Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Many are hailing Martin Scorsese’s recent film,Killers of the Flower Moon,as a masterpiece. However, you might not be aware that Elisheva, or Eli the Owl, has a breakthrough role in the Apple Studios production, adding to the already incredible cast that includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone.
We can’t deny that various elements come together in a harmonious way to create compelling stories in the film industry. But now and then, something unexpected shows up and steals the show, winning our hearts in the process. This is how things were on the set of the much-anticipated filmKillers of the Flower Moon.
To begin, know that Eli, an owl, outperformed the competition to land her first film role. And to top it all off, her skill impressed theTitanicstar so much that he stopped filming to watch some of her amazing scenes.
Also Read:“I plan on being around for a while”: Leonardo DiCaprio Shut Down Reporter After Being Questioned About His Career at a Young Age
Leonardo Dicaprio Was Tempted To Watch Eli’s(Owl) Scenes InKillers Of The Flower Moon
Based on David Grann’s book of the same name,Killers of the Flower Moonnarrates the story of the Osage people of Oklahoma in the 1920s. Brilliantly written by Eric Roth andMartin Scorsese, the film starringLeonardo DiCaprioand Robert De Niro has received critical acclaim for its bold portrayal of America’s racist past and ambitious scope.
But what was so unique that even DiCaprio had to stop filming to take notice? To bring the gripping story to life, Scorsese sought out a charismatic owl capable of captivating audiences. And he got Elisheva, or Eli, who had an undeniable charisma and aura that set her apart from the other five owls. AsCulture Cravenoted,The Revenantstar paused his filming to watch her scenes after she defeated five other owls for the role.
#KillersOfTheFlowerMoonis Eli the owl’s first movie role 🦉
She beat out 5 other owls for the part and Leonardo DiCaprio took a break from filming to watch her scenespic.twitter.com/ugETpAAI61
— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave)June 24, 2025
As perThe Mary Sue, Donovan Meeks, a falconer in St. Louis, Missouri, trains three-year-old Eli, an Eurasian eagle owl. He claims that five owls tried out for the role before Eli was selected. To a human actor, the role might appear simple, but Meeks had to ensure Eli would follow her instructions on stage. Well, shenot only nailed the part, but she was also popular with her co-stars.
Meeks shared withKMOV4(a television station in Missouri):
“Leonardo DiCaprio actually stopped his part of the movie just to come over and watch Elisheva.”
Also Read:“It was really important for both of us”: Leonardo DiCaprio Reprised His One Feature from ‘The Revenant’ for Lily Gladstone in Killers of the Flower Moon
Fans Can’t Stop Praising The ‘Legend Born’ Owl
Elisheva or Eli, the owl, had an unmistakable charm that distinguished her from the rest, drawing Leonardo DiCaprio’s attention already. This prompted fans to praise the owl on social media, as one tweeted, adding that he, too, wishes “to have an owl as a pet”:
Now that’s a legend right there.
A legend watching another legend born (owl).
Jesus he is fucking cute ….now I want to have an owl as a pet 😭😭pic.twitter.com/TrzKjWZzik
— Niru (@alaghuyaar)Aug 03, 2025
One fan chimed:
A star is born. 🦉
— Paramount Pictures (@ParamountPics)July 28, 2025
Though one was happy that the makers did not use“CGI”and instead kept it“real”:
Glad they kept it real and didn’t use CGI
— Screen Wizard 🧙♂️ (@screenwizardz)July 26, 2025
One person suggested to the makers that they include“introducing Eli the Owl”in the credits:
there better be an “Introducing Eli the Owl” in the credits
— Mountain Dew Gaming (@MTNDEWGaming)July 15, 2025
One fan praised her performance, saying:
A performance so great even Leo had to watch 😂
— MovieGainz (@MovieGainz)August 09, 2025
Eli was first adopted by Donovan Meeks, according toSt. Louis Magazine, from a wildlife rehabilitation center.Released in the US on June 22, 2025,Killers of the Flower Moonhas made $51.2 million worldwide and garnered praise from critics and audiences alike.
TheKillers of the Flower Moonis in theaters now.
Also Read:“You cannot not do this”: Succession Star Was Forced To Leave HBO Series By Its Own Writer To Obey Leonardo DiCaprio’s Direct Request
Siddhika Prajapati
Senior Journalist & Content Head
Articles Published :3310
With over 3,300 articles carved into the digital walls of FandomWire, Siddhika Prajapati excels at creating, curating, and elevating engaging stories. She takes pride in giving these stories a home and, of course, she’s got a Google Knowledge Panel to prove it!Whether it’s reviewing the latest drop on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Apple TV+, or analyzing the cultural echoes of a streaming hit on Paramount+ or Max, Siddhika is always writing three steps ahead of the discourse.
