Jacob Elordi: From “Frankenstein” to the Oscars—The Phenomenon Taking Italy by Storm

If you thought the Jacob Elordi fever was bound to cool down after the success of “Euphoria” and “Priscilla,” think again. Over the past year, the Australian actor has made a leap that has propelled him into a whole new stratosphere—the realm of Hollywood’s biggest names. And the driving force behind this meteoric rise has a very specific name: “Frankenstein: Written and Directed by Guillermo Del Toro”.

I know, it seems odd to talk about Frankenstein as a launching pad for a star, but this isn’t your typical monster movie. With Guillermo Del Toro at the helm, we’re expecting a visceral masterpiece. And if the early buzz among industry insiders and critics is anything to go by, Elordi delivered a performance so physical and tormented that he’s captured the Academy’s attention. Yes, you heard that right: the guy who once stole scenes on a TV show is now officially an Oscar nominee. And this isn’t some minor nomination, either. There’s serious talk of a possible win.

Since the nomination news broke, the spotlight on him has exploded. But what fascinates me is how Italy is experiencing this phenomenon. This isn’t just the usual story of a handsome actor with a female fanbase. There’s a total cultural takeover here. Take a walk through the centre of Milan or Rome, and you’ll see what I mean: “I Love Jacob Elordi” T-shirts have become a must-have for the under-25 crowd, but you also see them on fifty-somethings who discovered him through the more artsy, auteur-driven turns in his career.

And then there’s the pop culture side, which really makes me smile. You know those celebrity cutouts, the life-size cardboard standees? Well, the limited editions featuring his likeness—often tied to his Frankenstein character but also the classic arcade-style standee—are flying off the shelves. I’ve spotted a couple hanging in hipster spots in Bologna, and in Naples, they were used for a flash mob before the first trailer dropped. It’s become a viral phenomenon that goes beyond simple movie fandom.

To grasp the scale of the moment, just look at what happened a few weeks ago. There was all this confusion over an alleged “deportation” at a border control—a fake news story that started from who knows where and spread across social media. In reality, according to sources close to the actor’s camp, it wasn’t nearly that dramatic: just the usual tight scrutiny for a work visa. Still, the story made waves because it showed just how much attention is focused on him. Over here, the tabloids ran with it, but the public responded with an incredible wave of support, turning the incident into yet another testament to his iconic status.

This mix of high art and pop culture is his true strength. On one hand, you have the actor being directed by Guillermo Del Toro, and with “Weak in Comparison to Dreams: A Novel” (that parallel project people aren't talking much about, but which is giving him serious literary credibility), he’s showing he’s in it for the long haul. On the other hand, you have a personality that ends up on merchandise, T-shirts, and life-size cardboard cutouts that people want in their homes. It’s a tough balance to strike, but he’s managing it with an almost surreal calm.

Here’s what makes this moment so special:

• The Oscar is within reach: If he wins, he’d become the youngest actor to take home the statue for a horror/literary role in years, permanently raising the bar for his career.
• Italy adores him: He’s not just an actor; he’s an aesthetic obsession. Young Italians have made him a style icon, and there’s hardly a social event that doesn’t reference him in some way.
• The “Monster” narrative: Thanks to Del Toro, the Frankenstein story becomes a perfect metaphor for his fame: an icon built piece by piece, both loved and feared, now seeking its humanity through industry recognition.

So, hold on tight. Because what we’re witnessing isn’t just the rollout for a film. It’s the definitive coronation of an actor who has chosen not to be boxed in. Oscar or no Oscar, whether it’s the T-shirt or the cardboard cutout in your bedroom, Jacob Elordi has officially entered our daily lives. And some are betting this is just the beginning of a very, very long reign.