Emerald Fennell’s 2026 adaptation of Wuthering Heights hasn’t even hit theaters yet, and it has already become one of the most polarizing literary adaptations! The two romantic leads will be Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, and they’ll bring Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff to life, respectively. 

Here’s an overview of the film:

MovieWuthering HeightsDirectorEmerald FennellCastMargot Robbie; Jacob Elordi; Hong Chau; Shazad Latif; Alison Oliver; Martin Clunes, and Ewan MitchellRelease DateFebruary 13, 2026

But with ambition, there’s a wave of controversy surrounding the movie, ranging from casting issues, provocative marketing, over-the-top anecdotes, and even accusations of historically inaccurate costume design. So, let’s dive into each of these problems one by one, and you’ll be updated with the whole fiasco surrounding Wuthering Heights! 

Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff: Wuthering Heights Casting Controversy 

The most heated and immediate backlash surrounding Wuthering Heights was about Jacob Elordi being cast as Heathcliff. Fans of Emily Brontë’s novel argued that Elordi does not align with the book’s description of the character’s racial identity. 

Elordi is white and Australian, but Heathcliff from the books has been described in some contradictory language. He is called a “dark-skinned gipsy,” and even “white as the wall,” so this inconsistency has made people doubt his true identity for decades. 

Provocative Tone and Trailer of Margot Robbie’s Wuthering Heights 

Margot Robbie in a still from Wuthering Heights | Credits: Warner Bros.

If the casting wasn’t controversial enough, the trailer set everything ablaze. According to many, Wuthering Heights is being marketed as an aggressively erotic movie that departs from the novel’s restrained, melancholic nature. 

The trailer leans heavily into physical obsession, and the imagery is raw and sensual. But some fear that these lush visuals will overshadow the ugly aspects of their relationship and mislead audiences who are unfamiliar with the source material. 

Anecdotes and Behavior of Wuthering Heights’ Leading Pair 

Margot Robbie in a still from Wuthering Heights. | Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures.

Off-screen stories about Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi have only fueled the discourse. Netizens argue that it’s probably for film promotion, while others think the duo is overstepping their boundaries. 

In an interview with Fandango, Robbie spoke about being “codependent” on Elordi, who echoed their feelings of “mutual obsession.” He openly marveled at his co-actor’s presence and craft, and people are questioning just how blurred the lines have become in Elordi and Robbie’s professional relationship (via Fandango). 

Wuthering Heights’ Costumes Being Called Period-Inaccurate 

Margot Robbie in a still from Wuthering Heights. | Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures.

Another flashpoint for online debate has been the film’s wardrobe, designed by two-time Oscar winner Jacqueline Durran. The costumes are widely criticized for being historically inaccurate and not matching the era’s setting. 

Critics argue that these maximalist, flaunting pieces pull viewers out of the story, but one can also see how they add to a modern adaptation of Wuthering Heights. So, what are your thoughts about the reinvention of this classic? Is it tasteful or too on the nose for you? 

Wuthering Heights is set to release in theaters on February 13, 2025 (USA). 
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