Elordi joked about these happenings, adding a lighthearted tone to the otherworldly mood enveloping the team.
Elordi committed deeply to his character, reportedly sustaining a second-degree burn on his back after accidentally pressing against a hot steam knob while cleaning himself, an injury he endured during the first week of shooting. Producer Josey McNamara’s initial concern was palpable:
Oh my god, he’s had a car accident,
she texted, before learning the cause of the injury. The dedication Elordi displayed became emblematic of his immersion into the role of Heathcliff.
Early Ambitions and the Road to Acting
Recalling his beginnings, Elordi shared anecdotes about his childhood in Brisbane, Australia, growing up in a modest family with three older sisters and parents working ordinary jobs. His mother played a pivotal role in encouraging his pursuit of acting and modeling, dreaming of a glamorous future for him, jokingly linked to the film Magic Mike:
My mother was intent on me being a model or an actor — one or the other — because she thought that both meant you would be Magic Mike
— Jacob Elordi.
He recounted how winning “Fashions on the Field,” a fashion contest at the Melbourne Cup horse racing event, twice granted him trips to Dubai. It was during one such journey that he claimed to have seen a ghost, an experience that added a layer of the mystical to his personal narrative. His entry into acting was further influenced by his exposure to plays such as Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, which resonated with his adolescent struggles and awakening to existential questions.
The Creative Process with Emerald Fennell
Elordi and Fennell’s working relationship was characterized by trust and a shared willingness to explore uncomfortable or unconventional territory. Fennell explained her need to “do a cunt check”—a candid assessment to ensure her collaborators were emotionally grounded enough to handle intense material. This openness helped Elordi feel safe to express vulnerability and take creative risks.
The audition process for Saltburn was particularly memorable for both: Elordi’s unguarded and cringe-worthy portrayal of Felix Catton stood out amid other more stylized auditions. This authenticity caught Fennell’s attention, distinguishing him from the typical Hollywood charisma. Elordi recalled passionately that this role rekindled his love for acting and allowed him to showcase his talents beyond earlier teen roles.
The Experience of Filming Wuthering Heights
Filming Wuthering Heights was both daunting and exhilarating for Elordi, especially acting opposite the globally renowned Margot Robbie. Fennell described the scale of the production with reverence, acknowledging the high stakes involved:
Shit, I’m in charge of this.
— Emerald Fennell. Despite the pressure, Elordi committed to thorough preparation, though admitting a persistent imposter syndrome motivated by the intensity of the project and the efforts of the large crew.
Elordi expressed admiration for Robbie’s natural talent and presence, noting how she effortlessly drew attention on set:
Margot… She just creeps in.
Their frequent interactions during filming and social gatherings further emphasized her magnetic pull. Fennell humorously portrayed the waiting game around Robbie’s presence as akin to waiting for Princess Diana to greet guests.
The Emotional Impact of the Film
Both Elordi and Fennell shared that Wuthering Heights was designed to evoke strong emotional reactions, aiming for an experience that would deeply move its audience. Elordi recounted watching the film with his mother and being overwhelmed by its power:
You cannot miss one second of this opportunity.
and described the film as “relentlessly sad and sensitive.” This shared intensity highlights the level of emotional investment involved in the project.
Elordi praised the artistic decisions made to ensure the film received a proper theatrical release, emphasizing the importance of communal cinematic experiences in a post-Covid world. Fennell added that Charli XCX’s soundtrack played a vital role in capturing an emotional vibrancy, encouraging audiences to connect and feel alive again.
Reflections on Acting and Creativity
Elordi and Fennell discussed the challenges and rewards of a career in acting, touching on the vulnerability required and the personal growth through creative work. Elordi admitted to moments of creative exhaustion but found renewed energy in seeing the full results of projects like Wuthering Heights and Frankenstein. His persistence and willingness to embrace risk helped him evolve from a hopeful teenager to an actor recognized for depth and complexity.
Fennell commended Elordi’s willingness to explore “interesting and sticky and dark” roles, emphasizing that his unique qualities make him stand out as an actor unafraid to push boundaries. Elordi agreed that his attraction to distinctive, committed artists drives his choices and fuels his passion for the craft.
Character Insight and Personal Honesty
In their candid conversation, Elordi also revealed a facet of his personality when Fennell asked if he considered himself a liar, cheat, or thief. His straightforward answer was
Liar.
This moment of levity underscored the openness that defined their dialogue throughout, revealing an actor comfortable with his complexities and contradictions.
Looking Forward: The Release and Legacy of Wuthering Heights
Wuthering Heights is scheduled for release on February 13, just before Valentine’s Day, promising to bring audiences a dark, intense, and emotionally charged retelling of Brontë’s story. The film benefits from the talents of director Emerald Fennell, lead actors Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie, and a dedicated team responsible for crafting its evocative world, including cinematographer Linus Sandgren and makeup artist Siân Miller.
The collaboration has already left a strong impression on Elordi, who expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work on such a significant project and to share the screen with Robbie. Their dynamic and her magnetic power played a crucial role in shaping the film’s energy, hinting at a release that will captivate and move viewers.
As Elordi continues to navigate his career, roles like Heathcliff and Frankenstein showcase his desire to challenge himself artistically and connect deeply with audiences. In the changing landscape of cinema, projects like Wuthering Heights offer a reminder of the power of storytelling to evoke emotion and create communal experiences, a goal both Elordi and Fennell passionately embrace.
