The casting of Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights has sent shockwaves through both Hollywood and literary circles. For many, this is one of the most daring and controversial creative decisions in years. Wuthering Heights, the timeless classic written by Emily Brontë in 1847, has been adapted countless times across stage and screen, but Fennell’s bold move to place two of today’s biggest stars in such iconic roles has left fans deeply divided.

As the film prepares for its release on February 13, 2026, just in time for Valentine’s Day weekend, the debate grows louder. Why cast Robbie, often associated with glamour, as the fiery Catherine Earnshaw? And why Elordi, known for his roles in contemporary projects, as the brooding Heathcliff? Fennell recently addressed these questions at the Brontë Women’s Writing Festival, giving insight into her choices while fanning the flames of curiosity and drama surrounding the project.

Emerald Fennell’s Bold Vision

For Emerald Fennell, whose previous work includes the Academy Award-winning Promising Young Woman and the visually stunning Saltburn, this adaptation of Wuthering Heights is more than just another period piece. She has described it as a chance to reframe the novel in a way that feels raw, primal, and unfiltered—closer to the emotional storm she felt when she first read Brontë’s masterpiece.

At the heart of that storm is the casting. “We’re working with mythic characters here,” Fennell explained. “Cathy isn’t just a girl in love. She’s destructive, magnetic, terrifyingly beautiful—someone who tests the boundaries of morality itself. And Heathcliff is not just a tragic lover but an embodiment of obsession, rage, and passion. These roles demand stars who can command not just the screen but the audience’s souls.”

Why Margot Robbie as Catherine?

One of the most contentious parts of the casting is Margot Robbie stepping into the role of Catherine Earnshaw, traditionally depicted as a teenager. Critics argue that Robbie, now in her mid-thirties, doesn’t match the character’s age from the source material. But Fennell sees things differently.

“To me, Catherine isn’t defined by her age,” Fennell said at the Brontë Women’s Writing Festival. “She is defined by her power. Margot Robbie has that rare quality that feels almost supernatural. She could walk into a room and commit chaos, and people would still adore her. That’s Cathy. That’s the essence of Catherine Earnshaw.”

Fennell went even further, saying, “Honestly, Margot could commit a killing spree on screen and people would still follow her, fascinated. That’s the kind of power I needed for Catherine. She is a character who pushes every limit to see how far she can go, and Margot embodies that fearlessness.”

The director also argued that Robbie’s ability to balance charm with menace makes her perfect for the role. As audiences saw in Barbie (2023), she can play both sides of a character: the idealized figure and the deeper, darker truth. For Catherine, who straddles love and destruction, this duality is crucial.

Why Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff?

The decision to cast Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff has stirred equal amounts of controversy. In Brontë’s novel, Heathcliff is described as “dark-skinned,” which has led to debates about whether casting Elordi ignores or erases a key aspect of the character’s identity. But Fennell insists her choice was based on something visceral.

“When I first read the novel,” Fennell recalled, “there was an illustration of Heathcliff that stuck with me forever. It haunted me. And when I saw Jacob, he looked exactly like that drawing. It felt like fate.”

She added, “Elordi is a surprising actor. He has a brooding presence but also an unpredictability. That unpredictability is what makes Heathcliff terrifying and magnetic. I wanted an actor who could embody both cruelty and vulnerability, and Jacob has that balance.”

Elordi, best known for his performances in Euphoria and Priscilla, brings a modern edge that Fennell believes will breathe new life into the character. His towering height and intense screen presence add another layer of danger and allure to the role.

The Backlash From Fans

Despite Fennell’s defense, the backlash has been fierce. Literary purists argue that Margot Robbie’s casting undermines the authenticity of Catherine, while others believe Jacob Elordi does not reflect Brontë’s description of Heathcliff. Social media has amplified the debate, with hashtags like #NotMyCathy and #NotMyHeathcliff trending shortly after the casting was announced.

Yet, controversy isn’t necessarily a bad thing in Hollywood. As one insider put it, “Every great adaptation stirs the pot. People said the same about casting Keira Knightley in Pride & Prejudice, and now that’s considered iconic. Sometimes, it takes bold choices to make a story resonate again.”

What to Expect in Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights

Beyond the casting, fans are curious about what tone and style Fennell will bring to Wuthering Heights. Known for her audacious storytelling, she has already confirmed that her adaptation will be darker and more intense than previous versions.

“I wanted to make something that made me feel how I felt when I first read it,” Fennell said. “It had to be primal. It had to be emotional. It had to be destructive. Love in Wuthering Heights is not soft or sweet—it’s violent, it’s obsessive, it’s painful. And that’s the story I want to tell.”

The adaptation will also be more visually charged, with the wild and desolate Yorkshire moors playing a central role in the narrative. Supporting cast members include Hong Chau, Shazad Latif, Alison Oliver, Martin Clunes, Owen Cooper, and Ewan Mitchell, rounding out what is expected to be one of the most talked-about ensembles of 2026.

Why This Matters for Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi

For Margot Robbie, this role could redefine her career post-Barbie. Playing Catherine Earnshaw allows her to lean into darker territory, away from the glossy mainstream image that has defined much of her recent work. If successful, it could prove she is more than just a star—she is a fearless risk-taker willing to court controversy.

For Jacob Elordi, this may be the role that cements his transition from teen idol to serious dramatic actor. While he has already garnered critical acclaim, stepping into the shoes of Heathcliff offers a chance to prove he can handle one of literature’s most complex antiheroes.

The Final Word

Whether audiences embrace or reject Fennell’s vision remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: this is not going to be another safe, traditional adaptation of Wuthering Heights. By casting Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, Emerald Fennell has set the stage for one of the most controversial and talked-about films of the decade.

As the release date of February 13, 2026 approaches, anticipation—and outrage—will only grow. And maybe that’s exactly what Fennell wants. After all, Wuthering Heights is a story about obsession, defiance, and chaos. Why shouldn’t its casting reflect that same energy?