Jacob Elordi was rushed to the hospital after suffering a significant burn on his back caused by a bathroom accident while filming the movie Wuthering Heights. The incident occurred during the production of the film, in which Elordi stars alongside Margot Robbie, with the movie set to premiere in the UK on February 11. This unexpected injury happened on set and highlighted the physical challenges actors sometimes face during intense roles.
The Incident Behind Jacob Elordi’s Bathroom Burns
Elordi, who plays Heathcliff in the new adaptation of Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel, shared details about the injury and its unusual cause. The actor explained that during a break in filming, he was at the house where he was staying, which featured a steam shower with a brass knob releasing steam on the wall. As he sat on the shower floor cleaning his feet, his back came into contact with the steam knob, resulting in a painful burn.
In describing what happened, Elordi referred back to his approach to his character:
“Siân [Miller], the make-up artist, was designing the scars from the whips for Heathcliff’s back. She challenged me: ‘If Daniel Day-Lewis was playing Heathcliff, he would have come in with scars.’ I said, ‘Well I’m going to go away and maim myself on the weekend to prove to you that I’m Heathcliff!’”
He recounted,
“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. When I went to work on Monday I had a second-degree burn.”
Jacob Elordi
The burn was severe enough to require hospital treatment, delaying some aspects of filming but not stopping the actor’s commitment to the role.
Production and Co-Star Reactions to the Accident
Emerald Fennell, the director of Wuthering Heights, recalled her reaction when first hearing about Elordi’s injury. During the early stages of shooting, she received a concerning text from producer Josey McNamara:
“I got a text from Josey McNamara, the producer, saying, ‘Jacob’s in hospital.’”
Emerald Fennell
Initially fearing a car accident, the news turned out to be about the bathroom burn instead, prompting Fennell to joke,
“I was like, ‘You know what, Josey? Start with that.’ Do you think it was the spirit of Daniel Day-Lewis?”
Emerald Fennell
Jacob responded playfully, describing the incident as “actual Daniel Day-Lewis.”
Margot Robbie, who stars as Catherine Earnshaw opposite Elordi’s Heathcliff, revealed on Vogue Australia that Elordi’s romantic gesture on Valentine’s Day had impressed her. She said,
“We were shooting on Valentine’s Day. You made my day and, as Heathcliff, filled my room with roses.”
Margot Robbie
Elordi also presented Robbie with a note written from his character’s perspective, along with a small tomb-shaped item linked to the film’s motif. He teased Robbie about not receiving a gift in return.
Significance of the Incident and What to Expect Next
The accident highlights the physical dedication actors can exhibit while embodying demanding characters, sometimes leading to unexpected real-life injuries. Despite the setback, Elordi’s hospital visit did not delay the film’s anticipated UK release, scheduled for February 11. The injury underscores the authenticity the cast aims to bring to the adaptation, with Elordi even joking about “maiming” himself to capture Heathcliff’s harshness.
Fans can look forward to seeing Elordi’s portrayal of Heathcliff alongside Margot Robbie’s Catherine Earnshaw, with both actors fully committed to their roles despite the challenges faced during production. The film promises a fresh take on Brontë’s classic tale, supported by a cast determined to bring intensity and realism to the screen.
