Wuthering Heights First Look: Emerald Fennell’s Erotic Adaptation with Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi Eyes Valentine’s Day 2026 Release

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Emerald Fennell’s fresh interpretation of Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë’s timeless novel, has unveiled its first trailer, presenting a daring and sensually intense portrayal. The movie features Margot Robbie playing Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff. Fennell, who received an Academy Award for Promising Young Woman, is the director of this film, scheduled to hit cinemas on Valentine’s Day in the upcoming year.

Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi lead the cast

The movie showcases a robust cast, headed by Hong Chau, Martin Clunes, and breakout star Owen Cooper from Adolescence. In the coming weeks, Margot Robbie, fresh from her successful global venture with Barbie, will share screen time with Colin Farrell in A Big Bold Beautiful Journey. Following suit, Jacob Elordi, famed for Euphoria, Priscilla, and On Swift Horses, is set to star in Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Frankenstein.

In conversation about the project earlier in the year, Elordi shared with Deadline his sentiments: “Everyone’s performances are astonishing – it’s almost breath-taking. This is a remarkable romance, truly epic in scale. Visually, it’s stunningly beautiful. The script is beautifully crafted, and the costumes are nothing short of incredible.

How did Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights get made?

In 2024, the movie ignited a fierce competition among studios for acquisition, after the streaming triumph of Fennell’s Saltburn. According to The Guardian, Netflix proposed a deal worth $150 million, but Warner Bros ultimately obtained the rights at $80 million. Both Fennell and Robbie expressed a preference for a cinematic release instead.

Initial viewings of the screening sparked a variety of responses. Some spectators allegedly labeled it as “extremely challenging and jarring in its tone.” A specific scene, featuring a public execution, was particularly criticized for its intensely disturbing visuals.

Advertisements for the movie are now visible in both the U.S. and the U.K., with the catchy slogan “Drive Me Mad” appearing on them, a phrase that is also used in the film’s trailer.

Why Jacob Elordi’s casting as Heathcliff sparked debate

The decision to have Elordi play the role of Heathcliff has received negative feedback from certain fans of the book, who highlight Brontë’s character description as having darker skin. In response to the criticism earlier this year, casting director Karmel Cochrane stated, “There was one Instagram comment suggesting I should be shot. But once you see it, you can decide whether to shoot me or not. However, you don’t really need to be precise. It’s just a book not based on reality. It’s all art.

Here’s what to expect from the new adaptation

As a lifestyle expert delving into the captivating world of literature-turned-cinema, I’m thrilled to share that a fresh take on Emily Brontë’s masterpiece, Wuthering Heights, is set to make waves. Unlike previous adaptations, such as William Wyler’s 1939 classic and Andrea Arnold’s 2011 offering, Fennell’s version promises to offer an intensified and visually bold interpretation. This innovative approach aims to inject a breath of fresh air into Brontë’s enduring tale of passion, vengeance, and unrelenting obsession, ensuring that her timeless story remains as engaging and thought-provoking as ever in the modern era.

Featuring Robbie and Elordi as its stars, supported by Warner Bros for a theatrical debut, this upcoming movie is highly anticipated to generate plenty of buzz as one of the top discussions surrounding Valentine’s Day releases in 2026.

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2025-09-04 08:52