Australian actor Jacob Elordi has opened up about the intense fear and pressure he experienced while preparing for his role as Heathcliff in the film adaptation of Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights. Speaking to Esquire UK, Elordi discussed the challenge of stepping into a major production and how his acting fear was heightened by the scale and expectations surrounding the project.
Facing Doubts and the Weight of Large-Scale Production
Elordi described feeling nervous about the large crew and grand sets involved in the movie. He expressed how the responsibility to honor the efforts of hundreds of people involved added to his anxiety.
“There’s 600 people there that have put so much work and effort in, who’ve toiled and waited and not seen their families, and then you need to come in and put a layer onto the cake,”
he said, emphasizing the weight of that pressure.
He also admitted to struggling with an ongoing sense of impostor syndrome in his craft.
“There will probably always be an imposter element to acting for me.”
– Jacob Elordi, Actor
Elordi further explained how he meticulously prepares for roles but acknowledged that no amount of research can fully eliminate doubt.
“I try to make sure I’ve turned every stone and looked in every corner before playing a character, but the truth is you can’t,”
he reflected. His anxiety often stems from questioning whether he has studied or read enough to deliver an authentic performance.
Early Influences and the Role of Theatre at Boarding School
Looking back on his formative years, Elordi shared memories of attending a strict boarding school in Australia. He described those years as very restrictive and recalled turning to subversive films and literature as an escape.
“The only way out was through watching subversive films or reading subversive books,”
he explained, highlighting how cinema and theatre provided a way to experience freedom.
The actor also commented on how school plays became a rare opportunity for personal expression.
“If you’re at a very strict school, plays are the only time you can swear and, like, touch people.”
– Jacob Elordi, Actor
Elordi found early encouragement in acting, noting that he had more courage as a teenager and enjoyed receiving praise for his non-sports activities. One key moment that inspired him was reading Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot.
“But the thing that made me want to act was when I read Waiting for Godot.”
– Jacob Elordi, Actor
Collaboration with Emerald Fennell and Role Preparation
The interview with Esquire UK was conducted by Emerald Fennell, who directed Elordi in Wuthering Heights as well as in the film Saltburn. Their ongoing professional relationship allowed Elordi to reflect on his growth as an actor and the complexities of embodying iconic literary characters such as Heathcliff, opposite Margot Robbie’s Catherine Earnshaw.
Significance of Elordi’s Insights on Acting Pressure
Jacob Elordi’s candid account sheds light on the uncertain and sometimes daunting experience behind high-profile acting roles. His reflections reveal the internal struggles many actors face, including questions of self-worth and preparation. As he continues to take on challenging roles, the balance between pressure and passion remains a central theme in his evolving career.
Elordi’s openness about his fears and the emotional weight of acting may resonate with others in creative fields, while also offering fans a deeper understanding of the human side of performance art. The March/April issue of Esquire UK, featuring Elordi on the cover, further explores these themes and is available from February 18.
