Share and Follow
In Hollywood, even the biggest stars often begin their careers in the most unexpected ways. Before Jacob Elordi gained widespread recognition for his roles in films and TV series such as “Euphoria,” “Saltburn,” and “Frankenstein,” he quietly made his debut in a major blockbuster. Elordi’s first appearance on the silver screen was as an uncredited extra in Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales,” the fifth film in the famed franchise.
Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
Everyone in Hollywood gets their start somewhere. Long before making a name for himself in movies and TV shows like “Euphoria,” “Saltburn,” and “Frankenstein,” Jacob Elordi first appeared in Disney’s blockbuster “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise — but not as prominently as you might expect. His earliest film role was as an uncredited extra in “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales,” the fifth installment of the series.Â
Interestingly, this early role isn’t listed on Elordi’s IMDb profile, though Wikipedia does cite him as one of the redcoat British soldiers featured in the movie. These soldiers are seen on the island of Saint Martin, where Will Turner’s son, Henry, portrayed by Brenton Thwaites, arrives in pursuit of the Trident of Poseidon. Henry’s mission is to lift the curse that keeps his father, played by Orlando Bloom, from setting foot on land.
However, Elordi’s first substantial film role diverges significantly from the grandeur of a Disney blockbuster. In an interview with GQ, he shared that his first meaningful acting experience was in Stephan Elliott’s film “Flammable Children,” later retitled “Swinging Safari.” Elordi described his role as a lifeguard named Rooster, admitting it was more about presence than performance.
Set against the backdrop of 1970s Australia, “Swinging Safari” is a quirky comedy that revolves around three families in a small town. Their mundane lives are turned upside down when a blue whale washes ashore, thrusting them into the international spotlight. Amidst this chaos, the parents embark on explorations of new sexual experiences, while young Jeff Marsh captures their antics on film. Elordi’s character, Rooster, becomes romantically involved with the Marsh family’s teenage daughter, Bec, played by Chelsea Glaw. Although Elordi considers this his first film appearance, it wasn’t the role that catapulted him to stardom.
Elordi’s first credited film role was in an Australian comedy
Becker Film Group
What Jacob Elordi considers to be his first true film role is a far cry from a multi-million dollar Disney-produced blockbuster sequel. “I don’t know if it counts, but the first movie I ever made was for Stephan Elliot and it was called ‘Flammable Children,’ in which I played a lifeguard,” he continued in the GQ interview. “Again, not much of a performance, just kind of standing there.” Released in 2018, the project would be renamed “Swinging Safari,” which sees Elordi play the lifeguard Rooster.
Set in 1970s Australia, the quirky comedy follows three families in the small town. Their life is interrupted when a blue whale turns up on the beach, putting the town in the international spotlight, all while the parents explore new sexual outlets and tween Jeff Marsh (Atticus Robb) films their day-to-day lives. Rooster, meanwhile, is romantically involved with the Marsh family’s teen daughter, Bec (Chelsea Glaw). While Elordi considers it his first movie appearance, it wasn’t his breakthrough role.Â
