Emerald Fennell Sets Sights on a Modern Epic with Wuthering Heights
Emerald Fennell’s take on Wuthering Heights, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, aims to capture the hearts of a new generation with a visually striking and emotionally charged adaptation.
Emerald Fennell is bringing a fresh perspective to the classic tale of Wuthering Heights, and she’s not holding back on ambition. Margot Robbie, who takes on the role of Cathy, shared a glimpse into Fennell’s vision for the film.
“It’s a literary classic, visually stunning and emotionally resonant,”
Robbie told Vogue. She recalled one of their early chats about the project, saying,
“I asked Emerald what her dream outcome was. She said, ‘I want this to be this generation’s Titanic. I went to the cinema to watch Romeo & Juliet eight times and I was on the ground crying when I wasn’t allowed to go back for a ninth. I want it to be that.’”
Fennell’s reference to Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 Romeo & Juliet and James Cameron’s Titanic hints at the scale and emotional punch she’s chasing.
Star-Studded Cast and Creative Team
Robbie leads the cast as Cathy, with Jacob Elordi stepping into the shoes of Heathcliff. The line-up also features Shazad Latif as Edgar Linton, Alison Oliver as Isabella Linton, Charlotte Mellington as Young Cathy, and Owen Cooper as Young Heathcliff. The soundtrack is set to be an original from Charli xcx, adding a modern edge to the period drama.
This adaptation draws from Emily Brontë’s iconic Gothic novel, a staple of English literature. The story follows the intense, forbidden bond between Cathy and Heathcliff, a connection so powerful it leaves its mark on generations to come.
A Bold New Take on a Timeless Story
The film’s official logline describes it as
“A bold and original imagining of one of the greatest love stories of all time, Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights stars Margot Robbie as Cathy and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, whose forbidden passion for one another turns from romantic to intoxicating in an epic tale of lust, love and madness.”
Fennell’s approach promises to deliver a version of the story that’s both visually arresting and emotionally raw, aiming to resonate with today’s audiences much like Titanic did in its day.
Release Date and What’s Next
Punters can look forward to catching Wuthering Heights in cinemas from 14 February 2026. Until then, there’s plenty to keep film fans busy, with a packed slate of releases lined up for 2025 and beyond. Whether you’re a die-hard Brontë fan or just keen for a fresh take on a classic, this adaptation is shaping up to be one to watch.