Jacob Elordi, the rising star known for his role in HBO's "Euphoria," recently revealed that he had planned to take a break from acting. However, a simple text message from director Emerald Fennell changed everything, leading him to accept the role of Heathcliff in her upcoming adaptation of Emily Brontë's classic novel, "Wuthering Heights." In an interview with IndieWire, Elordi expressed his excitement about the project, stating, "I was really lucky. I was going to take a break for a while, and then Emerald just very simply texted me, and you can’t run from that text."
Emerald Fennell, who has gained acclaim for her previous works, including 2020’s "Promising Young Woman" and 2023’s "Saltburn," is set to write, direct, and produce this new Gothic psychological drama. The film is scheduled for release on February 14, 2026, and has already wrapped filming in the UK. Elordi will star alongside Margot Robbie, who plays Catherine Earnshaw, the film's protagonist and Heathcliff's love interest. Robbie, also a producer on the film, has been praised by Elordi, who described her as "incredible in the film" and a "livewire." He added, "I’m so, so excited for people to see it. She’s a beautiful actor and she gave so, so much."
The adaptation has stirred mixed reactions from fans, particularly regarding the casting choices. Elordi's portrayal of Heathcliff has faced scrutiny due to the character's description in the novel as "dark-skinned." Dr. Claire O’Callaghan, editor-in-chief of the official journal of the Brontë Society, expressed concerns about casting a white actor in such a pivotal role, stating, "I guess the danger of this – of casting a white actor – particularly in the cultural climate, is that it overlooks the ambiguity that’s there." Despite this, Elordi remains optimistic about the film's reception.
Fennell's adaptation is not the first cinematic interpretation of "Wuthering Heights." The novel has seen numerous adaptations over the years, including the 1939 version directed by William Wyler, which starred Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon, as well as more recent adaptations like the 2009 miniseries for ITV featuring Tom Hardy and Charlotte Riley, and a 2011 film with Kaya Scodelario and James Howson.
While Elordi is gearing up for the release of "Wuthering Heights," he has a busy year ahead. His next film, "On Swift Horses," directed by Daniel Minahan, premiered at the 2024 Toronto Film Festival and is set to hit theaters on April 25, 2025. In this romantic drama, Elordi stars alongside Daisy Edgar-Jones, Will Poulter, and Diego Calva. Additionally, he will portray Frankenstein’s monster in Guillermo del Toro’s upcoming film, which is also set to release later this year. Elordi and del Toro have been preparing for the role by watching classic Frankenstein films from the 1930s together.
Elordi's television commitments are equally demanding. He confirmed that he has started filming Season 3 of "Euphoria," where he reprises his role as Nate Jacobs. Reflecting on his time on the show, he remarked, "It was beautiful. It was really touching to go back and step into that environment; it was like stepping into a time capsule." This season is particularly significant for Elordi, as it marks a return to a project that has seen him grow from a young adult into a more mature actor.
Despite his initial intention to take a break from acting, Jacob Elordi's schedule is packed with exciting projects. His role in "Wuthering Heights" alongside Margot Robbie not only showcases his talents but also highlights the ongoing collaboration between the actor and Fennell, who previously worked together on "Saltburn." As anticipation builds for the film's release, fans are eager to see how Elordi and Robbie will interpret the tumultuous relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw, a story that has captivated audiences for generations.
As the film approaches its release date, it's clear that the adaptation of "Wuthering Heights" will be a significant milestone in Elordi's career. With the combination of Fennell's directorial vision and the powerful performances from the cast, the film aims to bring a fresh perspective to Brontë's timeless tale. Whether it will satisfy the expectations of fans and critics alike remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Jacob Elordi's journey from planned hiatus to starring in a highly anticipated film is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry.
As the film industry continues to evolve, adaptations like "Wuthering Heights" spark conversations about representation and the relevance of classic literature in contemporary culture. With Elordi and Robbie leading the charge, audiences can expect a dramatic retelling that honors the source material while exploring new dimensions of its characters.
