'Wuthering Heights' Chose A Theatrical Release Over A Netflix Payday
Photo Credit: Warner Bros.
In the initial bidding war for the 2026 'Wuthering Heights' adaptation, Margot Robbie's production company, LuckyChap, turned down a whopping $150 million offer from Netflix. Instead, they opted for Warner Bros.' $80 million bid, which came with a crucial promise: a full global theatrical release that the streaming giant was reluctant to guarantee.
This decision, made in late 2024, highlighted a shifting tide in Hollywood where creators are increasingly prioritizing the big-screen experience over lucrative streaming deals. Directed by Academy Award winner Emerald Fennell—known for her provocative films like Promising Young Woman and Saltburn—the movie stars Robbie as the headstrong Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as the brooding Heathcliff. The film reimagines Brontë's 1847 Gothic romance, blending intense emotional drama with modern sensibilities, including steamy scenes that have sparked both praise and controversy.
Production wrapped up in mid-2025, with Fennell also serving as writer and producer alongside Robbie's LuckyChap and MRC. The bidding war was fierce, with Netflix's offer dwarfing Warner Bros.' by nearly double. However, Robbie and her team, including husband Tom Ackerley and partner Josey McNamara, were adamant about giving the film a proper theatrical rollout, complete with marketing support and backend participation tied to box office success.
This choice left significant money on the table, but underscored a growing preference among filmmakers for the cultural impact and prestige of cinema releases over direct-to-streaming paths.
The gamble appears to have paid off handsomely. Wuthering Heights premiered at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on January 28, 2026, and hit theaters worldwide on February 13, just in time for Valentine's Day—a fitting slot for its tale of obsessive love. Over its opening weekend, the film dominated the box office, drawing crowds eager for a romantic drama amid the holiday weekend.
The movie earned $40 million domestically over the four-day Presidents' Day holiday. Internationally, it brought in an additional $42 million from 76 territories, for a global debut of $82 million —effectively recouping its $80 million production budget in just days, excluding marketing costs.
This strong performance marks the biggest opening of 2026 so far and positions Fennell among the top-grossing female directors, though she trails behind Greta Gerwig's records.
Audience demographics skewed heavily female, with 76% of ticket buyers being women. Critically, reviews have been mixed, praising the chemistry between Robbie and Elordi but dividing opinions on Fennell's stylistic choices.
With upcoming releases in markets like Japan, Vietnam, and China, Wuthering Heights is poised for further gains. The film's success not only validates LuckyChap's theatrical strategy but also signals a potential resurgence for mid-budget dramas in cinemas, proving that sometimes, the heart—and the box office—want the same thing.