Jacob Elordi on preparing for The Narrow Road to the Deep North sheds light on his intense journey as an actor returning to his Australian roots for a role that required both emotional depth and physical endurance. Starring as World War II prisoner of war Lt. Col. Dorrigo Evans in the upcoming Prime Video miniseries, Elordi shares how this project, based on Richard Flanagan’s acclaimed novel, impacted him personally and professionally.
Taking on a Career-Defining Role in a Familiar Land
Australian actor Jacob Elordi, widely recognized for his work in Saltburn and Priscilla, steps into the role of Dorrigo Evans, a character navigating the brutal realities of a Japanese POW camp during World War II. The series is set in Elordi’s hometown and brings him back to Australia, creating a unique resonance between the actor and the setting. Elordi reveals that the opportunity to collaborate with director Justin Kurzel was a long-held dream. He received a letter from Kurzel, a filmmaker he admired since his teenage years, inviting him to join the project. Eager and inspired, Elordi immersed himself in the source material immediately. He describes the moment as one where it felt as if a lifelong ambition had materialized with the chance to play a role that held personal significance, alongside a filmmaker he deeply respected.
The Process of Preparing for Dorrigo Evans
Preparation for Dorrigo Evans demanded a blend of intense research, physical transformation, and emotional authenticity. Elordi initially flew to Melbourne to meet with Justin Kurzel shortly after being offered the role. Admitting to anxiety whenever approached by a director he respects, Elordi spent significant time familiarizing himself with the character. He arrived at the initial meeting ready, having read books about surgeons and the Burma Railway, hoping to prove his dedication. Kurzel, however, emphasized the importance of being genuine on set, pushing Elordi to rely less on research and more on truthfulness. The director set up an environment akin to live theater to encourage realism; once actors left hair and makeup, they were marched to the set in character, where the guards were already present and immersed in their roles.
Transforming Physically and Mentally for the Role
The role’s demands extended beyond emotional preparation. Elordi participated in a rigorous six-week “prisoner bootcamp” under the supervision of nutritionists and trainers. The regime involved significant weight loss, echoing the deprivation experienced by prisoners of war. According to Elordi, as physical hunger set in, daily worries faded, replaced by immediate concerns focused on survival and the wellbeing of fellow cast members—most of whom were young men who put their lives on hold and underwent dramatic physical changes for authenticity. Elordi expresses immense pride in the dedication of his co-stars, crediting their collective transformation with heightening the reality of their performances.
Returning to Australia and Embracing Authenticity
Working on an Australian production held particular significance for Elordi. After years of global projects, he appreciated the authenticity of performing with his natural accent and local sensibilities. This experience also led him to a realization: American actors often perform using their native voices, a luxury he had not fully embraced until returning home. The “immediacy” of dialogue in his own accent provided a sense of relief, enhancing his connection to the role and the story’s Australian identity.
Moving from the Depths of War to a Legendary Monster
Elordi’s role in The Narrow Road to the Deep North was immediately followed by another transformative part—playing the creature in Guillermo del Toro’s upcoming Frankenstein adaptation. Halfway through filming the harrowing war scenes, Elordi was contacted about reading for Frankenstein. The transition was not just a shift in characters but became an interconnected experience for the actor. He notes that in portraying Dorrigo Evans, he felt he had embodied the most human character of his career, “dying as a man” at the end of the project. This allowed him a unique rebirth, as he moved on to play a character needing to be rebuilt both physically and spiritually from the ground up. Elordi describes this progression as unexpectedly unified, with his experience of hunger and deprivation in the POW camps flowing directly into the isolation and reinvention required for Frankenstein’s monster.
Camaraderie On and Off Set
The bond formed among cast members extended beyond the script. After months of controlled diets and physical tribulation, the relief was palpable once filming ended. Elordi recounts how he and the other actors celebrated by indulging in favorite foods like sushi train and fried chicken, only to quickly realize the toll extreme weight loss had taken on their bodies. The shared trials and recovery periods fostered a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among the ensemble.
Continuing to Build a Distinguished Career
Jacob Elordi’s journey through demanding roles and challenging productions is emblematic of his commitment to the craft and the layered, complex work he brings to each character. Collaborations with notable filmmakers like Justin Kurzel and Guillermo del Toro signal Elordi’s ongoing rise as a versatile talent. The authenticity and emotional resonance he seeks in his roles, especially in projects deeply connected to his background, are setting new benchmarks for his career.
Impact of Deeply Personal Storytelling
The Narrow Road to the Deep North emerges as more than just a conventional war drama—it’s a story of survival, transformation, and personal meaning for its lead actor. For Elordi, embracing the reality of Australian history and returning to his hometown provided not only a professional challenge but also a chance for reflection and growth. As audiences anticipate the miniseries and Elordi’s subsequent portrayal in Frankenstein, the trajectory of his career continues to capture attention, setting expectations for more nuanced and powerful performances in the future.
