During the early stages of filming the adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel Wuthering Heights, actor Jacob Elordi, who portrays Heathcliff, sustained a serious injury that resulted in hospitalization. The injury occurred on set in January 2024 and highlighted the physical demands he endured in fully embodying the complex antihero character.
Accidental Burn Results in Hospital Stay During Production
Jacob Elordi’s commitment to his role as Heathcliff nearly took a dangerous turn when he suffered a second-degree burn on his back. The injury happened off-camera but while he was preparing for the physically intense scenes. According to Elordi, the steam knob of a shower in the house where he was staying caused the burn. He explained the accident arose as he was sitting on the floor of the steam shower after long days on set, covered in makeup that simulated Heathcliff’s dirtied and mangy appearance, hoping to return refreshed the next day.
Elordi said,
“So I went to clean my feet, and I leant back and my back seared into the steam knob,”
recalling the sudden pain.
“And I stood up screaming; it tore up my back. When I went to work on Monday I had a second-degree burn.”
This resulted in a brief hospitalization, which surprised the film’s director Emerald Fennell initially until she was reassured of his well-being.
Emerald Fennell said,
“I think that was in the first week of shooting. I got a text from Josey McNamara, the producer, saying, ‘Jacob’s in hospital.’ Obviously, I thought, ‘Oh my God, he’s had a car accident,’ and then he was like, ‘He’s burnt his back in the shower.’”
Elordi’s Method Approach to Portraying Heathcliff
While Elordi joked about taking a method acting route, his dedication was evident even before the injury. The film’s makeup artist, Siân Miller, was tasked with creating whip scars across Elordi’s back to reflect Heathcliff’s brutal past in the story. Miller challenged Elordi by comparing him to Daniel Day-Lewis, famously extreme in his role preparations, saying that Day-Lewis would have come to set already scarred.
Elordi’s response to Miller’s challenge was humorously bold:
“Well I’m going to go away and maim myself on the weekend to prove to you that I’m Heathcliff!”
Though said in jest, the remark illustrated the actor’s intense focus on the authenticity of his portrayal. Elordi later quipped regarding Day-Lewis’ legendary dedication, “It was actual Daniel Day-Lewis,” acknowledging the actor’s deep influence on his performance style.
Strong On-Set Bond Develops Between Elordi and Margot Robbie
Off-screen, Jacob Elordi developed a close relationship with fellow lead Margot Robbie, who plays Catherine. Robbie has spoken openly about their quick attachment during shoots, describing how she became quite dependent on Elordi’s presence early in production. During a panel discussion with the cast and crew in January 2024, Robbie described the emotional support Elordi provided.
She said,
“I remember the first couple days on set, he would just be like, always in the vicinity of where I was, but in a corner watching.”
On the third day, she said she found herself instinctively searching for him,
“I was like, ‘Well obviously he’s going to be somewhere close by. Where is he right now?’”
Robbie explained feeling “quite lost,” likening her emotions to a child missing a comfort object when Elordi was not nearby.
“I was like, ‘Where is he?’”
she added.
Elordi reciprocated the sentiment, describing his admiration for Robbie by simply saying, “I was enamored by her.” Their close dynamic is believed to have enhanced the chemistry necessary for the complex relationship of Heathcliff and Catherine in the film.
Impact and Expectations Moving Forward
The injury Jacob Elordi suffered early in the shoot underscores both the physical challenges and personal sacrifices that actors endure when bringing demanding literary characters to life. The film’s authenticity benefits from Elordi’s willingness to immerse himself fully, as well as the strong rapport developed with Margot Robbie, which is expected to translate into a compelling on-screen presence.
Emerald Fennell’s attentive leadership ensured that Elordi’s health was prioritized despite the intense nature of the production. This incident may lead to increased safety precautions for the remainder of the filming schedule. With the cast’s evident dedication and chemistry, anticipation remains high for this new adaptation of the beloved novel.
Jacob Elordi Wuthering Heights is expected to be a powerful recreation of Brontë’s narrative, enhanced by the actors’ commitment to authentic portrayals and the emotional depth cultivated both on and off set.
TEXAS HOUSE HAUNTED BY “SEXUAL” SPIRITS? #TheView panel reacts to a Texas woman who is claiming her house is being haunted by ghosts who aren't shy about their intentions. 👻 https://t.co/cVclFZyKV0 pic.twitter.com/ZnQ6PQFied
— The View (@TheView) October 20, 2022
