Wuthering Heights (2026): What You Need to Know – Even Longtime Margot Robbie Fans Might Be Surprised

The timeless tale of passion and tragedy, Wuthering Heights, is making its way back to the big screen with a powerful new adaptation. Set to release on February 13, 2026, the romantic drama stars Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff. Directed by Emerald Fennell, the film is already generating buzz thanks to its atmospheric teaser and bold reinterpretation of Emily Brontë’s literary masterpiece.

In this article, we explore everything you need to know about Wuthering Heights: cast details, release date, plot, controversy, and what fans can expect from this modern cinematic take on one of literature’s most haunting love stories.

The Teaser for Wuthering Heights: A Bold First Look

The first teaser for Wuthering Heights was released on September 3, and it has quickly gone viral. Featuring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in intimate, moody scenes set against the misty Yorkshire moors, the footage reimagines the Gothic classic with a modern lens.

Set to a remixed version of Charli XCX’s “Everything is Romantic,” the teaser emphasizes the raw passion and emotional chaos that defines Brontë’s novel. A standout moment includes Heathcliff whispering to Cathy, “I can follow you like a dog to the end of the world.” These words, paired with blink-and-you’ll-miss-it glimpses of wedding dresses, corsets, and windswept loneliness, offer a cinematic feast that is both romantic and unsettling.

The short video, lasting just over a minute, provides a steamy, almost dreamlike tone that sets the stage for what promises to be an emotionally intense experience. The dark, brooding atmosphere, punctuated by scenes of longing and conflict, hints at the tragic journey viewers will embark on in 2026.

What Is Wuthering Heights About?

Originally written in 1847 by Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights is a novel deeply rooted in passion, revenge, social class, and the destructive nature of unfulfilled love. The story is set in the bleak moors of West Yorkshire and follows the tangled lives of the Earnshaw and Linton families.

At the heart of the story is the tumultuous romance between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, a boy of mysterious origins adopted by the Earnshaw family. Despite their intense bond, societal pressures and personal pride push Catherine to marry someone of higher social standing, Edgar Linton, leaving Heathcliff heartbroken and enraged.

What follows is a tale of vengeance and emotional turmoil that spans generations. Heathcliff’s pursuit of revenge affects not just Catherine, but also their children and everyone around them.

This new film adaptation stays true to the original novel’s core themes but adds a modern visual language and contemporary sensibility that director Emerald Fennell is known for.

Wuthering Heights (2026) Cast

The film brings together a cast that blends Hollywood stardom with rising talent. Here’s a closer look at the Wuthering Heights cast:

Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff

Fresh off his roles in Euphoria and Saltburn, Jacob Elordi brings his brooding intensity to the role of Heathcliff. His casting has stirred conversation, as fans of the book point out that Brontë described Heathcliff as “dark-skinned.” Nonetheless, Elordi’s portrayal in the teaser has already drawn praise for its emotional depth.

Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw

Margot Robbie, known for her standout performances in Barbie and I, Tonya, takes on the complex role of Cathy. Her portrayal in the teaser promises a blend of vulnerability, strength, and madness that captures the tragic essence of the character.

Supporting Cast

• Owen Cooper and Charlotte Mellington play the younger versions of Heathcliff and Cathy, offering insight into their early bond.

• Shazad Latif and Alison Oliver also play key supporting roles that add to the narrative’s tension and depth.

The ensemble cast is expected to deliver powerful performances that align with the emotional gravity of the story.

Wuthering Heights Release Date

The release of Wuthering Heights has been strategically timed for February 13, 2026, right before Valentine’s Day. While at first glance it might seem like an odd date for such a bleak story, the timing suggests the studio is leaning into the film’s romantic — albeit tragic — themes.

Releasing around Valentine’s Day could also signify a desire to position the film as a more intense, dramatic alternative to the usual light-hearted romantic fare associated with the holiday.

The Vision of Director Emerald Fennell

Emerald Fennell, known for her Academy Award-winning screenplay Promising Young Woman, directs this adaptation of Wuthering Heights. Fennell is celebrated for her bold storytelling choices and visual style. With this film, she aims to breathe new life into Brontë’s novel while maintaining its emotional and psychological core.

The teaser reveals hints of her signature aesthetic: high-contrast visuals, lush costuming, and a contemporary music score that sets the tone without disrupting the historical setting.

Controversy Around Casting and Adaptation Choices

No modern adaptation of a classic comes without controversy, and Wuthering Heights (2026) is no exception. A significant portion of the criticism revolves around the casting of Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff. In Brontë’s text, Heathcliff is described with racial ambiguity, often interpreted as being of Romani or mixed descent. Elordi’s casting has sparked debate about historical accuracy and representation.

Casting director Kharmel Cochrane addressed the backlash, saying, “There’s definitely going to be some English lit fans that are not going to be happy, but you really don’t need to be accurate. It’s just a book. That is not based on real life. It’s all art.”

The comment has drawn mixed reactions, but the production appears focused on the artistic reinterpretation rather than strict adherence to historical or textual details. Fennell’s version appears to be less about realism and more about emotional truth and cinematic experience.

What to Expect from Wuthering Heights (2026)

This version of Wuthering Heights promises a passionate, high-stakes drama that explores timeless themes through a modern lens. While it remains rooted in the original narrative’s intense emotional relationships and class divisions, it also incorporates a bold visual style and a soundtrack that connects with contemporary audiences.

Fans of literary adaptations, historical romance, and Gothic drama will likely find this retelling to be a unique blend of traditional storytelling and modern cinematic innovation.

Final Thoughts

The upcoming release of Wuthering Heights, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, is poised to be one of the most talked-about films of 2026. With its daring reimagining, star-studded cast, and emotionally charged narrative, the film has already captured public attention months before its release.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of the novel or someone discovering the story for the first time, Wuthering Heights promises a deeply affecting experience that delves into love, betrayal, revenge, and the painful consequences of societal expectations.

Mark your calendars for February 13, 2026 — this is one romantic drama you won’t want to miss.