Jacob Elordi Shares the Classic Film That Moved Him to Tears

Jacob Elordi has never been one to settle for the easy path. Known for his breakout role in Euphoria, he quickly established himself as more than just a pretty face, choosing projects that challenge him and showcase his depth as an actor. While Euphoria may have first put the spotlight on Zendaya, Elordi’s performance made it clear he was a force to be reckoned with, drawing comparisons to some of Britain’s most respected actors.

Instead of chasing blockbuster franchises or romantic comedies, Elordi has consistently picked roles that demand more from him. After Austin Butler’s star-making turn in Elvis, Elordi took on a very different version of the music icon in Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla, telling the story from Priscilla Presley’s perspective. He then delivered a memorable performance in Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn, a sharp social satire, and later portrayed a young Richard Gere in Paul Schrader’s overlooked historical drama Oh, Canada.

Transforming for the Role

Despite his reputation for good looks, Elordi’s most celebrated performance came when he was almost unrecognizable. In Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 adaptation of Frankenstein, he brought a new level of emotion and humanity to the creature, earning him major awards buzz and talk of an Oscar nomination. This willingness to disappear into a role has set him apart from many of his peers.

Now, Elordi is preparing for what may be the biggest project of his career: reuniting with Emerald Fennell for her adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights. The film has already sparked plenty of conversation, and the pressure of playing Heathcliff—a character with a long legacy—would be enough to rattle any actor. But Elordi found a unique way to cope with the emotional demands of the role.

Finding Solace in a Classic

In an interview with W Magazine, Elordi revealed that he turned to Ang Lee’s Sense and Sensibility to help him unwind after intense days on set.

“I just broke down,”

he admitted, describing how the film moved him more than any other. The 1995 adaptation, often hailed as one of the finest takes on Jane Austen’s work, features standout performances from Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, and a young Kate Winslet. Lee’s sensitive direction brought a fresh perspective to the English classic, making it a touchstone for many actors and fans alike.

With a new version of Sense and Sensibility starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and George MacKay set to premiere soon, Elordi’s affection for the original remains strong. He credits the film with helping him step back from the intensity of his own work, offering a reminder of the power of great storytelling and performance.

Stepping Into Uncharted Territory

Unlike Sense and Sensibility, which has seen several beloved adaptations, Wuthering Heights presents Elordi with a rare opportunity. There’s no single definitive portrayal of Heathcliff that he must live up to, giving him the freedom to make the character his own. As anticipation builds for the film’s release, Elordi’s thoughtful approach and willingness to be vulnerable on and off screen continue to set him apart in Hollywood.