The Whole Social Network Is Stirring Up Over Margot Robbie’s New Trailer – Is Wuthering Heights Worth Causing a Storm?

Hollywood is buzzing after the release of the first trailer for the upcoming film adaptation of Wuthering Heights — and not just for the steamy scenes between stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. This reimagined version of Emily Brontë’s 1847 gothic romance has sparked intense discussion for its modernized style, unexpected casting, and provocative tone.

A Daring New Vision from Director Emerald Fennell

Directed by Academy Award-winner Emerald Fennell, the new Wuthering Heights is far from the somber, slow-burn adaptations we’ve seen before. Instead, it’s a bold, sensuous retelling that blends the drama of the moody Yorkshire moors with the flair and energy of a modern music video.

Set in 18th century England, the story still follows the tragic and obsessive love between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff. But this time, it’s told with vivid visuals, contemporary music, and emotionally charged performances that aim to breathe new life into a well-worn literary classic.

A Steamy Period Piece with a Pop Twist

The trailer alone is enough to grab attention. Featuring Charli XCX’s sultry track Everything Is Romantic, it feels more akin to Bridgerton or Marie Antoinette than traditional Brontë adaptations. In one particularly talked-about scene, Jacob Elordi’s shirtless Heathcliff tends to horses in a stable as Margot Robbie’s Catherine watches with longing. Another moment shows the two kneading dough in a kitchen, their hands intertwining suggestively.

One line from the trailer—“Do you want me to stop?”—spoken by Elordi’s Heathcliff, followed by Catherine’s whispered “No,” encapsulates the tone of the film: raw, emotional, and highly physical.

The Controversy: Casting Choices Stir Public Debate

While the film has generated excitement for its passionate energy, it has also become a lightning rod for controversy. The most vocal critiques stem from the casting of Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff—both of whom deviate sharply from the characters’ traditional portrayals.

Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw

At 35, Robbie has faced criticism for playing Catherine, who in the novel is a teenage girl described as dark-haired and tempestuous. Critics argue that Robbie’s blonde hair and mature presence stray too far from Brontë’s original vision. Furthermore, a scene showing her in a shimmering off-the-shoulder wedding dress raised eyebrows among costume purists, who argue the gown looked more like a Disney creation than authentic period wear.

However, supporters of the film point out that Robbie’s acting range and star power could redefine the character in a compelling way. Some fans are also defending the creative choices, suggesting that adaptations don’t need to be shackled by tradition in order to be impactful.

Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff

Even more heated has been the response to Jacob Elordi’s casting as Heathcliff. In the original novel, Heathcliff is repeatedly described as “dark-skinned” and “gypsy-like,” leading many scholars to argue that he was meant to be a person of color, possibly of South Asian or Roma descent.

Casting a white Australian actor has been perceived by some as “whitewashing,” especially given the growing awareness around representation in media. Critics argue that the production missed an opportunity to cast a racially appropriate actor in one of literature’s most complex anti-heroes.

In response, casting director Kharmel Cochrane dismissed the backlash with a blunt remark: “It’s just a book.” The comment has only fueled the debate, with some praising her for pushing boundaries and others accusing the film of cultural insensitivity.

A Cinematic Gamble or Genius Reimagining?

Despite the backlash, the trailer has already generated millions of views and significant media attention. For some, this adaptation of Wuthering Heights may become the definitive version for a new generation—unapologetically modern, stylized, and emotionally explosive.

Director Emerald Fennell’s Signature Style

Emerald Fennell, best known for Promising Young Woman, is no stranger to controversy or subversion. Her films often blend dark themes with glossy visuals and biting dialogue. With Wuthering Heights, Fennell appears to be taking similar creative liberties, using the setting as a backdrop for exploring toxic love, obsession, and power dynamics—all themes central to Brontë’s original story, but here given a 21st-century lens.

Fennell’s choice to use pop music, stylized costumes, and provocative imagery suggests she’s more interested in emotional truth than historical accuracy. That could alienate some viewers, but it also promises a fresh perspective on a tale that has been retold countless times.

Will the Film Stay True to the Novel?

While the trailer reveals little about the overall plot structure, fans of the book will be looking to see whether key narrative elements remain intact. Catherine and Heathcliff’s tumultuous love story, filled with betrayal, jealousy, and vengeance, is core to the original Wuthering Heights. Fennell has hinted that the story will retain its core themes, while offering a more visceral portrayal of their relationship.

Margot Robbie herself teased the film in a recent interview, saying: “Just you wait. It’s bananas. It’s great. It’s brilliant.” Whether her words are prophetic or premature remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—this version of Wuthering Heights is not playing it safe.

Critical Reception and Early Fan Reactions

While the film has yet to be released, online forums and social media are already flooded with polarized reactions. Some viewers are thrilled by the modern flair and stunning visuals, calling it a “bold reinvention” of a classic. Others are dismayed by what they see as a disregard for the source material.

Film critics have also weighed in, with some praising the cinematography and emotional depth shown in the trailer, while others remain skeptical about the balance between artistic vision and narrative coherence.

Final Thoughts: A Divisive Retelling That Will Get People Talking

The new Wuthering Heights starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about literary adaptations in recent memory. Whether it will be celebrated as a masterpiece or dismissed as a misfire remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Emerald Fennell’s interpretation is not afraid to take risks.

By combining a star-studded cast, daring visuals, and a controversial reimagining of classic characters, this film may ultimately redefine how modern audiences engage with period dramas. And if nothing else, it’s already succeeded in getting the world talking about Emily Brontë’s novel again—perhaps in ways the author never could have imagined.

As the release date approaches, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see whether this Wuthering Heights lives up to the hype—or becomes yet another example of Hollywood ambition gone too far.