Jacob Elordi’s ‘ulterior motive’ in Kendall Jenner romance revealed by suspicious insiders… amid steamy Hawaii trips and double dates
With an idyllic Hawaii break behind them and the approval of her superstar sister, Kendall Jenner and Jacob Elordi’s burgeoning romance seems destined to be one of Hollywood’s most sparkling romances.
Uncharacteristically for Jenner, 30, and Elordi, 28 – who are both known for courting the spotlight – their relationship has remained largely low-profile, with a cozy beach snap and a double date with Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet all that has emerged from their three-month romance.
However, whispers are circulating that ‘fame-hungry’ Frankenstein star Elordi, who has gone from romcom love interest to Oscar nominee, has an ulterior motive in dating a member of the Kardashian-Jenner clan.
As their love story becomes increasingly public, insiders have dished on Elordi’s relentless quest to be seen as Hollywood’s ultimate leading man – and how his highest-profile romance yet could achieve that.
‘If Jacob and Kendall really do become a long-term thing, it would be a major step up from his past relationships,’ an insider exclusively told the Daily Mail.
‘In Hollywood, becoming a huge star isn’t just about the projects you choose – it’s also about who you’re seen with.
Kendall Jenner and Jacob Elordi spotted together in Hawaii in early May
Jenner, Elordi, Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet were photographed in a car on May 10
‘Jacob has loved the rise that’s come with his fame, and now that he’s in demand and earning Oscar nominations, the next phase for him is building that image as a leading man people are fascinated by both on and off screen.
‘If audiences become invested in who he’s dating, that attention can easily carry over into interest in his movies and TV shows. Right now, he’s fully embracing all of it.’
Elordi has been linked to a slew of love interests over the years, each with varying degrees of fame. He memorably dated his The Kissing Booth co-star Joey King for a year before their relationship ended in 2018.
He then moved onto Euphoria co-star Zendaya – with the pair seen kissing in early 2020.
Next up was Cindy Crawford’s supermodel daughter, Kaia Gerber, whom he dated for a year until late 2021.
Most recently, the Wuthering Heights star had a highly publicized several-year on-off romance with Lori Loughlin’s influencer daughter Olivia Jade Giannulli, which ended in 2025.
The insider also claimed that while Jenner and Elordi are ‘trying to make it seem like they’re being discreet,’ the Kardashians ‘know exactly how to control the narrative, and if they truly didn’t want to be photographed or seen together, it wouldn’t happen.’
‘They thrive on the gossip and speculation surrounding the relationship, and even if they pretend they don’t want the attention, it’s all part of the game and the overall process,’ the source added.
Elordi and Margot Robbie during a scene from their recent movie, Wuthering Heights
Elordi and The Kissing Booth co-star Joey King, whom he also dated
Elordi with supermodel and ex-girlfriend Kaia Gerber in September 2021
Elordi and his Euphoria co-star Zendaya, whom he was seen kissing in early 2020
Momager Kris Jenner, 70, has openly shown her support for Kylie’s three-year romance with Chalamet – a relationship that has seen the reality star rub shoulders with Hollywood’s true A-list during awards seasons. And our insider said Kris approves of her elder daughter’s latest union, too.
‘Kris loves every single moment of her girls hanging out and dating huge actors and has fully embraced what this all could end up being: more kids, more opportunities for the family, more stories for the show,’ they said.
‘Kris loves seeing her daughters find love, but also loves everything else that comes with it. It’s the businesswoman in her that she can’t control those feelings, knowing that they will all be in the news for years to come. That’s a complete joy for Kris.’
The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for the Jenners and Elordi for comment.
Elordi was notably seen with Jenner in Hawaii last week after dropping out of the Cannes Film Festival amid reports of a broken foot.
With no orthopedic cast or boot in sight on the beach, some followers questioned whether Elordi used the injury as an elaborate ruse to miss the French film festival.
Insiders exclusively told the Daily Mail that Elordi’s absence, combined with his entanglement with a ‘lower-rent’ reality TV veteran, could potentially impact his campaign to become the number one actor in Hollywood.
Jenner and Elordi were first romantically linked after they were seen ‘making out and all over each other’ during Justin Bieber’s post-show party at Coachella last month – with a source telling the Daily Mail that Kylie had played matchmaker.
‘Kylie was around Jacob a lot during Timothee [Chalamet’s] award season marathon because Jacob was nominated for Frankenstein and Timothee was nominated for Marty Supreme,’ the source revealed.
Kris Jenner, 70, has openly shown her support for her daughters’ romances
Chalamet and Kylie attend 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in March. They have become one of Hollywood’s most surprising romances
‘Kylie is the alpha sister and pushed Kenny to start a romance with Jacob because she wanted to set up double dates with Timothee.’
Jenner and Elordi have been friendly for years. Elordi attended Jenner’s 2022 birthday bash and they were seen locked in conversation at the Vanity Fair Oscars party in March.
The latter followed Elordi’s Best Supporting Actor award loss (for his role as the creature in Frankenstein) at the awards ceremony.
For her part, Jenner has enjoyed a string of famous boyfriends, including professional athletes Devin Booker and Ben Simmons, as well as rapper Bad Bunny.
