The internet is officially divided after legendary Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovar got candid about one of Hollywood’s fastest-rising stars. During a recent appearance on the ‘La Pija y la Quinqui’ podcast, the Oscar-winning director opened up about Jacob Elordi, sparking a viral conversation about what it actually takes to be considered a serious actor in .
While Elordi has been a staple of social media feeds since his breakout in ‘Euphoria’, Almodovar admitted he was initially skeptical of the hype. The director confessed he has been closely watching the actor’s trajectory to figure out exactly what is fueling his massive fame.
“I can now see that Jacob Elordi’s stardom is indeed real,” Almodovar said, according to a report from HuffPost. “I was still wondering whether he was a sex symbol or a respected actor.”
Assessing the Work
Almodovar did not hold back when discussing Elordi’s recent filmography, including the adaptation of ‘Wuthering Heights’. While the film featured powerhouses like Elordi and Margot Robbie, Almodovar described the project itself as “very bad.”
However, the director was quick to clarify that he does not blame the stars for the film’s shortcomings. “They do what they can,” he added, acknowledging that even the best actors are sometimes at the mercy of their material.
The conversation then turned to Elordi’s turn in ‘Frankenstein’, a performance that earned him his first Academy Award nomination. While the role brought Elordi massive critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nod, Almodovar argued that the titular monster is actually a “comfortable” part for an actor to play. He noted that Guillermo del Toro’s take on the classic story depicted the creature in a more attractive light than previous versions.
Fans and Critics Weigh In
As expected, Almodovar’s comments immediately set X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok ablaze. Many fans of the ‘Saltburn’ star jumped to his defense, pointing to his diverse range of roles as evidence of his acting chops.
“Almodovar is tough but fair,” one fan commented on X. “But if you’ve seen ‘Priscilla’ or ‘Saltburn’, you know Jacob isn’t just a pretty face. He’s putting in the work.” Others agreed with the director, noting that Hollywood often prioritizes “it-boy” status over raw talent.
Despite his critiques, Almodovar seems curious to see where Elordi goes next. “We still need to see him, at least I do, in another role that demands more from him,” the filmmaker added.
A Career at a Crossroads
Elordi is currently back in the spotlight for the third season of ‘Euphoria’, the HBO hit that originally launched him into the stratosphere. Since then, he has built a resume that most actors would dream of, starring in Sofia Coppola’s ‘Priscilla’ and Emerald Fennell’s ‘Saltburn’.
Up next, Elordi is set to lead Ridley Scott’s ‘The Dog Stars’, a project that might provide the exact kind of “demanding” role Almodovar is looking for. Whether he is a sex symbol, a respected actor, or both, one thing is certain: everyone is watching to see what Jacob Elordi does next.
