Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Emily Brontë's classic novel, Wuthering Heights, is stirring up excitement—and controversy—in equal measure as it enters production, with Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi cast as the leads. Fans of the book, published in 1847, are expressing varied reactions to the first looks and casting decisions, sparking debates around casting choices and historical accuracy.
The latest leaks from the set show Robbie in an elaborate white wedding gown, a choice that has drawn mixed opinions from enthusiasts of the beloved story. "I am the biggest fan of Wuthering Heights that there is I just really hope I don’t get disappointed," one user shared on social media, voicing their apprehension about the adaptation.
Some viewers praised the gown as "ethereal" and "majestic," while others took issue with its historical inaccuracy, pointing out that the tradition of white wedding dresses did not gain popularity until the Victorian era. One critic on X stated, "begging people in historical movies and shows to realize white wedding dresses were made the norm in the VICTORIAN ERA. Wuthering Heights is set in the Georgian Era no one was wearing white dresses for a wedding.”
Directed by the acclaimed Emerald Fennell—known for her hit film Promising Young Woman—the adaptation aims to stay true to the complex emotional and narrative tapestry of Brontë's original work. The first images of the film offer a glimpse of Robbie's character with blades of grass in her mouth, a visually gripping image that has garnered comments ranging from excitement to confusion. "CAN NOT WAIT," one user posted, while others raised eyebrows, asking, "what in the saltburn?"
The film features a star-studded cast, with Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Elordi as Heathcliff. Robbie's production company, LuckyChap, is producing the movie, alongside Warner Bros., which confirmed earlier this month that the film will receive a theatrical release. The cast also includes Hong Chau as Nelly Dean, Alison Oliver as Isabella Linton, and Shazad Latif as Edgar Linton, among others. The film is slated for release on February 14, 2026, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Critics are not merely focused on costume choices; bombshell discussions are surrounding the casting of Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff. While some have hailed him as visually fitting for the role, others have voiced concerns regarding the character's portrayal. Brontë described Heathcliff as a boy with dark skin, and the choice to cast Elordi—a lighter-skinned actor—has sparked discussions regarding racial representation in adaptations. "Heathcliff is described as a dark-skinned brown man in the book, and a major plot point is that he was subjected to racist abuse by his adopted family," one tweet expressed, highlighting the importance of race in the character’s narrative arc.
Elordi's casting was further scrutinized, with fans commenting on how the current portrayal differs from Heathcliff’s original description, referencing the character's rootedness in themes of class and racial prejudice. One social media comment echoed the sentiment felt by many fans: "Film studios will say 'We are committed to diverse casting' and then cast Jacob Elordi to play Heathcliff, one of the more famous people of color in literature, whose race is crucial to both his character and the story."
The film, which has stirred some skepticism, is nevertheless backed by a talented production team. Fennell, known for capturing intricate storytelling, leads this adaptation. Although the first look has triggered debate surrounding historical accuracy and character representation, fans are hopeful about the film's overall execution. "Let’s wait for the actual film before jumping to conclusions," urged a supporter on social media. "Everyone kept saying she was the wrong choice to play Barbie, and that it would flop, yet it was huge success."
This adaptation of Wuthering Heights is one of many adaptations of Brontë’s work. The novel has been adapted over 20 times, with varying degrees of faithfulness to the source material. As discussions unfold around the upcoming film, questions linger about how Fennell will reconcile her creative vision with the expectations of fans accustomed to previous interpretations.
Robbie and Elordi’s chemistry has also been at the forefront of discussions. The unconventionality and complexity of their characters’ relationship—marred with passion, revenge, and deep-seated emotional turmoil—raises questions about how well the actors will embody these dynamic roles. Fans are already imagining how their performances could manifest on screen, particularly given the tumultuous love story woven through the narrative.
Filming for Wuthering Heights is currently underway, primarily at Sky Studios Elstree in Hertfordshire, with scenes expected to be shot on location in Yorkshire. As leaks and rumors circulate, anticipation continues to build for what many hope will be a fresh retelling of Brontë’s masterpiece that resonates with both longtime fans of the book and new audiences alike.
The adaptation of Wuthering Heights is not merely a film; it's a chance to explore timeless themes that resonate through generations—complex love, societal constraints, and the consequences of passion unleashed. As the February 2026 release date approaches, fans across the globe remain eager to see how Fennell’s vision will come to life on the big screen.
