November 14, 2024: The news of Emerald Fennell’s film adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights is incredibly exciting for both fans of the classic novel and lovers of the gothic genre. Set for release on February 13, 2026, just in time for Valentine’s Day, this long-awaited adaptation promises to bring a fresh and contemporary vision to Brontë’s haunting tale of love, obsession, and tragedy.
Fennell, known for her stunning work in Promising Young Woman and Saltburn, will direct, write, and produce this adaptation, marking her return to the gothic genre. Her passion for this genre is well-documented, and her perspective on it—as one where “comedy and horror, revulsion and desire, sex and death are forever entwined”—suggests she will bring a deeply layered, intense interpretation of Wuthering Heights. Fans of both Brontë’s original work and Fennell’s unique style can expect a richly atmospheric film with complex emotional depth.
Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi have been cast in the central roles of Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, respectively. Robbie, who is also producing the film through her company LuckyChap (which she co-founded), is a fitting choice for the fierce, tragic heroine Catherine, known for her passionate and tumultuous love affair with the vengeful Heathcliff. Elordi, fresh off his role in Saltburn, will step into Heathcliff’s brooding, tortured persona, which could be a transformative role for him, further showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Fennell’s background in both dark comedy and psychological tension (particularly seen in Saltburn) suggests she will infuse Wuthering Heights with an emotional intensity that aligns perfectly with the themes of obsession, revenge, and destructive passion at the heart of the story. The film will likely delve into the supernatural and psychological dimensions of the novel, bringing a modern sensibility to Brontë’s 19th-century tale.
In addition to Robbie and Elordi, the cast includes Hong Chau, Alison Oliver, and Shazad Latif, who will bring additional depth to the world of Wuthering Heights, adding further anticipation to the project. The film will be produced by MRC, the studio behind Saltburn and American Fiction, ensuring a high-quality, cinematic experience.
Pre-production is set to begin in 2025, with filming expected to take place in the UK, specifically in the moody, windswept landscapes that inspired Brontë’s novel. The decision to shoot on location in the UK only adds to the film’s atmospheric potential, creating a perfect backdrop for the raw and often violent emotions that pulse through the story.
As one of the most highly anticipated releases of the next few years, this adaptation of Wuthering Heights is sure to captivate audiences and reintroduce Brontë’s masterpiece to a new generation, with Fennell’s distinctive touch bringing the iconic characters to life in a bold, contemporary way.
