Emerald Fennell's 'Wuthering Heights': A Bold New Take on Brontë's Gothic Classic
Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
The windswept moors of Yorkshire are set to captivate audiences once again with Emerald Fennell's highly anticipated adaptation of Emily Brontë's 1847 novel Wuthering Heights. Announced in July 2024, this Gothic erotic psychological drama promises to blend obsession, passion, and turmoil in a fresh interpretation of the timeless tale. Directed, written, and produced by the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind Promising Young Woman and Saltburn, the film stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in the lead roles, with a supporting cast that brings depth to Brontë's complex characters.
The Enduring Legacy of Wuthering Heights
Emily Brontë's only novel, published under the pseudonym Ellis Bell, has long been a cornerstone of English literature. Set against the rugged backdrop of the Yorkshire moors, it chronicles the destructive love between Catherine Earnshaw and the brooding orphan Heathcliff. Narrated primarily through the housekeeper Nelly Dean and a visitor to the estate, the story explores themes of social class, revenge, race, and the supernatural, weaving a narrative of haunting intensity that has inspired numerous adaptations over the decades—from Laurence Olivier's 1939 classic to more modern takes like the 2011 version starring Kaya Scodelario.
Fennell's version aims to honor these elements while infusing her signature style of provocation and sensuality. As she teased on social media with a quote from the book—"Be with me always. Take any form. Drive me mad"—the film emphasizes the obsessive undercurrents of the romance.
Plot Overview: Love, Loss, and the Moors
Without delving into spoilers for those unfamiliar with the source material, the film follows the turbulent relationship between Catherine (Robbie), a free-spirited young woman from a genteel family, and Heathcliff (Elordi), an enigmatic foundling adopted into her household. Their bond, marked by passion and betrayal, spirals into a cycle of vengeance that spans generations. Supporting characters like Edgar Linton (Shazad Latif), Isabella Linton (Alison Oliver), and the narrator Nelly Dean (Hong Chau) add layers to the intricate web of emotions and conflicts. Expect atmospheric visuals capturing the isolation and wild beauty of the moors, shot on 35mm VistaVision for a cinematic grandeur.
Star-Studded Cast and Creative Team
Margot Robbie, fresh off her success with Barbie, not only stars as Catherine but also produces through her LuckyChap Entertainment banner, which previously collaborated with Fennell on her earlier films. Jacob Elordi, known for roles in Euphoria and Saltburn, embodies Heathcliff without an audition, bringing a modern intensity to the character's tormented soul. The ensemble is rounded out by acclaimed actors, including Hong Chau as the pragmatic Nelly, Alison Oliver as the naive Isabella, and Shazad Latif as the refined Edgar. Additional cast members include Charlotte Mellington, Owen Cooper, and Vy Nguyen.
Behind the camera, Fennell reunites with cinematographer Linus Sandgren (La La Land) for stunning visuals, while composer Anthony Willis (Promising Young Woman) handles the score. Pop sensation Charli XCX provides original songs, adding a contemporary edge to the period drama.
Production Journey: From Announcement to the Big Screen
Development kicked off in July 2024 with Fennell's announcement, followed by casting reveals in September. A heated bidding war in October saw Warner Bros. secure distribution rights for $80 million, outmaneuvering Netflix's $150 million offer, ensuring a theatrical rollout. Principal photography wrapped from late January to early April 2025 in the UK, utilizing Sky Studios Elstree and authentic Yorkshire Dales locations like Arkengarthdale and Swaledale for an immersive feel.
Marketing Buzz and the Teaser Trailer
Marketing ramped up with billboards in major cities, but the real excitement hit on September 3, 2025, with the release of the first teaser trailer and poster. The poster, evoking Gone with the Wind, features Robbie and Elordi in a dramatic embrace, while the trailer highlights steamy moments and Heathcliff's iconic plea. This approach has generated significant online chatter, with some praising the visual flair and others critiquing its focus on sensuality.
Controversies and Public Reactions
Not all feedback has been positive. The film has stirred debate over casting, particularly Elordi's portrayal of Heathcliff, whose "dark-skinned" description in the novel has led to accusations of whitewashing. Scholars argue this overlooks the character's potential non-white heritage, possibly Romani, Black, or mixed-race, which underscores themes of racial prejudice in the story. Additionally, Robbie's age—35 during filming—contrasts with Catherine's teenage years in the book, raising questions about fidelity to the source.
Social media reactions are divided: some users are thrilled, calling the teaser "stunning" and anticipating a provocative twist, while purists decry it as a mismatched adaptation that prioritizes Fennell's style over the novel's depth. Test screenings have reportedly described the film as "aggressively provocative," with explicit elements that some feel lack the original's emotional nuance. Despite the backlash, Fennell's track record suggests the film could spark meaningful discussions on reinterpretation in cinema.
Looking Ahead to Release
Wuthering Heights is slated for theaters on February 13, 2026, in the US and UK, perfectly timed for Valentine's Day weekend—a nod to its romantic, albeit tragic, core. Whether it becomes a divisive hit like Saltburn or a celebrated reinvention remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Fennell's vision will have audiences talking.
