Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, famous for their roles in Barbie and Saltburn, are set to star in a new film adaptation of Wuthering Heights. Directed by Emerald Fennell, this version of the classic Emily Bronte novel will feature the actors playing Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff against the backdrop of the rugged Yorkshire moors. Despite their star power and the novel’s status as a timeless love story, the casting choice has drawn criticism from many film enthusiasts.
Film critic Clarisse Loughrey from the Independent questioned whether the filmmakers truly understood the source material, highlighting that Catherine is depicted as a teenager in the book and that Heathcliff is characterized as “dark-skinned.”
TV and film critic Gavia Baker-Whitelaw expressed her disdain, commenting on the disparity between the casting and the original character descriptions, while also taking jabs at Fennell’s previous work. Maggie Boccella, a critic and editor with Collider, lamented that it appears Fennell is more interested in creating a dramatic romance to attract audiences rather than faithfully exploring the themes of Wuthering Heights.
Emerald Fennell, who previously won an Oscar for Promising Young Woman and found success with Saltburn, will be directing this adaptation. Robbie is also a producer of the project. It has been reported that filming for Wuthering Heights is scheduled to begin in the UK next year.