Wuthering Heights reboot with Robbie and Elordi hits 2026

Following her success with "Promising Young Woman" and "Saltburn," director and writer Emerald Fennell has decided to take on the adaptation of the renowned romance "Wuthering Heights." The casting choices, specifically Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in the lead roles, have sparked some surprise.

The creators plan to stay true to the original material. The main plot will still center around the Earnshaw and Linton families in rural Yorkshire and their relationships with Heathcliff, the Earnshaws' adopted son. Jacob Elordi, known for his roles in the series Euphoria and the film Saltburn, will portray Heathcliff, while Margot Robbie (Barbie, Harley Quinn in DC movies) will play his love interest, Cathy.

Heathcliff's casting has been criticized because the character is described as of Romani descent and having a darker skin tone, which is a significant theme in the book (the character is subject to xenophobic attacks). Another point of contention is the age of the actors. In the book, Heathcliff is much older than his lover, who is only a teenager. Margot Robbie is 34, while Elordi recently turned 27. Significant makeup will likely be used to minimize the age gap, but fans might still criticize the creators for prioritizing star power over staying true to the original.

Despite this, the project has attracted considerable attention in Hollywood, with many studios competing for distribution rights to "Wuthering Heights." Netflix reportedly offered $150 million for the project but ultimately went to Warner Bros. for $80 million. However, the company has promised to invest heavily in promoting the film and plans to release it in as many theaters as possible.

So when can audiences expect to see the refreshed Wuthering Heights? The creators recently revealed in a promotional graphic that the film, featuring Robbie and Elordi, will hit theaters on Valentine's Day 2026.