Jacob Elordi experienced a medical emergency on the set of Wuthering Heights after sustaining a second-degree burn caused by a change in his shower routine, the actor revealed in a recent interview. The 28-year-old, who stars as Heathcliff in the film, shared how the injury occurred while he was trying to clean himself more thoroughly at the end of the day.
While preparing for his role in Frankenstein, Elordi had to endure extensive makeup sessions lasting up to 10 hours, which left him unwilling to wash off the heavy makeup regularly. However, his approach was very different during the filming of Wuthering Heights, where his character was depicted as covered in dirt and grime, prompting him to take better care of his skin.
Details Behind the Shower Burn Incident
Elordi explained that unlike his experience playing the Creature in Frankenstein, where he was frequently coated in thick makeup, his role as Heathcliff involved being “covered in mange and dirt.” This led him to clean his feet thoroughly each night to arrive fresh on set the next day. This new routine, however, resulted in an unfortunate accident. While leaning back to wash his feet, he accidentally leaned into the hot steam knob of the shower, causing intense pain and a severe burn across his back that required hospitalization.
He recounted the moment of injury, stating,
“So I went to clean my feet, and I leant back and my back seared into the steam knob and I stood up screaming; it tore up my back.”
Jacob Elordi
On-Set Atmosphere and Preparation for Heathcliff’s Role
The burn incident took place while makeup artist Siân Miller was applying fake scars to Elordi’s back for the film, striving to enhance the realism of Heathcliff’s rugged appearance. Miller remarked on the dedication to authenticity with,
“If Daniel Day-Lewis was playing Heathcliff, he would have come in with scars.”
Siân Miller
In response to this expectation, Elordi humorously declared,
“Well I’m going to go away and maim myself on the weekend to prove to you that I’m Heathcliff!”
Jacob Elordi
This attitude toward embodying the character was noted as an intense and almost spiritual commitment by director Emerald Fennell during filming.
Wuthering Heights Press Tour and Premiere Highlights
The film’s promotional tour recently began, with Elordi and co-star Margot Robbie making a strong impression at the Los Angeles premiere on January 28. Their appearances highlighted the movie’s dark romantic atmosphere, with Elordi wearing a classic all-black suit by Bottega Veneta, while Robbie captivated attendees in a dramatic lace ombré gown by Schiaparelli. Robbie accessorized with the Cartier Taj Mahal necklace from the Elizabeth Taylor Archive and Estate, adding a touch of vintage glamour to the event.
Significance of Elordi’s Experience and Anticipation for the Film
Jacob Elordi’s shower burn incident underscores the physical challenges actors sometimes endure when deeply inhabiting demanding roles. His dedication to portraying Heathcliff genuinely, even at the cost of personal injury, reflects a commitment that mirrors the intensity of the character himself. As Wuthering Heights continues its promotion ahead of the upcoming Oscar season, where Elordi is a 2026 nominee, audiences and critics alike are eager to see how this dedication translates on screen.
The injury also raises awareness about the unforeseen risks involved in film production, reminding viewers of the exhaustive physical efforts behind cinematic performances. Moving forward, the film’s reception during the press tour and premieres is expected to shape its success during awards season and solidify Elordi’s rising status in Hollywood.
