Movie Review | Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi to Star in 2026 Wuthering Heights Film

Emily Brontë’s singular, haunting masterpiece, Wuthering Heights, is set to storm UK cinema screens once more, but this time with a fresh, bold vision. Directed, written, and produced by the acclaimed Emerald Fennell, and starring two of Hollywood’s most captivating talents, Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, this reimagining of the iconic gothic tragedy is slated for release on February 14th, 2026 – a deliberate and darkly romantic choice for Valentine’s Day.

For decades, Wuthering Heights has captivated readers and filmmakers alike with its intense portrayal of obsessive love, social prejudice, and vengeful despair set against the wild, bleak beauty of the Yorkshire moors. Many adaptations have graced screens both big and small, each attempting to capture the raw, untamed spirit of Brontë’s only novel. Now, with Fennell at the helm, known for her distinctive blend of sharp social commentary, dark humour, and opulent yet unsettling aesthetics seen in Promising Young Woman and Saltburn, this new iteration promises a fiercely modern take on a timeless tale.

At its core, Wuthering Heights is the story of the tumultuous and all-consuming relationship between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff. Heathcliff, a mysterious orphan, is brought into the wealthy Earnshaw family by Mr. Earnshaw and raised alongside his children, Hindley and Catherine. Despite Hindley’s cruel treatment, a powerful, almost spiritual bond forms between Heathcliff and Catherine, an intense love that transcends societal norms.

However, as they grow older, class divisions and social ambitions drive a wedge between them. Catherine, torn between her passionate connection to Heathcliff and the respectable, comfortable life offered by the gentlemanly Edgar Linton, ultimately chooses to marry Edgar. Heathcliff, heartbroken and humiliated, disappears, only to return years later as a wealthy, brooding, and vengeful man. His return sets in motion a destructive chain of events that impacts not only Catherine, Edgar, and their respective families, but also the subsequent generation, forever scarring the inhabitants of Wuthering Heights and nearby Thrushcross Grange.

Fennell’s adaptation is expected to honour the raw emotional chaos of Brontë’s original text, a novel famously ahead of its time in its depiction of such savage and uncompromising passion. However, given Fennell’s signature style, audiences can anticipate a heightened sense of atmosphere, perhaps leaning into the gothic horror elements of the novel, and a visual grandeur that contrasts with the moral decay of its characters. Early whispers and leaked set photos have hinted at an erotic undertone and a willingness to explore the story’s darker facets with unflinching intensity.

The casting choices for this new Wuthering Heights have already generated considerable buzz and, in some corners, controversy. Margot Robbie, the acclaimed actress known for her versatile performances in Barbie and I, Tonya, takes on the pivotal role of Catherine Earnshaw. Robbie’s ability to convey both effervescence and deep emotional vulnerability makes her a compelling choice for the wilful, wild, and ultimately conflicted Catherine.

Opposite her, as the tormented and vengeful Heathcliff, is Jacob Elordi, who has garnered significant attention for his magnetic performances in Euphoria and Fennell’s own Saltburn. Elordi’s brooding intensity and commanding screen presence seem tailor-made for Heathcliff’s complex character, an orphan whose love curdles into a lifelong quest for retribution. The casting of Elordi, a white actor, in the role of Heathcliff – who is often described as “dark-skinned” and whose racial ambiguity is a key element of his social exclusion in the novel – has sparked debate among Brontë purists, highlighting the ongoing conversation around literary adaptations and representation.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, promising a strong ensemble to bring the tragic drama to life. Shazad Latif (Star Trek: Discovery) is cast as Edgar Linton, Catherine’s gentle and long-suffering husband. Hong Chau (The Whale, The Menu) takes on the crucial role of Nelly Dean, the observant servant and primary narrator of the story. Alison Oliver, fresh off her breakout role in Saltburn, reunites with Fennell and Elordi to play Isabella Linton, Edgar’s naive sister who falls tragically for Heathcliff. Younger versions of the key characters, including Charlotte Mellington as young Catherine and Owen Cooper as young Heathcliff, will also feature, ensuring a comprehensive portrayal of their formative years.

The decision by Fennell and her production company (Robbie’s LuckyChap Entertainment is also producing) to embrace a wide theatrical release through Warner Bros., reportedly turning down an $80 million streaming offer, signals a clear ambition for this film to be a major cinematic event. With Linus Sandgren, the Oscar-winning cinematographer from La La Land and Saltburn, on board, audiences can expect a visually stunning film that captures the harsh beauty of the moors and the intense emotions of the narrative.

While the casting decisions have generated discussion, they also underscore Fennell’s intention to offer a fresh perspective on a classic. The creative liberties taken, such as Robbie’s blonde hair for Catherine and Elordi’s potential physical transformations (including a gold tooth spotted during filming), suggest a vision that prioritizes emotional impact and aesthetic boldness over strict historical accuracy.

Wuthering Heights remains a literary touchstone, a raw and unsettling exploration of love, obsession, and the corrosive nature of vengeance. With Emerald Fennell’s distinctive voice, coupled with the star power of Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, this new adaptation is poised to be a powerful and memorable cinematic experience. Mark your calendars for February 2026; the windswept passion of the moors awaits its fiery return to the big screen.