Australian actress Margot Robbie has addressed the controversy surrounding her and Jacob Elordi’s roles in Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of “Wuthering Heights.” The actress, known for her leading role in “Barbie,” has faced backlash for her portrayal of Catherine Earnshaw—a character described in Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel as a brunette teenager—while Robbie is a blonde. Similarly, Elordi, who takes on the role of Heathcliff, has faced scrutiny for being cast as a character traditionally depicted as dark-skinned.
In an interview with British Vogue, Robbie acknowledged the criticism, saying, “I get it.” She urged audiences to withhold their judgments until they have had the opportunity to see the film, asserting, “There’s nothing else to go off at this point until people see the movie.”
Robbie expressed admiration for Elordi’s performance, likening him to “our generation’s Daniel Day-Lewis.” Her confidence in his portrayal of Heathcliff encourages her to invite moviegoers to embrace the project. “I saw him play Heathcliff… and he is Heathcliff,” she remarked, believing that his performance will impress audiences.
Emerald Fennell has also defended her casting decisions, emphasizing Robbie’s “supersized star power” as vital for portraying the complex character of Cathy, who is described as willful and provocative—someone capable of engaging in disturbing yet intriguing cruelty. Fennell highlighted the importance of casting an actress who can resonate with the character’s compelling nature.
As excitement mounts for the film’s release, both Robbie and Fennell are calling for open-mindedness from audiences, encouraging them to immerse themselves in this new interpretation of a beloved literary classic. Their commitment to reimagining “Wuthering Heights” aims to bring a fresh perspective to its timeless themes, suggesting that the film has the potential to resonate with both fans of the original text and newcomers alike.