Jacob Elordi, the Australian actor known for his transition from teen heartthrob to intense dramatic roles, recently opened up about working alongside Margot Robbie in the film adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel Wuthering Heights. Currently in post-production at Warner Bros’ Soho office in London, this project reunites Elordi and Robbie in a story steeped in dark romance and emotional complexity. Elordi, meanwhile, is balancing his commitment to this film with his role as Frankenstein’s monster in Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation, for which he has received a Golden Globe nomination. The focus keyword for this story, Margot Robbie magnetic power, emerges naturally through Elordi’s admiration and experience filming with Robbie.
Both Elordi and Emerald Fennell, the director of Wuthering Heights, shared their insights on the film during a video call from nearby London locations. Their connection hints at the close working relationship behind the intense and atmospheric production of the movie. Elordi’s career, originating from Brisbane with humble family roots, has evolved dramatically, marking a shift to weighty and demanding parts.
From Teen Roles to Complex Characters: Elordi’s Career Evolution
Elordi’s early career included familiar roles in teen dramas such as the romantic-comedy franchise The Kissing Booth and the provocative HBO series Euphoria, where he portrayed the troubled character Nate Jacobs. However, 2023 and the years leading up to it have defined a shift for Elordi toward roles requiring depth and intensity. His portrayal of Elvis Presley in Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla and his appearance in the television adaptation of Richard Flanagan’s Booker Prize-winning novel The Narrow Road to the Deep North have demonstrated his range.
The film Saltburn marked a critical turning point. Directed by Emerald Fennell, the drama unveiled Elordi’s capability for magnetism, subtle satire, and emotional complexity, reshaping his reputation as a leading man. Fennell credits casting him as a pivotal choice, noting his ability to embody both charm and vulnerability.
Emerald Fennell’s Vision and Elordi’s Commitment to Heathcliff
Fennell, known for her own acting background and award-winning work behind the camera, saw beyond Elordi’s previous roles and envisioned him as Heathcliff, the brooding antihero of Brontë’s novel. She reached out to him with the part, which Elordi embraced enthusiastically. Their synergy promises a film that captures the gothic tale’s fierce passion, pain, and haunting allure, enhanced further by Charli XCX’s evocative soundtrack.
Despite their busy schedules and separate locations for the interview—Fennell at the Warner Bros offices and Elordi at an undisclosed London hotel—they displayed a warm, familiar rapport. Their rapport carries through the anticipation of the film’s release just before Valentine’s Day, cementing their professional bond and shared excitement for the project’s reception.
On-Set Experiences and Spiritual Encounters During Filming
The filming of Wuthering Heights was marked by several peculiar happenings that heightened the eerie atmosphere both on and off screen. Fennell recounted multiple unexplained disturbances in the Yorkshire hotels where the cast stayed, including mysterious taps and televisions turning on and off unprompted. Elordi shared a story about a physical injury he sustained when he accidentally burned himself on a steam knob while trying to maintain a clean appearance as Heathcliff, a stark contrast to the character’s rugged, dirt-covered portrayal.
“If Daniel Day-Lewis was playing Heathcliff, he would have come in with scars.”
– Jacob Elordi, Actor
“Well I’m going to go away and maim myself on the weekend to prove to you that I’m Heathcliff!”
– Jacob Elordi, Actor
These experiences and discomforts contributed to Elordi’s immersion in the character and the world of the moors, where the story’s haunting inspiration became tangible. He described feeling a spiritual connection to the landscape, stating,
“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, Actor
Jacob Elordi’s Early Ambitions and the Road to Acting
Elordi’s entry into acting and modeling was partly inspired by his mother, Melissa, who encouraged him to pursue these careers with hopes of stardom famously linked to the idea of becoming “Magic Mike.” This led to his youthful participation in events like the Melbourne Cup’s Fashions on the Field, which he won twice, earning trips such as to Dubai.
“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, Actor
Elordi fondly recalled the intersection of his travels with supernatural experiences, humorously dubbing his memoir I Saw a Ghost in Dubai. It’s clear that these moments of vulnerability and passion have shaped his approach to performance.
Collaborating with Emerald Fennell and Finding Creative Trust
The relationship between Elordi and Fennell extends beyond typical actor-director dynamics, built on mutual trust and shared creative vision. Their first collaboration on Saltburn set a foundation for deeper artistic endeavors, with Fennell praising Elordi’s fearless willingness to embrace awkwardness and authenticity.
“You were unafraid to be cringe as Felix. Everyone else came in with an unlit ciggy, and they were fucking louche and sexy and doing this sort of Brideshead thing. You came in and you were every boy I’d ever met in a shit provincial nightclub.”
– Emerald Fennell, Director
For Elordi, the invitation to read for Wuthering Heights came quickly and without hesitation, reinforcing his excitement to engage with complex roles and collaborative filmmaking.
The Emotional Impact of Reading and Performing Wuthering Heights
Elordi recounted the emotional weight of reading the Wuthering Heights script, describing a moment when he became so moved he cried over the pages late at night in an Airbnb. Fennell echoed the intention behind the film: to evoke raw, intense feelings from its audience, reminding viewers of the power of shared experiences through cinema.
“You cannot miss one second of this opportunity.”
– Jacob Elordi, Actor
Both spoke about the significance of maintaining the film’s theatrical and communal spirit, especially following the isolating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, noting the renewed hunger for emotional and visceral connection in movie theaters.
Margot Robbie’s Unforgettable Presence on Set
Elordi revealed how Margot Robbie’s presence on set was quietly powerful, almost magnetic. He described moments waiting for Robbie to come near him during group scenes, reflecting her effortless charisma and talent. Fennell, who has closely observed Robbie for the past year, praised her exceptional skill and captivating screen presence.
“The thing is, I have looked at her face for the last year, and I still want to look at this face for the rest of my life. She’s so talented it’s a joke.”
– Emerald Fennell, Director
Elordi’s admiration for Robbie underscores the impact her “magnetic power” has on the production atmosphere and, by extension, the film’s emotional intensity.
Balancing Fame, Pressure, and Creative Passion
Despite rising fame and the accompanying pressures, Elordi remains focused and introspective about his craft. He acknowledged feelings of nervousness and imposter syndrome, especially working on a large-scale project like Wuthering Heights alongside major industry figures like Margot Robbie.
He detailed the importance of preparation and respecting the hundreds of people contributing to the film’s creation, bearing the responsibility to deliver a meaningful performance. This humility contrasts with his public image as a confident leading man.
Emerald Fennell on Risk-Taking and Artistic Exploration with Elordi
Fennell emphasized her desire to collaborate with actors willing to push boundaries and embrace complexity, describing Elordi as exactly that kind of talent — “interesting and sticky and dark.” She highlighted the rarity of actors who can combine beauty with a fearless dive into challenging roles, positioning this film as both emotionally romantic and unapologetically tough.
“Jacob, for all your beauty and all of your enormous height that we shan’t mention, the thing is you’re actually a little fucking weirdo. What you want to do is get interesting and sticky and dark, and that’s what this movie is.”
– Emerald Fennell, Director
Elordi, in turn, expressed his attraction to collaborators who think deeply and act decisively, reinforcing the shared commitment to creating distinctive, memorable work.
Looking Ahead: The Significance of Wuthering Heights and Its Impact
Wuthering Heights, scheduled for release on February 13, promises to deliver a deeply emotional cinematic experience that blends gothic romance with nuanced performances. The collaboration between Jacob Elordi, Margot Robbie, and Emerald Fennell brings together a dynamic of magnetic talent and visionary storytelling aimed at revitalizing classic literature for contemporary audiences.
The film’s rich emotional landscape, underscored by the evocative soundtrack from Charli XCX and its spiritual resonance with the English moors, is set to attract viewers seeking both beauty and intensity in cinema. In a world still recovering from the isolating effects of the recent global crisis, this communal experience of shared sorrow, passion, and artistry may hold special power.
For Jacob Elordi, this project marks a milestone in his career, embodying a culmination of years spent navigating fame, risk, and personal growth. The magnetism of Margot Robbie on set also underscores the collaborative energy driving the film’s creative engine, illustrating how star power and humility can coexist to produce powerful art.
