Jacob Elordi: From ‘Frankenstein’ to the Oscars – The Phenomenon Taking Italy by Storm

If you thought the Jacob Elordi fever was destined to cool down after the success of “Euphoria” and “Priscilla,” get ready to think again. Over the past year, the Australian actor has made a leap forward that has catapulted him into a completely 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 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, a visceral masterpiece is expected. 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 he's 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 just some minor nomination, either. People are seriously talking about a possible win.

Ever since the news of his nomination broke, the spotlight on him has exploded. But what fascinates me is how Italy is experiencing this phenomenon. It's not just the usual story of a handsome actor popular with female audiences. This is a total cultural takeover. Take a walk through the city centers of Milan or Rome and you'll see what I mean: “I Love Jacob Elordi” T-shirts have become a must-have for those under 25, but you also spot them on fifty-somethings who discovered him through the more artistic, auteur-driven phase of his career.

And then there's the pop culture side, the part that genuinely makes me smile. You know those celebrity cutouts, the life-sized cardboard figures? 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 displayed in hipster spots in Bologna, and in Naples, they used them for a flash mob just before the first trailer dropped. It’s become a viral sensation that goes beyond simple movie fandom.

To understand the scale of this moment, just look at what happened a few weeks ago. There was all that chaos about an alleged “deportation” at a border control, a fake news story that started somewhere and spread like wildfire on social media. Actually, according to sources close to the actor’s camp, there was nothing that dramatic—just the usual tight scrutiny for a work visa. The story still caused a stir because it showed just how much tension surrounds his public image. Over here, the tabloids milked it for all it was worth, but the public responded with an incredible wave of solidarity, turning that incident into yet another testament to his iconic status.

This mix of high art and pop culture is his real strength. On one hand, you have the actor being directed by Guillermo Del Toro and, with “Weak in Comparison to Dreams: A Novel” (the side project that isn't talked about much but is giving him serious literary credibility), he's showing he wants to build a solid, long-term career. On the other, there's the persona that ends up on merchandise, on T-shirts, and that people want to have in their homes as a cardboard cutout. It's a tough balance to strike, but he's handling it with an almost surreal calmness.

Here's what makes this moment special:

• The Oscar is within reach: If he wins, he’d become the youngest actor to take home the award for a horror/literary role in years, 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 single high-profile event without a reference to him.
• 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 promotional run for a film. It's the ultimate coronation of an actor who has chosen not to be boxed in. With or without an Oscar, with 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.