Jacob Elordi’s absence from this year’s Cannes Film Festival was initially blamed on a reported foot injury, but the actor is now facing growing online scrutiny after being spotted looking perfectly relaxed during a series of outings with rumored new girlfriend Kendall Jenner.
From beach trips in Hawaii to double dates in Los Angeles, fans have started questioning whether the actor exaggerated his condition to skip Cannes altogether.
Now, the rising Hollywood star is dealing with fresh speculation about both his career choices and his new romance.
Jacob Elordi raised eyebrows earlier this month after pulling out of the Cannes Film Festival amid reports that he was recovering from a broken foot.
At the time, many assumed the “Euphoria” actor was sidelined by a legitimate injury that prevented him from traveling to France for the prestigious event.
However, public reaction shifted quickly after new photos emerged showing Elordi vacationing in Hawaii with Kendall Jenner.
The actor appeared carefree during the tropical getaway, where the pair were photographed lounging on the beach, driving around together, and enjoying what looked like the early stages of a very public romance.
Critics online immediately focused on one detail: there was no visible orthopedic boot, cast, or sign that Elordi was recovering from a serious injury.
The skepticism only intensified after he was also spotted behind the wheel during a Los Angeles double date with Kendall, Kylie Jenner, and Timothée Chalamet.
Elordi’s Romance With Kendall Is Fueling Debate
Beyond the injury speculation, some industry watchers are now discussing whether Jacob Elordi’s connection to Kendall could affect how Hollywood views him moving forward.
The 28-year-old has spent the last few years building serious credibility with roles in projects like “Wuthering Heights,” “Frankenstein,” and HBO’s “Euphoria.”
However, some insiders reportedly worry that stepping into the Kardashian-Jenner spotlight could complicate that carefully crafted image.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, an insider revealed that Cannes attendees viewed Elordi’s absence as “a bad look,” though many within the industry have already moved on.
“There’s very much an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ mentality surrounding it,” the source explained.
Still, conversations about the so-called “Kardashian curse” have resurfaced online, especially after Chalamet’s multiple Oscar losses earlier this year while dating Kylie.
Some social media users have also questioned whether Kendall’s reality TV background could clash with Elordi’s growing reputation as a serious dramatic actor.
Jacob Elordi Still Holds Strong Hollywood Power
Despite the chatter, insiders insist Elordi’s standing in Hollywood remains extremely strong for now.
“The bigger issue for Jacob is his ego – if he ever hits a rough patch with a streak of unsuccessful films or TV projects, the criticism and karma could come fast,” the insider said.
However, the source emphasized that the “Kissing Booth” star’s recent success has earned him significant respect within the entertainment industry.
“But at the moment, he remains one of the most sought-after young actors in the industry,” they added. The insider also noted that many people are still choosing to believe the actor’s explanation regarding the injury.
“And despite these recent appearances, especially with him being seen out and about with Kendall, people are still largely taking him at his word that he’s injured,” they shared.
Even so, there remains disappointment surrounding his Cannes absence because festival organizers likely would have accommodated his condition.
“Even though Cannes would have gone out of its way to accommodate him and minimize any walking, there is still some lingering disappointment that he chose not to attend,” the source explained.
Elordi And Kendall’s Romance Has Been Heating Up Fast
Rumors about Jacob Elordi and Kendall Jenner first exploded after the duo reportedly got very close during Justin Bieber’s post-Coachella party last month.
According to reports, the two were seen “making out and all over each other,” with insiders later claiming Kylie played matchmaker.
The rumored lovebirds had already crossed paths for years before the romance rumors intensified.
Elordi attended Kendall’s birthday celebration back in 2022, and they were later spotted in deep conversation at the Vanity Fair Oscars party earlier this year.
That same Oscars night was bittersweet for the actor, professionally, after he lost the Best Supporting Actor award for his role as the creature in “Frankenstein.”
Still, his personal life appears to be thriving as he spends more time with the socialite publicly.
Jacob Elordi And Kendall Jenner Both Have High-Profile Dating Histories
Elordi and Kendall are no strangers to high-profile romances, which may explain why their relationship instantly became headline news.
Before the “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” star, Elordi was linked to several famous women, including model Kaia Gerber and influencer Olivia Jade Giannulli.
Kendall, meanwhile, has dated a string of celebrity athletes and entertainers over the years, including Devin Booker, Ben Simmons, and rapper Bad Bunny.
Her younger sister, Kylie, has also remained firmly in the spotlight through her long-running relationship with Chalamet, whom she has been dating since April 2023.