The Australian star who once captured hearts in The Kissing Booth has officially entered the most prestigious circle in Hollywood. Jacob Elordi has secured his first-ever Academy Award nomination, marking a massive turning point for the 28-year-old actor. Known for his versatility, Elordi is being recognized for his transformative performance as the Creature in Guillermo del Toro's 2025 adaptation of Frankenstein. A transformation for the ages Stepping into the shoes—and the heavy prosthetics—of one of literature's most iconic figures was no small feat. Elordi reportedly spent anywhere from four to ten hours a day in the makeup chair to become the stitched-together Creature. This wasn't just about looking the part; the actor also underwent specialized voice training, including techniques used by Mongolian throat singers, to create a unique, gravelly tone for the character. Director Guillermo del Toro praised Elordi's performance, noting that he cast the actor specific...
An Offer She Had To Refuse
In her new memoir, You With the Sad Eyes, Applegate recalls the casting process for the 2004 comedy classic. While she beat out several high-profile actresses for the part, the financial side of the deal was less than stellar. The original offer from the studio was significantly lower than the pay for her male co-stars. Applegate says she knew her worth and was prepared to walk away from the project because the number did not meet her professional quote.
The discrepancy was particularly sharp given the film’s plot. Anchorman famously satirizes the 1970s newsroom culture and the struggle for women to be taken seriously in male-dominated spaces. Applegate noted the irony of being lowballed for a film that was literally about workplace inequality.
How Adam McKay And Will Ferrell Stepped In
Rather than letting the deal fall through, Adam McKay and Will Ferrell decided to take matters into their own hands. They were both deeply committed to having Applegate play the sharp-witted Veronica Corningstone. According to the actor, the duo decided to chip in from their own paychecks to boost her salary to a fair level. This gesture allowed Applegate to accept the role and join the Channel 4 News Team.
Applegate described the move as a vital lesson in her career. She felt supported by her colleagues in a way that is not always common in the industry. The extra funding didn't just help her bank account; it set a precedent for her future contracts, as the higher pay became her new industry quote.
A Masterclass In Comedy
Beyond the paycheck, Applegate reflects on the production as one of the best experiences of her life. She had never done professional improv before joining the cast. Working alongside Ferrell, Steve Carell, and Paul Rudd felt like a masterclass that most people would pay to attend. She credited McKay for developing a unique environment that allowed the actors to experiment and find the magic in every scene.
She specifically mentioned how Steve Carell helped guide the group through the process. The "magic" of that set has remained a highlight for her even decades later. Applegate would later return for the 2013 sequel, Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, maintaining her place as a cornerstone of the franchise.
Staying Classy In San Diego
The 2004 film Anchorman follows Ron Burgundy, a top-rated newsman in San Diego whose life is turned upside down by the arrival of an ambitious female reporter. The movie became a massive hit, earning over $90 million worldwide and launching several spin-offs and catchphrases. It is now considered a cult classic and one of the most quotable comedies of the early 2000s.
Christina Applegate was already a household name before the film, having starred as Kelly Bundy on the long-running sitcom Married... with Children. However, her role as Veronica Corningstone proved her ability to hold her own in a high-energy, improvised comedy setting. She has since earned critical acclaim for projects like Samantha Who? and the Netflix hit Dead to Me.
Reflecting On A Comedy Legacy
Looking back at the experience, Applegate is grateful that the creators saw her value. The decision by McKay and Ferrell to sacrifice their own earnings ensured that the film had the right chemistry. It served as a reminder that behind the "petulant" male characters they played on screen, the men behind the scenes were looking out for their colleagues.
The story adds a new layer of appreciation for the film’s legacy. While the news team was busy shouting about glass cases of emotion and trident battles, a very real display of professional respect was happening off-camera. It remains a rare example of leading men taking a literal cut to support their female lead.
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