The entertainment world is buzzing after famous Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar shared his honest thoughts about Jacob Elordi. The Oscar-winning director questioned whether the 28-year-old Australian star has proven his full acting abilities or is simply being used as a “sex symbol” in Hollywood. Almodóvar made these remarks during a recent chat on the Spanish-language podcast “La Pija y la Quinqui.” He did not hold back his opinions on Elordi’s recent movie choices, including the big-budget films “Wuthering Heights” and “Frankenstein.” The director admitted he is still trying to figure out if Elordi is a serious actor or just a pretty face on screen. His comments have started a big conversation among fans and movie critics about how Hollywood uses young, good-looking actors today.
Almodóvar Says He Needs to See More Depth from the ‘Euphoria’ Star
The Spanish director, known for movies like “All About My Mother” and “Pain and Glory,” said he believes Elordi will become a major Hollywood star. There is no question about that. But he remains unsure about how to define him as a performer. Almodóvar said he has been thinking a lot about this lately.
“I’ve been wondering whether he’s just a s** symbol or a respected actor.” – Pedro Almodóvar
The director explained that he needs to see Elordi take on a role that asks more from him. He wants to watch the actor push himself beyond looks and charm. Almodóvar made it clear that looking good on camera is not enough to earn respect as a true artist. He wants to see emotional depth and range that tests the actor’s limits.
Spanish Director Calls ‘Wuthering Heights’ Very Bad
Almodóvar did not stop at questioning Elordi’s range. He also shared strong opinions about the actor’s recent projects. He called the 2026 film “Wuthering Heights” starring Elordi and Margot Robbie “very bad.” But he was careful to say that neither actor is to blame for the movie not working. He said they did what they could with the material given to them.
“It’s just that ‘Wuthering Heights’ is very bad. And it’s not Jacob Elordi’s or Margot Robbie’s fault — they do what they can.” – Pedro Almodóvar
The director also talked about Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein,” which earned Elordi an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Almodóvar argued that modern versions of the monster story have changed. He said filmmakers now make the creature look attractive and speak in a deep, low voice. According to him, this approach is easier for an actor compared to showing a wide range of emotions. He suggested that playing this version of Frankenstein’s monster is actually very comfortable for an actor. It relies more on style, makeup, and physical presence rather than complex acting skills.
Elordi’s Growing List of Serious Roles Tells a Different Story
While Almodóvar shared his doubts, Jacob Elordi’s work history shows an actor who keeps choosing difficult and challenging parts. He first became famous as the bad boy love interest Noah Flynn in Netflix’s “The Kissing Booth” series. But he quickly moved to darker material. His role as the troubled and violent Nate Jacobs on HBO’s “Euphoria” showed he could handle heavy emotional scenes. He played Elvis Presley in the 2023 movie “Priscilla,” showing the singer not as a famous icon but as a man trapped by his own fame. That same year, he played Felix Catton in “Saltburn,” a rich Oxford student caught in a strange and frightening situation. That role earned him a BAFTA Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Elordi also stars as Heathcliff in the latest version of “Wuthering Heights,” a character known for being intense, angry, and deeply romantic. He played the creature in “Frankenstein,” which required 10 to 11 hours of makeup work each day. The performance earned him an Oscar nomination. These are not the usual roles given to actors who only rely on their looks. Each character demands something different from him.
Fans and Critics React to Almodóvar’s Comments on Social Media
After Almodóvar’s statements spread online, social media users quickly shared their thoughts. Many fans disagreed with the director’s take. They pointed to Elordi’s performances in “Priscilla” and “Saltburn” as proof that he has real talent. Some fans argued that being good-looking should not cancel out an actor’s skill. Others said Almodóvar sounds out of touch with younger actors and modern cinema.
Some critics agreed with the director. They said Hollywood often puts attractive actors in roles that do not challenge them. They believe studios care more about selling tickets with beautiful faces than telling deep stories. But even those critics admitted that Elordi has shown growth in his career choices.
One of Elordi’s most praised recent works is the miniseries “The Narrow Road to the Deep North.” Based on Richard Flanagan’s Booker Prize-winning novel, the show follows an Australian surgeon during World War II. Elordi plays the younger version of the main character. Critics noted how well he copied the physical movements of older actor Ciarán Hinds, who plays the same character later in life. The role required Elordi to show internal pain, regret, and the lasting effects of war. Many reviewers called his performance brilliant and deeply moving.
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What’s Coming Next for the Oscar-Nominated Actor
Jacob Elordi has a busy schedule ahead. He will return as Nate Jacobs in “Euphoria” Season 3, which premieres on April 12 on HBO. The new season will show the characters after a time jump, moving beyond high school into adult life.
He also stars in Ridley Scott’s new movie “The Dog Stars.” This science fiction thriller is about a pilot surviving after a virus wiped out most of humanity. The film also features Margaret Qualley, Josh Brolin, and Guy Pearce. It is set to release on August 28, 2026.
Elordi will also appear in “Outer Dark,” an adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s novel. He stars opposite Lily-Rose Depp in this dark story set during the Great Depression. The film marks the English-language debut of Oscar-winning director László Nemes.
These upcoming projects show Elordi working with some of the biggest names in filmmaking. He is clearly not staying in one type of role. He moves between television, independent films, and big studio movies.
Elordi has also shared interest in working on Spanish-language films. He has Spanish roots and has said he wants to learn the language well enough to act in it. This could open doors for him to work with directors like Almodóvar in the future. But first, he will need to prove that he has the range the Spanish director wants to see.
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