Saltburn star Jacob Elordi spills on the A-lister who almost snagged Barry Keoghan’s role in the popular psychological thriller

Jacob Elordi has revealed what A-lister actor was ‘nearly cast’ to play Oliver Quick instead of Barry Keoghan in the hit psychological thriller Saltburn.

The controversial, yet gripping movie has got millions of viewers talking since it was released on Amazon Prime.

And while Barry, 31, has shocked fans with that specific bath and graveyard scene, Jacob claimed he almost missed out on getting the part.

During an interview of Jacob, 26, who plays Felix Catton, and Barry for Vogue UK, Jacob disclosed that Timothée Chalamet, 28, was director Emerald Fennell’s original choice.

As Jacob asked Barry what drew him to sign up for the role during a private Q&A between each other, Barry claimed it was Emerald, Jacob and the scripts doing.

Jacob Elordi, 26, has revealed what A-lister actor was ‘nearly cast’ to play Oliver instead of Barry Keoghan, 31, in the hit psychological thriller Saltburn

While Barry, 31, (pictured) has shocked fans with that specific bath and graveyard scene, Jacob claimed he almost missed out on getting the part

Jacob said: ‘Barry, what drew you to Saltburn?’

Barry responded: ‘When I met Emerald, she told me that she had you kind of down to do it. So, Emerald, yourself and the script… what about you?’

‘Definitely yeah, it was Emerald. Then she said she wanted Timothée Chalamet for it’ [Barry laughing], he joked.

Jacob added: ‘And I said have you thought about Barry Keoghan?

A number of scenes in Emerald’s explosive thriller Saltburn have set the internet ablaze, including the bath moment and the ‘vampire sex’. 

Yet one scene appears to be setting tongues wagging the most – when Barry’s character Oliver stimulates sex with the grave of his murdered best friend Felix, played by Jacob. 

In the wake of the explosive response, Barry has spoken out about the troubling moment in which he pulls down his trousers and grinds on Felix’s grave and revealed the incredible news that the sex was never in the original script. 

Director Emerald, 38, revealed they added the disturbing moment later on, meaning she was forced to clear the set as Barry ‘unzipped’ and ‘let his body lead the way’. 

During an interview of Jacob and Barry for Vogue UK, Jacob disclosed that Timothée Chalamet was director Emerald Fennell’s original choice (pictured at the Wonka premiere)

Jacob said: ‘Barry, what drew you to Saltburn?’ Barry responded: ‘When I met Emerald, she told me that she had you kind of down to do it. So, Emerald, yourself and the script… what about you?’

‘Definitely yeah, it was Emerald. Then she said she wanted Timothée Chalamet for it [Barry laughing] and I said have you thought about Barry Keoghan?’, he joked

With its fair share of controversial scenes, Saltburn has been the movie on the tip of many tongues over the past couple of weeks 

Saltburn’s Barry has revealed his grave scene was improvised and left director Emerald Fennell forced to clear set while he ‘unzipped and let his body lead the way’

Barry revealed: ‘On paper, he wasn’t written to do that. But I wanted to see what actually happened, where I would take it. I wanted to be confused and let my body lead the way. What am I doing? How can I get closer?’ 

Released on November 17, the movie is centres around Oxford scholarship holder, Oliver and his infatuation with his upper-class friend Felix.

Oliver struggles to fit in with the super wealthy crowd that study at the elite university, however Felix soon takes him under his wing.

Sought-after Felix eventually invites down on his luck Oliver to stay at his illustrious Saltburn mansion for the Summer, igniting a season of eccentricity, partying and chaos – as well as an obsession from the latter to the former.

Oliver then slays Felix when his lies about his family are uncovered, leading to the chilling moment he pentrates the mud on his freshly dug grave. 

He said: ‘It’s trying to find that new level of obsession.’