Introduction
There’s something in the wild winds of the moors this year — Wuthering Heights is coming back, and it’s not just another period romance. Under the direction of Emerald Fennell, the upcoming adaptation promises to be intense, modern, and provocative. With Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi leading the cast, fans of Emily Brontë’s classic novel are both excited and uneasy.
In this article, you’ll get everything you need to know — plot, cast, release date, buzz, controversies, plus some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to settle your curiosity. By the end, you’ll know whether this Wuthering Heights (2026) is something to mark your calendar for… or maybe brace yourself for.
What is Wuthering Heights (2026) all about?
It’s a new film adaptation of Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel Wuthering Heights, written, directed, and produced by Emerald Fennell.
The tone is being described as gothic, erotic, psychological drama. It will lean into the romantic tragedy, yes—but also into provocative visuals and modern interpretations of the classic story.
Release Date & Where to Watch
Set for theatrical release in the United States and the United Kingdom on February 13 or February 14, 2026, timed for Valentine’s Day weekend.
Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.
Cast & Crew: Who’s In, Who’s Creating
Director / Writer / Producer: Emerald Fennell (known for Promising Young Woman, Saltburn).
Main Cast:
Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw
Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff
Supporting cast: Hong Chau as Nelly Dean; Shazad Latif as Edgar Linton; Alison Oliver as Isabella Linton; young Heathcliff & Catherine by Owen Cooper & Charlotte Mellington; Vy Nguyen as young Nelly.
Cinematography by Linus Sandgren, who brings strong visuals. Music score by Anthony Willis; original songs from Charli XCX.
“Wuthering Heights” | Official Teaser
Plot: What to Expect (Without Full Spoilers)
The basic setup remains: Heathcliff, a foundling (orphaned outsider), is taken into the Earnshaw family, bonds deeply with Catherine Earnshaw, but is kept apart by social structures, jealousy, class, and vengeance. Their relationship—and its consequences—haunts generations.
Fennell’s version is said to take loose inspiration from the novel: same essence of tragedy, love, betrayal, but with more explicit / erotic visuals. There may be changes in tone, design, symbolic imagery, and stylization.
Trailer, Style & Tone: What the Marketing Shows
First teaser trailer released on September 3, 2025. It’s dark, romantic, steamy. Music choice: remix of Charli XCX’s “Everything Is Romantic”.
Costume & setting glimpses: period costumes, Victorian / Gothic influences, sweeping moors, dramatic wedding dress scenes, possibly anachronistic design choices.
Strong visual contrast: beautiful landscapes & production design vs emotional turmoil, jealousy, and obsession. Expect a visceral cinematic experience.
Controversies & Fan Concerns
Casting of Heathcliff: Heathcliff is frequently interpreted in the novel as dark-skinned or with ambiguous racial background. Jacob Elordi is white, which has drawn criticism.
Accuracy vs Style: Fans debate over how faithful the adaptation will be to the novel’s social / racial context, character motivations, and even costume & aesthetic details. Some feel Fennell’s version may favor shock or sensuality over historical or literary accuracy.
Tone & Explicit Content: Reports from test screenings indicate scenes that are quite provocative—erotic, possibly unsettling to some viewers. Some find the tone “aggressively provocative” and “stylised depravity.”
Why This Adaptation Might Be Different (In Good Ways)
Emerald Fennell is known for pushing boundaries; expecting a version of Wuthering Heights that doesn’t play safe.
With Robbie producing, and the involvement of modern music, strong visuals, and stylized imagery, this could be one of the most visually rich and emotionally raw versions ever made.
Valentine’s Day release signals the studio believes the romantic / emotional aspects are strong enough to anchor wide attention.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is this a faithful retelling of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights? | It’s being described as loosely inspired — keeping key themes (love, revenge, class, obsession), but with a bolder, more erotic style, and likely changes in tone, visuals, and perhaps even pacing. |
| When, exactly, will it hit theaters? | Around Feb 13–14, 2026, in US & UK (Valentine’s weekend). Wikipedia+1 |
| Where was it filmed? | Principally in the UK, including in the Yorkshire Dales National Park (Arkengarthdale, Swaledale, etc.), with production running from early 2025. |
| Who are the key cast members? | Margot Robbie (Catherine Earnshaw), Jacob Elordi (Heathcliff), Hong Chau (Nelly Dean), Shazad Latif (Edgar Linton), Alison Oliver (Isabella), young versions played by Charlotte Mellington, Owen Cooper, Vy Nguyen. |
| Why the controversy? | Mainly around casting (racial identity of Heathcliff; age / aesthetic of Catherine), tone (explicitness, erotic visuals), and fidelity to the novel’s social context. Some fans embrace risk-taking; others fear losing the soul of the original. |
| What can viewers expect in terms of content rating / warnings? | The film is expected to be R-rated (or equivalent) due to sexual content, possibly provocative imagery, and strong themes. It’s not a sanitized period romance. |
Early Impressions & Buzz
Margot Robbie herself has teased the film is more “bananas” than Saltburn, which was already known for being provocative.
Test screenings (e.g. in Dallas) have had mixed reactions – some praise the beauty and passion, others criticize emotional coldness or feeling disconnected from character motivations. The Guardian
Trailers and posters are generating strong reactions: many are drawn in by the stylized visuals and romantic tragedy; others are put off by the divergence from expectations. Debate has trended heavily on social media.
Predictions: What Might Make or Break This Film
What could succeed:
The emotional performances—if Robbie & Elordi can deliver the fire and complexity, it could rise above controversy.
Visual & auditory style—stunning sets, lush moors, haunting score, memorable cinematography will help distinguish it.
Boldness—if the film leans in honestly, without cheap shock value, it might open up fresh interpretations of Wuthering Heights.
What might fail:
If style overshadows substance: extreme eroticism or visual flair without emotional core or narrative coherence.
Fan backlash over casting & portrayal might hurt critical reception in some circles.
If pacing / structure deviates too much from what fans of the novel expect, it could alienate.
Conclusion
Wuthering Heights (2026) is shaping up to be a daring, emotionally intense reimagining of Emily Brontë’s classic. With Emerald Fennell at the helm, Margot Robbie & Jacob Elordi in the lead, and a Valentine’s Day 2026 release, expectations are high. Whether it becomes a beloved version or a divisive one depends largely on how well it balances raw passion with faithful echoes of the source.
Mark your calendar: February 13-14, 2026. If you’re ready for a version of Wuthering Heights that is sexy, gothic, visually gorgeous, and unafraid of controversy—you’re in for something unforgettable.