Jacob Elordi Reflects on "The Kissing Booth": Navigating Stardom and How He Criticizes Himself

Berfin Ceren Meray
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In the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood, actors often find themselves at a crossroads between gratitude for early opportunities and the desire for a career that resonates with artistic fulfillment. Jacob Elordi, known for his role as Noah Flynn in Netflix's 'The Kissing Booth' franchise, recently engaged in a candid interview with GQ, where he dissected his varied roles, including the one that catapulted him into mainstream recognition. This introspective exploration sparked discussions about Elordi's journey, the complexities of stardom, and the delicate balance between embracing one's roots and aspiring for a more profound impact on the cinematic landscape.

Unveiling the Contradictions:

Elordi's revelation that he doesn't enjoy 'The Kissing Booth' movies despite their pivotal role in his early career reflects the intricate relationship actors often have with their breakthrough roles. The franchise, centered around young love, toxic relationships, and the challenges of adolescence, gained commercial success but faced criticism for its handling of themes like toxic masculinity and the impact of the patriarchy on teenage girls. Elordi's honesty about his reservations adds a layer of complexity to the narrative of stardom.

Ambitions Beyond the Teen Genre:

Expressing his desire for roles in inter-generational productions that stand the test of time, Elordi sheds light on his aspirations to contribute to more universal and timeless narratives. His recent portrayals, such as embodying Elvis Presley in Sofia Coppola's 'Priscilla' and essaying the character Felix Catton in Emerald Fennell's 'Saltburn,' mark a deliberate shift towards diverse and challenging roles that transcend the confines of young-adult storytelling.

The Evolution of Criticism:

'The Kissing Booth' trilogy, based on Beth Reekles' novels, garnered a mixed reception—commercial success but critical disapproval. Elordi's critique has sparked diverse reactions, from those asserting his right to navigate his career path to others expressing disappointment in what they perceive as a lack of gratitude for the platform that elevated him to stardom.

Navigating Public Perception:

Elordi faced accusations of pretentiousness when he transitioned from Netflix to collaborate with indie filmmakers on projects like 'Euphoria' and 'Priscilla.' The public's reaction, as seen on social media, reveals a divide between those who believe he should appreciate the platform that made him famous and those who applaud his pursuit of more challenging roles.

Defending Artistic Integrity:

In response to the criticism, Elordi defended his stance, emphasizing the importance of caring about the impact his work has on the audience. He questions the idea of prioritizing financial gain over creating meaningful content and challenges the notion of choosing popularity over artistic integrity.

Parallels with Old Hollywood Icons:

Coppola likening Elordi to classic movie stars like Monty Clift and Paul Newman adds an intriguing layer to the conversation. The actor's journey from a teen heartthrob to a performer with aspirations for a lasting legacy draws parallels with iconic figures who navigated similar transitions in the past.

The Dichotomy of Teen Franchise Success:

The discourse surrounding Elordi's comments echoes a broader conversation about actors outgrowing roles that catapulted them to fame in teen franchises. Robert Pattinson's trajectory from 'Twilight' to critically acclaimed indie films serves as a notable comparison, highlighting the dichotomy actors face when balancing commercial success with artistic fulfillment.