The cinematic landscape of 2026 has been set ablaze by a performance that bridges the gap between classic literature and modern stardom. As Jacob Elordi heats up Wuthering Heights, audiences and critics alike are witnessing the transformation of an Australian talent into a generational heavyweight. Starring as the legendary antihero Heathcliff in Emerald Fennell’s bold reimagining of Emily Brontë’s masterpiece, Elordi brings a raw, smoldering intensity to the screen. Released on February 13, 2026, the film has quickly become a cultural lightning rod, proving that Elordi is more than just a leading man; he is a performer capable of redefining the most complex figures in literary history.
Jacob Elordi: Quick Facts & Bio
| Full Name | Jacob Nathaniel Elordi |
| Date of Birth | June 26, 1997 |
| Age (2026) | 28 Years Old |
| Place of Birth | Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Parents | John and Melissa Elordi |
| Heritage | Basque (Spanish) |
| Education | St Joseph’s College (Brisbane); St Kevin’s College (Melbourne) |
| Occupation | Actor, Producer, Writer |
| Years Active | 2015–Present |
| Breakthrough Role | Noah Flynn in The Kissing Booth (2018) |
| Acclaimed Role | Nate Jacobs in HBO’s Euphoria (2019–Present) |
| Major 2026 Film | Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights |
| Other Notable 2026 Work | The Dog Stars (Release: August 28, 2026) |
| Major Awards | Critics’ Choice Award (2026), AACTA Award (2026) |
| Partner | Olivia Jade (current link as of early 2026) |
The Early Life of Jacob Nathaniel Elordi
Born on June 26, 1997, in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, Jacob Elordi’s journey to the windswept Yorkshire moors began in a working-class household. He is the youngest of four children born to John and Melissa Elordi. Interestingly, his father immigrated to Australia from the Basque Country at a young age, instilling a sense of diverse heritage in the future star. Growing up in Brisbane, Jacob was initially more focused on rugby than the arts. However, a back injury during his school years forced him to pivot toward the stage, a change of fate that would eventually lead to the moment Jacob Elordi heats up Wuthering Heights on the global stage.
Discovering a Passion for the Craft
At the age of 12, Jacob Elordi found his “church” in acting after performing in a school production of Seussical. This early exposure to the theater sparked a deep-seated obsession with the craft. He began emulating cinematic legends like Marlon Brando, Heath Ledger, and Daniel Day-Lewis, spending his teenage years reading their biographies and studying their techniques. By the time he was 15, he was already taking acting classes and appearing in local productions of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This rigorous self-study and passion laid the foundation for his future success and his eventual casting in the 2026 Wuthering Heights adaptation.
Breaking Through with The Kissing Booth
The world first took notice of the Australian actor in 2018, when he starred as Noah Flynn in the Netflix phenomenon The Kissing Booth. The film’s overnight success turned Elordi into a global teen heartthrob, gaining him millions of followers in a single night. While the franchise—which spanned three films through 2021—provided a massive platform, Elordi was vocal about his desire to pursue more serious, challenging roles. This ambition drove him to look beyond the “pretty boy” archetype, setting the trajectory that would eventually ensure Jacob Elordi heats up Wuthering Heights as a dramatic powerhouse.
Defining a Generation in HBO’s Euphoria
In 2019, Jacob Elordi transitioned from romantic comedies to gritty drama with his role as Nate Jacobs in HBO’s Euphoria. His portrayal of the complex, often villainous Nate earned him critical acclaim and proved his range to a skeptical industry. Working alongside Zendaya, Elordi navigated themes of toxic masculinity and trauma, cementing his status as a serious actor. The intensity he brought to Euphoria served as a precursor to his later work, showing the same “brooding” energy that fans now celebrate as Jacob Elordi heats up Wuthering Heights in the role of Heathcliff.
A Year of Prestige: Priscilla and Saltburn
The year 2023 marked a significant turning point in Elordi’s career. He took on the mantle of Elvis Presley in Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla, delivering a performance that was praised for its depth and nuance. Shortly after, he collaborated with director Emerald Fennell for the first time in the provocative thriller Saltburn. Playing the charismatic Felix Catton, Elordi demonstrated a magnetic screen presence that captivated audiences. These roles weren’t just stepping stones; they were the catalyst for Fennell to realize that Elordi was the only choice for her next project, leading directly to the buzz of Jacob Elordi heats up Wuthering Heights.
Taking on the Creature in Frankenstein
Continuing his streak of prestige projects, Elordi starred as the Creature in Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 adaptation of Frankenstein. This role required a massive physical and emotional transformation, earning him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor and a Critics’ Choice Award win in early 2026. His ability to bring humanity to a misunderstood monster further solidified his reputation. By the time the news broke that Jacob Elordi heats up Wuthering Heights, the industry already viewed him as one of the most versatile and dedicated actors of his generation.
The Announcement: Jacob Elordi Heats Up Wuthering Heights
In September 2024, it was officially announced that Jacob Elordi would star as Heathcliff alongside Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw. The project, produced by Robbie’s LuckyChap Entertainment and directed by Emerald Fennell, was described as a “highly stylized and anachronistic” take on the classic. The announcement sparked immediate discussion, particularly regarding the casting of Elordi in a role traditionally described as having a “darker” complexion in the novel. However, Fennell defended her choice, stating that Elordi perfectly captured the “brooding, elemental energy” required for her specific vision of the doomed lover.
Entering the World of Emerald Fennell’s 2026 Film
As Jacob Elordi heats up Wuthering Heights, he steps into a production characterized by its maximalist aesthetic and “deliciously horny” tone. Directed by Fennell, this 2026 version features costumes by Jacqueline Durran and a soundtrack by Charli XCX, blending the 19th-century setting with modern sensuality. The film focuses on the first half of the book, detailing the obsessive, toxic connection between Cathy and Heathcliff. Elordi’s performance is noted for its “one-note scowl” that somehow conveys a thousand emotions, making him a fitting centerpiece for Fennell’s “Gothic sauciness” and fever-dream visuals.
Chemistry with Margot Robbie as Catherine
The success of the film hinges on the electric chemistry between its leads. As Jacob Elordi heats up Wuthering Heights, his scenes with Margot Robbie have been described as the “heart of the spectacle.” Critics have noted that while the adaptation takes creative liberties, the palpable yearning between Robbie and Elordi keeps the audience anchored. Their dynamic explores the “destructive nature of love,” with Elordi’s Heathcliff portrayed as a “clingy, desperate yearner” who would tear the world apart to be with Cathy. This onscreen attraction is a major reason why the film dominated the February 2026 box office.
Critics React to Elordi’s Heathcliff
The reception to the film has been polarized, but Elordi’s performance has largely been highlighted as a standout. While some critics called the adaptation “hollow” or “unfaithful,” many agreed that Jacob Elordi heats up Wuthering Heights with a presence that is impossible to ignore. Variety noted the “amplified erotic charge” he brought to the character, while others praised his ability to find “humanity in brutality.” Even those who questioned the casting conceded that Elordi’s “expressive eyes” and “towering stature” made him a formidable Heathcliff, capable of carrying the film’s operatic melodrama.
Awards and Recognition in 2026
Following the release of Wuthering Heights, Jacob Elordi’s award shelf has continued to grow. In addition to his Oscar nomination for Frankenstein, he won the AACTA Award for Best Lead Actor in a Drama for his role as Heathcliff in early 2026. His work in The Narrow Road to the Deep North also earned him Golden Globe and Satellite Award nominations. This flurry of recognition confirms that the period where Jacob Elordi heats up Wuthering Heights is also the period where he officially transitioned from a “teen heartthrob” to a titan of the silver screen.
Future Projects: Beyond the Moors
Even as Jacob Elordi heats up Wuthering Heights, the actor shows no signs of slowing down. He is set to star in Ridley Scott’s science fiction film The Dog Stars, scheduled for release on August 28, 2026. His ability to move seamlessly between Gothic romance, horror, and high-concept sci-fi marks him as a truly adaptive artist. With a reputation for deep research and a “method-adjacent” commitment to his roles, Elordi remains one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood, ensuring that his name will stay at the forefront of the industry for years to come.
Conclusion: The Legacy of a New Heathcliff
The phenomenon of Jacob Elordi heats up Wuthering Heights is a testament to the power of a modern movie star. By taking a role as iconic and controversial as Heathcliff and making it his own, Jacob Elordi has successfully navigated the complexities of 21st-century fame. Whether he is being celebrated for his brooding intensity or debated for his casting, one thing remains clear: he is a defining face of his generation. As we look back at the 2026 film season, Elordi’s turn on the moors will undoubtedly be remembered as a bold, transformative moment in a career that is only just beginning to reach its peak.
FAQs About Jacob Elordi and Wuthering Heights (2026)
1. When was the 2026 Wuthering Heights movie released?
The film, directed by Emerald Fennell, was released in theaters on February 13, 2026, strategically timed for the Valentine’s Day weekend.
2. Who stars alongside Jacob Elordi in Wuthering Heights?
Margot Robbie stars as Catherine Earnshaw. The cast also includes Hong Chau as Nelly, Shazad Latif as Edgar, Alison Oliver as Isabella, and Martin Clunes as Mr. Earnshaw.
3. What is the tone of Jacob Elordi’s Wuthering Heights?
The film is described as a “hypersexualized, anachronistic reimagining” of the novel. It features a modern soundtrack by Charli XCX and a “maximalist” visual style.
4. Has Jacob Elordi won any awards for his role in Wuthering Heights?
Yes, Jacob Elordi won the AACTA Award for Best Lead Actor in a Drama in 2026 for his portrayal of Heathcliff.
5. Why was the casting of Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff controversial?
In the original novel, Heathcliff is described as having “dark skin” and a “gipsy” appearance. The casting of a white Australian actor led to debates about whitewashing and faithful adaptation.
6. What are Jacob Elordi’s other notable 2025/2026 roles?
Aside from Wuthering Heights, Elordi starred as the Creature in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein (2025) and in the miniseries The Narrow Road to the Deep North (2025/2026).
