Taylor Zakhar Perez Responds to Costar Jacob Elordi Criticizing The Kissing Booth

After Jacob Elordi called The Kissing Booth trilogy "ridiculous," Taylor Zakhar Perez shared his surprise at his costar's comments.

By Alexandra Bellusci Nov 18, 2023 12:59 AMTags
Watch: Jacob Elordi Thinks Elvis Comparisons Are "F--king Absurd"

Taylor Zakhar Perez isn't keeping his feelings in the booth.

The Kissing Booth star shared his thoughts on costar Jacob Elordi criticizing the Netflix rom-com.

"I thought it was a shame because to my knowledge, everybody else had such a wonderful experience," Taylor told Variety Nov. 16. "It's a shame that was his experience on the set. Especially when those movies came out, it was a time when we really needed something like that."

The 31-year-old went on to explain his experience with the trilogy, noting: "I know from our fan interactions, getting stopped everywhere I go, what Kissing Booth means to people and what it brought them during such a dark time. I guess the silver lining is he still made people laugh and feel good."

Jacob—who costarred alongside Joey King in all three films—made headlines earlier this week after he revealed how he truly felt about starring in the franchise.

"I didn't want to make those movies before I made those movies," he told GQ in an article published Nov. 13. "Those movies are ridiculous. They're not universal. They're an escape."  

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Everything We Know About The Kissing Booth Sequel

Although some may follow the "one for them, one for me" mentality, Jacob doesn't see it that way.

"Because it can become 15 for them, none for you," the Euphoria actor continued. "You have no original ideas and you're dead inside. So, it's a fine dance. My ‘one for them,' I've done it."

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images / Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for GQ

These days, the actor is more excited about stepping into one pair of blue suede shoes in particular—Elvis Presley's. Jacob plays the King of Rock for Sofia Coppola's Priscilla, which came out Oct. 27.

However, the 26-year-old admitted that he did think twice about saying yes to the role so soon after Austin Butler's Oscar-nominated portrayal in Baz Luhrmann's 2022 movie Elvis.

"It certainly crossed my mind briefly before I'd read the script," Jacob explained. "I don't want to tell the same story over, especially because he did such a fine job of portraying this man," but he added that his film is "a completely different thing."

That's why he was up for the challenge.

"It's terribly exciting, too, running into the fire a little bit," Jacob said. "I can't think of anything more exhilarating."

Looking for your next binge watch? Read on for 2023 TV premiere dates.

Christmas at Graceland (NBC & Peacock) - Nov. 29

NBC and Peacock's hourlong live special from Elvis Presley's iconic Memphis home will kick off the 2023 holiday season.

The Artful Dodger (Hulu) - Nov. 29

The Artful Dodger explores the adult double life of Charles Dickens’ famous prince of thieves, Jack Dawkins aka The Artful Dodger, whose fast pickpocketing fingers have turned into the skilled hands of a surgeon.

Christmas in Rockefeller Center (NBC) - Nov. 29

Kelly Clarkson will host the live special with performances by Chloe Bailey, Adam Blackstone, Cher, David Foster, Liz Gillies, Darlene Love, Seth MacFarlane, Barry Manilow, Katharine McPhee, Keke Palmer, Carly Pearce and Manuel Turizo.

Paris in Love (Peacock) - Nov. 30

Paris Hilton tackles motherhood in season two of Peacock's Paris in Love.

Southern Hospitality (Bravo) - Dec. 7

Season two of the Southern Charm spinoff premieres Thursday, Dec. 7 at 9 p.m. 

Christmas at the Opry (NBC) - Dec. 7

Hosted by Wynonna Judd, performers Adam Doleac, BRELAND, Brenda Lee, Chris Janson, Chrissy Metz, Kelly Clarkson, Lauren Alaina, Meghan Patrick, Mickey Guyton, Mitchell Tenpenny and Trace Adkins will take the stage to get fans into the holiday spirit on NBC's new special in Nashville.

Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie (Peacock) - Dec. 8

Monk returns to solve one last, very personal case involving his beloved stepdaughter Molly, a journalist preparing for her wedding. 

1000-Lb Sisters (TLC) - Dec. 12

Tammy faces life in the real world when she is finally approved to go home after spending more than a year in rehab. This breakthrough means she’s ready for the next chapter but sadly, her husband Caleb doesn't get approved to leave with her. Learning to embrace her new body and life at home, Tammy also accomplishes some exciting milestones for the first time in over a decade like riding in the front seat of a car. Meanwhile, Amy’s marriage is turned upside down, which leads her to make the hardest decision of her life. Chris continues to work towards skin removal surgery, while Amanda and Misty embark on their own health journeys. 

Smothered (TLC) - Dec. 12

Smothered is back with new duos that are closer than ever. From synchronized hobby horsing and a mother and daughter who give each other “vagacials” these pairs do anything and everything together. With four new duos, including Smothered's very first mother-in-law and son-in-law, nothing is off limits and there’s no such thing as personal space! 

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: RHONY Legacy (Peacock) - Dec. 14

Real Housewives of New York City alums Kelly Bensimon, Luann de Lesseps, Dorinda Medley, Sonja Morgan, Ramona Singer and Kristen Taekman are going on a wild vacation this December (an exact premiere date has not yet been announced).

Where Was I (Netflix) - Dec. 19

Returning to Netflix for his fourth original comedy special, Trevor Noah shares his hilarious experiences from his recent travels around the world, ranging from foreign national anthems to varying cultural norms. 

Dr. Death (Peacock) - Dec. 21

Season two of Peacock's anthology series, starring Edgar Ramírez and Mandy Moore, tells the bone-chilling true story of Paolo Macchiarini, the Italian surgeon who was sentenced to multiple years in prison for harming his patients.

Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic (CBS) - Dec. 21

Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic, an entertainment special honoring and celebrating the legendary career of the iconic actor and performer for his 98th birthday, debuts Dec. 21 on the CBS.

Letterkenny (Hulu) - Dec. 26

Head back to Ontario for the last time as Letterkenny returns for its 12th and final season on Hulu.

E! News Presents NBC’s Hot 10 of 2023 (NBC) - Dec. 27

E! News Presents NBC’s Hot 10 of 2023 end of year retrospective will air on Wednesday, Dec 27 at 8 p.m. on NBC. The special is hosted by E! News Justin Sylvester and Keltie Knight along with Carolina Bermudez and Courtney Lopez.   

The special will take an in-depth look at the year’s most memorable pop culture moments as well as the best in music, fashion, movies, entertainment and more along with a look ahead at what to expect in 2024. 

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