Jacob Elordi, the talented actor known for his role in Euphoria, recently opened up about his experience losing weight for his upcoming role in the Amazon Prime series The Narrow Road to the Deep North. Directed by Justin Kurzel, the series required Elordi to undergo a significant physical transformation to portray a prisoner of war. Surprisingly, the process brought him a sense of peace and deeper connections with his co-stars.
During a press conference at the Berlin Film Festival on February 15, 2025, Elordi shared his thoughts on the journey. He described the experience as “profound” and not as difficult as one might expect. “It wasn’t complete torture,” he said, according to Variety. Instead, the actor found a sense of calm and clarity during the preparation for the role.
Elordi explained that the weight loss process created a unique bond among the cast. “There was a peace that sort of came over all of us,” he said. “You reach a level of love that goes beyond what you’re used to. Everything gets stripped away, and you come down to the bare bones of, ‘Is my mate OK? Am I OK? How can I help?’”
This sense of unity and care for one another became a central theme during the filming. Elordi mentioned that the cast spent a lot of time watching out for each other and offering support. “It became quite primal,” he said. “I’m just really grateful to have shared that with these lads.”
The actor also shared why he was drawn to the role, despite its physical challenges. Elordi admitted that he is a “superfan” of meaningful storytelling and follows his heart when choosing projects. “I have no real interest in making movies just for entertainment or money,” he said. “It’s about capturing that impossible feeling we all have when we see something that truly matters to us.”
Director Justin Kurzel praised Elordi and the rest of the cast for their dedication. “The boys made an incredible sacrifice to lose an enormous amount of weight for their roles,” Kurzel said during the press conference. He emphasized how their commitment added depth and authenticity to the series.
The Narrow Road to the Deep North is based on a novel by Richard Flanagan and tells the story of Australian prisoners of war during World War II. The series explores themes of survival, resilience, and the human spirit. Elordi’s character, like the others, endures immense physical and emotional challenges, making the actors’ transformations crucial to the story.
Elordi’s journey wasn’t just about losing weight; it was about understanding the mindset of someone in extreme circumstances. He explained that the process helped him connect with his character on a deeper level. “When you strip everything away, you start to understand what really matters,” he said. “It’s not about the material things or the distractions. It’s about the people around you and the connections you make.”
The actor also reflected on how the experience changed his perspective on life. “It taught me to appreciate the little things,” he said. “Something as simple as sharing a jelly bean with a friend can mean so much when you’re in that kind of environment.”
Elordi’s dedication to his craft is evident in his willingness to push himself physically and emotionally for his roles. He has previously taken on challenging projects, such as Saltburn, where he played a character in a controversial bathtub scene. “I was really excited when I read that scene,” he said. “It pushes boundaries and makes people think.”
Similarly, in The Narrow Road to the Deep North, Elordi aims to deliver a performance that resonates with audiences. He hopes the series will inspire viewers to reflect on the strength of the human spirit and the importance of compassion.
