Wuthering Heights Sparks Debate Over Costume Choices

With the release of the new adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic, Wuthering Heights, just around the corner, the film is already making waves for reasons beyond its star-studded cast. Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi headline the project, but it’s the creative decisions behind the scenes that have punters talking.

Costume designer Jacqueline Durran recently shared in an interview that the film won’t be sticking to the period’s traditional dress. Even though the story is set in late 18th-century England, Durran explained that the team decided not to lock themselves into a single era. Instead, they’ve picked and chosen styles that suit each character, regardless of historical timelines.

Our dates are all confused in the sense that we’re not representing a moment in time at all – we’re just picking images or styles that we like for each character. Heathcliff has always been a sort of Georgian-era hero, and we thought that really worked for Jacob.

This approach has ruffled a few feathers among fans who prefer their literary adaptations to stick closely to the source material. The idea of seeing characters in sunglasses or with designer handbags has left some scratching their heads.

Previous Casting Controversies

This isn’t the first time the production has found itself in hot water. When Jacob Elordi was announced as Heathcliff, some readers pointed out that Brontë described the character as a “dark-skinned gipsy.” Elordi, being a white actor, sparked accusations of whitewashing, with critics arguing that the casting overlooked the original description of the role.

While the backlash over casting eventually died down, the film hasn’t managed to avoid the spotlight for long. With so much anticipation building, every creative choice is being closely scrutinised by both fans and critics alike.

Modernising a Classic

Director Emerald Fennell’s take on Wuthering Heights could be setting a new trend in the industry. By mixing up costume eras and ignoring strict historical accuracy, the film might pave the way for future adaptations to take more creative liberties with classic stories.

Lead actors Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie are carrying much of the hype, but the film’s unique approach to storytelling and style is what’s really got people talking. The decision to blend different fashion periods could inspire other filmmakers to reimagine old tales in fresh ways, even if it means ruffling a few traditionalist feathers along the way.

Key Details and Release Info

Wuthering Heights is directed by Emerald Fennell and features a cast including Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, and Hong Chau. The film is set to hit cinemas on 13 February 2026, produced by MRC. With all the buzz and debate, locals are keen to see if this bold adaptation will win over audiences or stir up even more discussion once it lands.