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

If you thought the Jacob Elordi fever was destined to fade after the success of “Euphoria” and “Priscilla”, think again. Over the past year, the Australian actor has made a quantum leap, propelling himself into an entirely new stratosphere – that of Hollywood’s A-list. And the driving force behind this meteoric rise has a very specific name: “Frankenstein: Written and Directed by Guillermo Del Toro”.

I know, it sounds strange to talk about Frankenstein as a stepping stone for a major star, but this isn’t your usual monster. With Guillermo Del Toro at the helm, we’re expecting a visceral masterpiece. And judging by the early whispers circulating among industry insiders and the buzz from critics, Elordi has delivered a performance so physical and tormented that it has captivated the Academy. Yes, you read that right: the guy who once stole scenes on a TV show is now officially an Oscar nominee. And this isn’t some token nomination, either. There’s serious talk of a potential win.

Since the nomination news broke, the attention 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 appealing to female audiences. There’s a total cultural appropriation happening 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 spot them on fifty-somethings who discovered him through the auteur-driven direction his career has taken.

And then there’s the pop culture side, the part that genuinely makes me smile. You know those celebrity cutouts, the life-sized cardboard standees? Well, the limited editions featuring his likeness – often tied to his Frankenstein character but also the classic “standee” you’d find in an arcade – are selling like hotcakes. I’ve spotted a couple hanging in hipster bars in Bologna, and in Naples, they were used for a flash mob just before the first trailer dropped. It’s become a viral sensation that goes far beyond simple movie fandom.

To gauge the scale of this moment, just look at what happened a few weeks ago. There was all this confusion about an alleged “deportation” at a border control, a piece of fake news that originated from who-knows-where and spread like wildfire across social media. In reality, according to sources close to the actor’s entourage, it was nothing so dramatic: just the usual intense scrutiny over a work visa. The story still caused a stir because it showed just how heightened the tension is surrounding his profile. Back home, the tabloids milked it for all it was worth, but the public responded with an incredible wave of solidarity, turning that incident into further proof of his iconic status.

This mix of high art and pop culture is his true strength. On one hand, you have the guy being directed by Guillermo Del Toro who, with “Weak in Comparison to Dreams: A Novel” (that parallel project no one talks much about but which is cementing his literary credibility), shows he’s serious about building a solid career. On the other, there’s the personality that ends up on merchandise, t-shirts, and that people want to have in their homes in the form of a cardboard cutout. It’s a tough balance to strike, but he’s managing it with a surreal calm.

Here’s what makes this moment special:

• The Oscar is within reach: If he wins, he’d become the youngest actor in years to take home the statuette for a horror/literary role, definitively raising the bar for his career.
• Italy adores him: He’s not just an actor; he’s an aesthetic obsession. Young Italians have crowned him a style icon, and there isn’t a social event that doesn’t have a reference to him.
• The “Monster” narrative: Thanks to Del Toro, the story of Frankenstein becomes the perfect metaphor for his own fame: an icon pieced together, loved and feared in equal measure, now seeking its humanity through the industry’s recognition.

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