Jacob Elordi, the towering Australian actor who has captivated audiences with his brooding intensity and chiseled features, has once again sparked a frenzy online. A recently resurfaced photo from his high school days, shared by his alma mater, shows a version of the star that fans can scarcely believe is the same person. Posted in November 2025 by St Joseph’s Nudgee College Old Boys’ Association, the image captures a teenage Elordi in 2015, his final year at the Brisbane boarding school. Standing with hands in pockets, clad in a blue-and-white striped blazer, he flashes a wide, awkward grin that contrasts sharply with the poised, enigmatic figure we’ve come to know on screen. The tribute celebrates his latest triumph in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, but it’s the visual shock of his evolution that has everyone talking. How did this gangly, fresh-faced kid become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after leading men? This deep dive explores Elordi’s journey from humble Brisbane beginnings to global stardom, unpacking the transformations—physical, professional, and personal—that have defined his meteoric rise.

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Jacob Elordi looks totally unrecognizable in resurfaced school …

Born on June 26, 1997, in Brisbane, Australia, Jacob Nathaniel Elordi entered the world as the youngest of four children to Melissa and John Elordi. His father, a housepainter of Basque descent who emigrated from Spain at age eight, instilled a strong work ethic in the family. Growing up in a middle-class household, Elordi was surrounded by three older sisters—Isabella, Jalynn, and another whose name he keeps private—creating a dynamic where he often felt like the baby of the family. From an early age, he displayed a flair for the dramatic, describing himself as a “theatre kid” who loved performing. But acting wasn’t his only passion; as a junior athlete, he excelled in rugby union and basketball, representing Victoria in both sports during his school years. His athletic build, now a hallmark of his on-screen presence at 6’5″, began to take shape on the rugby fields of Brisbane.

Elordi’s education at St Joseph’s Nudgee College, a prestigious Catholic boys’ boarding school in Boondall, Brisbane, played a pivotal role in his formative years. Founded in 1891, the institution is known for its rigorous academics, strong sports programs, and emphasis on character development. Elordi boarded there from a young age, immersing himself in a environment that fostered discipline and camaraderie. It was here that his interest in acting deepened; he participated in school plays and honed his skills in drama classes. Classmates recall him as charismatic yet unassuming, a tall kid with big dreams who balanced his love for the stage with team sports. The resurfaced 2015 photo, taken during his final year, captures that transitional phase: a 17- or 18-year-old on the cusp of adulthood, with a boyish face free of the sculpted jawline and intense gaze that define him today. The school’s tribute highlights their pride in his achievements, noting how he’s “stepped so convincingly into a role of this scale and cultural weight.”

Jacob Elordi looks totally unrecognisable in resurfaced school photo

After graduating, Elordi briefly attended acting classes but soon set his sights on Hollywood. In 2017, at just 19, he made the bold move to Los Angeles, armed with determination and a thick Australian accent. His entry into the industry was humble: an uncredited role as a Saint Martin’s Marine in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. It was a blink-and-you-miss-it appearance, but it marked his first brush with big-budget filmmaking alongside stars like Johnny Depp and Javier Bardem. Undeterred by the small start, Elordi pounded the pavement, auditioning relentlessly while crashing on friends’ couches and working odd jobs to make ends meet. This period of struggle built his resilience, a trait that would serve him well in the competitive world of acting.

The breakthrough came in 2018 with Netflix’s The Kissing Booth, where Elordi played Noah Flynn, the brooding bad boy who steals the heart of Joey King’s character. Based on Beth Reekles’ novel, the rom-com became a surprise hit, launching Elordi into teen idol status overnight. His chemistry with King, whom he dated off-screen for about a year, added to the film’s buzz. Critics noted his natural charisma, but Elordi later reflected on the role with mixed feelings, calling it a “one-hit wonder” that typecast him as a heartthrob. Still, it opened doors, leading to sequels in 2020 and 2021, where his character evolved, showcasing more depth. The franchise’s success, with over 66 million views in its first month, cemented his place in the streaming era’s pantheon of young stars.

Eager to shed the rom-com image, Elordi sought edgier roles. In 2019, he landed the part of Nate Jacobs in HBO’s Euphoria, a gritty teen drama created by Sam Levinson. As the toxic, manipulative high school athlete, Elordi delivered a performance that was both menacing and vulnerable, earning praise for humanizing a deeply flawed character. The series, co-starring Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney, tackled heavy themes like addiction, identity, and abuse, and Elordi’s portrayal added layers to discussions on toxic masculinity. His physical presence—towering over co-stars—amplified Nate’s intimidating aura, but it was his emotional nuance that critics lauded. Euphoria’s second season in 2022 further elevated him, with scenes that pushed boundaries and sparked conversations. Elordi has spoken about the role’s toll, admitting it required him to explore dark places mentally.

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Jacob Elordi Is Unrecognizable With Major Facial Hair Transformation

Building on this momentum, Elordi tackled historical drama in Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla (2023), portraying Elvis Presley opposite Cailee Spaeny as Priscilla Presley. Drawing from Priscilla’s memoir, the film offered a fresh perspective on the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, focusing on his personal life rather than his music. Elordi’s transformation was striking: he adopted Elvis’s signature drawl, mannerisms, and pompadour hairstyle, shedding his modern edge for a mid-century icon. Reviews commended his ability to capture Elvis’s charisma without caricature, earning him nominations and solidifying his range. Coppola praised his dedication, noting how he immersed himself in archival footage to nail the nuances.

Perhaps his most audacious role yet came in Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn (2023), where Elordi played Felix Catton, a privileged Oxford student entangled in a web of obsession and class warfare. The film’s dark satire and provocative scenes, including the infamous bathtub moment, thrust Elordi into the spotlight for his fearless performance. Nominated for the 2024 BAFTA Rising Star Award, he navigated the character’s complexity with ease, blending charm and detachment. Saltburn’s viral success on social media amplified his fame, with fans dissecting every frame. Elordi reflected on the role as a chance to explore privilege and desire, themes that resonated in a post-pandemic world.

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Jacob Elordi Is Nearly Unrecognizable With a Full Beard | Us Weekly

Elordi’s latest triumph is in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein (2025), where he embodies the Creature in a visually stunning adaptation. The role demanded a profound physical and emotional overhaul: hours in prosthetics, adopting a hulking gait, and conveying vulnerability beneath monstrous exteriors. Del Toro hailed him as “one of my favorite actors working today,” noting his efficiency on set—rarely needing more than two takes. Critics rave about the “striking reinvention,” praising his precision and presence. This performance marks a new tier for Elordi, proving his versatility beyond heartthrob roles.

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See Jacob Elordi’s Shocking Transformation as The Creature in …

Physically, Elordi’s transformation from the school photo to now is remarkable. The teenage version sports a softer face, less defined features, and a slimmer build—typical of adolescence. Today, at 28, his rigorous fitness regimen, including weight training and yoga, has sculpted a commanding physique. Speculation about cosmetic enhancements, like teeth straightening or jawline work, circulates, but Elordi attributes changes to maturity and role preparations. For Frankenstein, a 10-hour makeup process involving prosthetics transformed him unrecognizably, emphasizing his commitment to immersion.

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On the personal front, Elordi’s life has been under scrutiny. Post-Kissing Booth, he dated Joey King, then Zendaya briefly in 2019-2020. His 2020-2021 relationship with Kaia Gerber ended amicably, followed by a romance with Olivia Jade Giannulli from 2021-2022. In 2023, rumors linked him to Amelia Gray Hamlin, but he’s kept details private. Elordi values privacy, often dodging paparazzi with humor, as seen in a 2025 Paris incident where he quipped about not “loving” them. Despite fame, he remains grounded, crediting his Australian roots and family for keeping him humble.

The resurfaced photo has ignited fan reactions, with social media buzzing about his glow-up. Comments range from “Who is that kid?” to admiration for his journey. It underscores how far he’s come: from Brisbane schoolboy to red-carpet staple at Venice and BAFTAs. Upcoming projects, like a potential Euphoria Season 3 and more collaborations, promise continued evolution.

Elordi’s story is one of perseverance, talent, and reinvention. The school photo isn’t just a throwback—it’s a testament to transformation’s power. As he continues to surprise, one thing is clear: Jacob Elordi is no longer that awkward teen; he’s a force reshaping Hollywood.