Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar is weighing in on Jacob Elordi’s rapid rise and questioning whether the actor has yet proven his full range.
In a recent appearance on the Spanish-language podcast “La Pija y la Quinqui,” Almodóvar offered a candid assessment of Elordi’s career when asked whether he would consider casting him in a future project. His comments were delivered in Spanish and translated.
Almodóvar acknowledged Elordi’s growing star power, saying he believes the Australian actor is “without doubt” on track to become a major star. Still, he admitted he remains uncertain about how to define him, raising the question of whether Elordi is primarily a sex symbol or a performer with deeper dramatic range.
“I’ve been wondering whether he’s just a sex symbol or a respected actor,” Almodóvar said, adding that he would need to see Elordi in a role that demands more before reaching a clear conclusion.
The director also critiqued some of Elordi’s recent projects, arguing that they do not fully showcase the actor’s abilities. He pointed to “Wuthering Heights” and “Frankenstein,” suggesting the material limits the opportunity for more layered performances. Almodóvar candidly characterized “Wuthering Heights” as “very bad,” while noting that neither Elordi nor his co-star Margot Robbie were to blame.
As for “Frankenstein,” directed by Guillermo del Toro, Almodóvar said the role can be “comfortable” for an actor, arguing that modern interpretations of the character lean heavily on stylization and physical presence rather than emotional range.
“We need to see him — or at least I do — in another role that demands more of him,” he said. Elordi’s profile has surged in recent years with roles in “Euphoria,” “Priscilla” and “Saltburn,” along with “Frankenstein,” which brought him awards-season attention. The actor has also expressed interest in working in Spanish-language films, though he has said he would need to learn the language first.
