Martin Clunes, the beloved star of the long-running British series Doc Martin, is gearing up for a major Hollywood role in the upcoming adaptation of Emily Brontë's classic novel, Wuthering Heights. The film, a high-profile Warner Brothers production, is set to hit theaters on February 13, 2026, promising to bring the turbulent tale of love, obsession, and revenge to life on a grand scale.
In a recent interview with The i Paper, Clunes revealed that he will portray Mr. Earnshaw, the father of Catherine Earnshaw, one of the central characters in this enduring story. "It’s a massive, Warner Brothers, huge-budget movie, all built on sets at Elstree," Clunes said, hinting at the scale and ambition behind the project. Fans of the actor and the novel alike are eagerly anticipating his performance in this pivotal role.
The film boasts an impressive cast led by Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as the brooding Heathcliff, the orphan taken in by Catherine’s family whose complex relationship with her drives the narrative. Other notable cast members include Hong Chau as Nelly Dean, the housekeeper and narrator, Shazad Latif as Edgar Linton, Alison Oliver as Isabella Linton, Owen Cooper as young Heathcliff, Charlotte Mellington as teenage Catherine, and Vy Nguyen as young Nelly. This ensemble promises to capture the layered characters of Brontë’s 1847 novel with nuance and depth.
Set against the rugged backdrop of 19th-century Yorkshire, the story explores themes of social class, passion, and vengeance, weaving a dark and intricate web of human emotions. If the film remains faithful to the source material, audiences can expect a gripping portrayal of love and obsession that has captivated readers for generations.
Helming the project is Emerald Fennell, known for her distinctive voice and bold storytelling. This marks Fennell’s third collaboration with LuckyChap Entertainment, the production company led by Margot Robbie, her husband Tom Ackerley, and Josey McNamara. Previously, Fennell joined forces with LuckyChap to produce critically acclaimed films such as Promising Young Woman and Saltburn, both of which showcased her fascination with dark and complex themes.
Though details about the new adaptation have been closely guarded, Fennell’s passion for gothic narratives is well documented. In a thoughtful piece for the Los Angeles Times, she reflected on her long-standing obsession with the gothic genre, citing influences from Edward Gorey’s macabre illustrations to Daphne du Maurier’s imperilled heroines and the provocative fairy tales of Angela Carter.
"I've always been obsessed with the gothic," Fennell wrote. "Whether it was Edward Gorey's children who are variously choked by peaches, sucked dry by leeches or smothered by rugs; Du Maurier's imperilled heroines or the disturbing erotic power of Angela Carter's fairy tales, the gothic world has always had me in its grip." She went on to explain, "It's a genre where comedy and horror, revulsion and desire, sex and death are forever entwined, where every exchange is heavy with the threat of violence, or sex or both."
This intimate understanding of the gothic sensibility bodes well for the adaptation of Wuthering Heights, a novel that masterfully blends passion, darkness, and tragedy. With Fennell at the helm and a stellar cast including Clunes, Robbie, and Elordi, the film is poised to be a visually striking and emotionally intense retelling of Brontë’s masterpiece.
Filming at the renowned Elstree Studios, the production has been described as a "huge-budget" undertaking, signaling Warner Brothers’ commitment to bringing this literary classic to a broad audience with high production values. The choice of Elstree, a historic studio known for hosting numerous iconic films, adds an extra layer of prestige and expectation.
For Martin Clunes, this role represents a significant step into the Hollywood spotlight, joining forces with some of the industry’s most exciting talents. Known primarily for his work in British television, Clunes’ involvement in such a major production is a testament to his enduring appeal and versatility as an actor.
Margot Robbie, who not only stars as Catherine Earnshaw but also serves as a producer through LuckyChap Entertainment, continues to expand her influence in Hollywood by backing projects that push creative boundaries. Her collaboration with Fennell has already yielded powerful films, and their partnership on Wuthering Heights is one of the most anticipated cinematic events of 2026.
Jacob Elordi, widely recognized for his role in the hit series Euphoria, takes on the complex character of Heathcliff, whose brooding intensity and tortured soul are central to the novel’s enduring fascination. His casting alongside Robbie suggests a dynamic on-screen chemistry that fans are eager to see unfold.
While many plot specifics remain under wraps, the film’s release date is firmly set for February 13, 2026, positioning it as a compelling early-year release that could resonate with audiences seeking a dramatic, gothic romance.
As anticipation builds, the combination of a classic narrative, a visionary director, a powerhouse cast, and a major studio’s backing makes Wuthering Heights one of the most exciting projects on the horizon. Whether it will capture the raw emotional power and dark beauty of Emily Brontë’s novel remains to be seen, but the ingredients are certainly in place for a memorable cinematic experience.
For now, fans of the novel and cinema lovers alike can look forward to seeing Martin Clunes stepping into the shoes of Mr. Earnshaw, bringing his own touch to a timeless story of love, loss, and revenge.
