Emily Brontë’s Gothic masterpiece Wuthering Heights has returned to the big screen with a new adaptation directed by Emerald Fennell. Starring Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, the film premiered on February 13, 2026, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
The story, first published in 1847, follows the doomed romance between Heathcliff, an orphan taken in by the Earnshaw family, and Catherine, whose love is torn apart by jealousy, betrayal, and social expectations. Heathcliff’s obsession sets off a cycle of revenge that spans generations.
Heathcliff: Laurence Olivier vs. Jacob Elordi
Laurence Olivier earned an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Heathcliff in the 1939 adaptation. Now, Jacob Elordi steps into the role, bringing a modern edge to the character. His casting sparked debate, but Elordi assured fans that Fennell’s vision is “electric” and deeply moving.
Catherine Earnshaw: Merle Oberon vs. Margot Robbie
Golden Age star Merle Oberon embodied Catherine in 1939. Margot Robbie now takes on the role, with Fennell praising her “Godlike power” and star presence. Robbie described the film as “epic, romantic, and thoroughly transporting.”
Edgar Linton: David Niven vs. Shazad Latif
David Niven played Catherine’s husband Edgar in the original film. In the new version, Shazad Latif brings fresh intensity to the role, teasing that the adaptation is “like something you’ve probably never seen before.”
Isabella Linton: Geraldine Fitzgerald vs. Alison Oliver
Geraldine Fitzgerald earned an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Isabella in 1939. Alison Oliver, who reunites with Elordi after Saltburn, now takes on the role, calling the project “an absolute gift.”
Nelly Dean: Flora Robson vs. Hong Chau
Flora Robson was the steadfast narrator in the 1939 film. Oscar nominee Hong Chau (The Whale, The Menu) now plays Nelly Dean, adding depth to the housekeeper’s perspective.
Mr. Earnshaw: Cecil Kellaway vs. Martin Clunes
Cecil Kellaway played the patriarch in the original. Martin Clunes now portrays Mr. Earnshaw, whose kindness toward Heathcliff sets the stage for the family’s turbulent dynamics. With Robbie and Elordi leading the cast, Fennell’s adaptation promises to honor Brontë’s timeless tale while reimagining it for a new generation of audiences.
