Jacob Elordi is stepping into a deeply transformative role in the upcoming Justin Kurzel-directed series The Narrow Road to the Deep North. At a press conference during the Berlin Film Festival on February 15, the Euphoria star revealed that he will portray a prisoner of war in the series.
To accurately portray the character, Elordi had to physically transform, shedding weight to embody the frail, weakened state of a POW. However, he described the experience of physically preparing for the role as “a really calming experience.” He explained that the process was made even more meaningful by the camaraderie he shared with his fellow costars, whom he fondly referred to as his “lads.” Through their shared struggles and bond, Elordi and his costars found a deeper sense of peace and connection. The group’s greatest concern during filming was ensuring each other’s well-being, even offering jellybeans to one another as a small comfort. “I think there was something quite profound that happened, in that it wasn’t torture,” he said. The experience was more about shared humanity than anything else, which Elordi expressed deep gratitude for.
Based on Richard Flanagan’s Booker Prize-winning novel, The Narrow Road to the Deep North follows the story of Dorrigo Evans, a medical officer and Japanese prisoner of war who is forced to labor on the Thai-Burma railway during World War II. The series spans decades and delves into Evans’s complex life journey, from soldier to prisoner, war hero to esteemed surgeon, and reluctant celebrity. It also explores the haunting memories of an affair Evans had with his uncle’s wife, Amy.
Elordi is no stranger to high-profile roles, having gained fame for his breakout performance in Euphoria and continued to build on his career with roles in Saltburn, where he starred in a controversial yet acclaimed role, as well as portraying Elvis Presley in Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla. He also starred in Netflix’s Kissing Booth film series, further cementing his place as a rising star.