Five Minutes With Jacob Elordi on His New Series, The Narrow Road to the Deep North

Jacob Elordi is one of Hollywood’s brightest young stars. After acclaimed performances in Euphoria, Saltburn and Priscilla (as Elvis), the 6’5”, Brisbane-born actor, still just 27, has seen his profile rise spectacularly in the US and beyond.

And he’s only getting started. Elordi just finished filming a new version of Frankenstein, directed by Guillermo del Toro, in which he plays the titular scientist’s monster, and an adaptation of Wuthering Heights alongside fellow Aussie Margot Robbie.

Yet, just as his status as a Hollywood leading man is being cemented, Elordi has taken a leftfield turn and returned home to shoot five-part Australian war series, The Narrow Road to the Deep North. Based on Richard Flanagan’s Booker Prize-winning novel of the same name and spanning decades, the story follows Dorrigo Evans (Elordi), an Australian doctor captured by the Japanese during World War II and sent to work on the Burma-Thailand Railway.

The series is Elordi’s first starring role in an Australian production. Broadsheet met him in Melbourne to chat about the joys of coming home, working in Australian cinema and his favourite spots.

You’re in high demand at the moment. Why take on this smaller-budget Australian project?
The budget doesn’t really influence the job I’m going to do. For me, it was coming home to work with Justin Kurzel. He’s one of my favourite filmmakers, if not my favourite. I always want to be a part of cinema that feels important and relevant and true.

Has it been a goal of yours to come back home?
It’s been a dream of mine for a long time. I want to work in Australian cinema till the day I die.

Your character endures harrowing treatment as a prisoner of war. What was it like for you to play this person, and how did you prepare?
It was quite a spiritually moving experience to be able to bond with all those boys [fellow cast members] in that way. And then to be able to work on a piece of art together and collaboratively, it was really a joy. And as for the preparation, I had about a year to get it together and read and watch and talk to Justin. It was a bloody joy.

Do you have a favourite place in Canberra, where the series was shot?
Captains Flat.

And what’s your favourite restaurant in Australia?
Probably [Brisbane-based chain] Sushi Train [laughs].

Do you have a local band or producer that you’re really into right now?
I love Allday, the Smith Street Band and Angie McMahon. I love Angie McMahon so much.

What do you miss most about home?
My mates and my family. And the land.

The Narrow Road to the Deep North premieres on Amazon Prime on April 18, 2025