Jacob Elordi's Wuthering Heights Injury: A Shocking On-Set Incident
Australian actor Jacob Elordi's preparation for his role in the upcoming adaptation of Emily Brontë's classic novel Wuthering Heights took a painful turn when he suffered a serious injury during early filming days. The 28-year-old star, known for his role in Euphoria, revealed he had to be briefly hospitalized after burning his back in a steam shower incident.
The Makeup Artist's Challenge That Became Reality
In an interview with Esquire magazine, Elordi shared how a conversation with makeup artist Siân Miller about character authenticity unexpectedly foreshadowed his accident. "She was designing the scars from the whips for Heathcliff's back. She challenged me: 'If Daniel Day-Lewis was playing Heathcliff, he would have come in with scars,'" Elordi recounted during the interview conducted with director Emerald Fennell.
The actor responded with what he thought was a joke: "Well I'm going to go away and maim myself on the weekend to prove to you that I'm Heathcliff!" Little did he know this statement would become painfully prophetic.
The Steam Shower Accident Details
Elordi described the incident that occurred after a day of filming where he was covered in dirt and grime for his portrayal of the brooding antihero Heathcliff. "That night I went home, and the house I was staying in had a steam shower: a brass knob that steam came from out of the wall," he explained.
Determined to maintain better hygiene during the physically demanding shoot, Elordi decided to thoroughly clean his feet. "I went to clean my feet, and I leant back and my back seared into the steam knob," he revealed. "I stood up screaming; it tore up my back. When I went to work on Monday I had a second-degree burn."
Director's Initial Reaction to the Hospitalization
When director Emerald Fennell received a text from producer Josey McNamara about Elordi being hospitalized, her first assumption was dramatic. "I assumed 'he's had a car accident' until told that 'He's burnt his back in the shower,'" she shared in the interview.
Reflecting on the irony of the situation, Elordi quipped: "It was actual Daniel Day-Lewis," referencing the legendary actor known for his extreme method acting approaches to roles.
Intense Chemistry with Co-Star Margot Robbie
The article also highlights the remarkable on-screen and off-screen chemistry between Elordi and his co-star Margot Robbie, who plays Catherine Earnshaw in the adaptation. Robbie admitted she became "deeply codependent" with Elordi "quite quickly" during filming.
"I felt quite lost. Like a kid without their blanket or something," Robbie said about moments when Elordi wasn't present. "I was like, 'Where is he?'"
Elordi confirmed the feeling was mutual, stating simply: "I was enamoured by her."
About the Upcoming Film Adaptation
The much-anticipated film adaptation of Wuthering Heights is scheduled for release on February 13, 2026. Directed by Emerald Fennell, the movie features:
- Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, the complex antihero
- Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw, his love interest
- A story exploring themes of obsession, revenge, and passionate love
This incident adds to the growing anticipation for the film, demonstrating the physical commitment Elordi has brought to his portrayal of one of literature's most intense characters.
