Wuthering Heights: Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi Lead Steamy Gothic Adaptation

Emily Brontë’s timeless 1847 novel Wuthering Heights is returning to the big screen in a bold new adaptation directed by Emerald Fennell. Starring Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, the film promises a modern, provocative spin on the tragic love story. Warner Bros. will release the movie in theaters on February 13, 2026, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Emerald Fennell’s Vision

Fennell, known for Promising Young Woman and Saltburn, announced the project in 2024 after a bidding war with Netflix. She will serve as director, writer, and producer. In a column for the Los Angeles Times, Fennell described her fascination with gothic storytelling, where “comedy and horror, revulsion and desire, sex and death are forever entwined.” This adaptation is expected to lean heavily into those themes, blending romance with unsettling intensity.

Cast and Characters

Alongside Robbie and Elordi, the cast includes Hong Chau, Alison Oliver, Shazad Latif, Martin Clunes, and Ewan Mitchell. Charlotte Mellington and Owen Cooper will portray younger versions of Catherine and Heathcliff. Robbie teased in an interview that the film is “bananas” and “brilliant,” hinting at a daring interpretation that may surprise fans of the original novel.

Storyline

The film follows the doomed romance between Heathcliff, a mysterious orphan taken in by a wealthy family, and Catherine, whose love for him is poisoned by class prejudice and social expectations. Their obsession spirals into revenge and tragedy, haunting generations. While the core narrative remains faithful to Brontë’s novel, casting director Kharmel Cochrane suggested that some English literature purists may be shocked by the new interpretation, including unconventional set designs and unexpected symbolism.

Filming Locations

Production began in 2025 across the Yorkshire Dales National Park, with scenes shot in Arkengarthdale, Swaledale, Low Row, and Surrender Bridge. Robbie was photographed in an elaborate bridal costume during filming, sparking speculation about how Fennell’s adaptation might reframe Catherine’s doomed marriage.

Trailer and Music

A teaser trailer debuted in September 2025, followed by a full-length trailer in November. The footage highlights Catherine’s impending marriage and Heathcliff’s dramatic return, set against sweeping shots of the moors. The trailer also features original music by Charli XCX, adding a contemporary edge to the gothic atmosphere.

Release Date

Wuthering Heights will premiere in theaters worldwide on February 13, 2026. Positioned as a Valentine’s Day release, the film is expected to draw audiences eager for a passionate, haunting love story with a modern twist.