Wuthering Heights (2026): A Bold New Take with Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie

The upcoming adaptation of Wuthering Heights, set to release on February 13, 2026, is already generating buzz with its star-studded cast and daring creative choices. Directed by Emerald Fennell, the film features Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff and Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw. Newly revealed set photos and intriguing behind-the-scenes details hint at a visually striking and unconventional retelling of Emily Brontë’s 1847 gothic classic.

Casting and Controversy

Jacob Elordi, initially planning a break from acting, was drawn back by a text from Fennell, who wrote, directed, and produced the film. Elordi, portraying the intense and brooding Heathcliff, praised his co-star Margot Robbie, calling her “electric” and a “beautiful actor who gave everything” to the role of Catherine. The film, backed by MRC and Robbie’s LuckyChap Entertainment, sparked a bidding war, with Warner Bros. securing distribution rights.

However, the casting of Elordi as Heathcliff has stirred debate. In Brontë’s novel, Heathcliff is described as a “dark-skinned gypsy,” and some fans argue that casting a white actor dilutes the character’s social and emotional complexity. Despite the backlash, Fennell remains committed to her vision, aiming to reimagine the story with a modern, provocative edge.

A Glimpse from Set Photos

Recent set photos published by Vogue offer a peek into the film’s aesthetic. One image shows Elordi’s Heathcliff and Robbie’s Catherine, both in striking black attire, standing among mourners in a graveyard—a nod to the novel’s pervasive themes of death and loss. Another photo reveals Heathcliff with a gold tooth and a playful grin, paired with bold mutton chops, suggesting a departure from the character’s traditionally brooding demeanor. These choices hint at Fennell’s intent to infuse the story with unexpected flair.

Fennell’s Vision: A Fresh Spin on a Classic

Wuthering Heights centers on the turbulent love story between Heathcliff, the troubled foster son of the Earnshaw family, and Catherine, a relationship that wreaks havoc across two families over decades. The novel’s gothic atmosphere, steeped in themes of revenge, obsession, and mortality, has been adapted numerous times, from the 1939 Laurence Olivier classic to the 1992 Ralph Fiennes version.

Fennell, known for bold films like Promising Young Woman and Saltburn, appears to be taking a page from Baz Luhrmann’s playbook, setting the story in its original period but layering it with modern stylistic choices. Casting director Carmel Cochran, speaking at the Sands Film Festival in Scotland, addressed the controversy over the film’s fidelity to the novel. She urged fans to reserve judgment, suggesting that “perfect accuracy” isn’t the goal, as the story is “art, not real life.” Cochran teased that the set design and costumes—including a possible dog collar—might surprise even more than the casting, hinting at a visually audacious production.

Star Power and Production Details

Elordi, who worked with Fennell on Saltburn, described the film as a “true epic romance” with breathtaking performances, visuals, costumes, and script. The cast also includes Hong Chau, Alison Oliver, and Shazad Latif, adding depth to the ensemble. Filming recently wrapped, and Elordi’s enthusiasm for the project, shared during promotion for his Amazon series The Narrow Road to the Deep North, underscores the film’s ambitious scope.

Why This Adaptation Matters

With over two dozen adaptations of Wuthering Heights already in existence, Fennell’s version aims to stand out by embracing bold, divisive choices. The February 2026 release, timed for Valentine’s Day, leans into the story’s dark, obsessive romance. Whether it captivates audiences or sparks debate among Brontë purists, this adaptation promises to be a visually lush, emotionally intense experience that could reignite interest in the classic novel.

Keep an eye out for more updates as Wuthering Heights approaches its release. With Fennell’s boundary-pushing style and a cast led by Elordi and Robbie, this film is poised to be one of 2026’s most talked-about cinematic events.