When we first discovered Australians Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi would be portraying love interests in the adaptation of Wuthering Heights, we were sceptical.
But the latest trailer may have just changed our minds.
The film directed by Emerald Fennell seems to be taking a more erotic “inspired by” approach to the 1847 novel by Emily Brontë, and it’s bound to either infuriate or swoon literature lovers.
Unfortunately, those working on the production have remained tight-lipped about what to expect from the period drama.
Below is everything you need to know about the book-to-movie adaptation of Wuthering Heights.
What is Wuthering Heights about?
For those needing a modern-day comparison, the first look trailer looked like a more gothic adaptation of Bridgerton with the yearning level of Anthony. The official trailer shows more of the same with Margot Robbie sporting gems on her face and donning a latex-looking red gown. However, the trailer does show that the film includes quotes from the novel, including the most famous one: “Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.”
Wuthering Heights isn’t a love story that will have you giddy with joy. It tells the story of a passionate and destructive love, consumed by rage and revenge.
The ‘lovers’ taking centre stage are Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw, and they are characters that in no way should be admired.
Set in the early 1800s, Mr Earnshaw returns home to his children, son Hindley and daughter Catherine, with orphan boy, Heathcliff. Initially, Catherine loathed Heathcliff, but grew infatuated with him as a teenager.
But their relationship becomes more complicated years later. We won’t spoil all the juicy details!
When does “Wuthering Heights” release?
The film adaptation of Wuthering Heights will be released in cinemas around Australia on February 12, 2026. Right on time for Valentine’s Day.
Who is in the cast of “Wuthering Heights”?
Leading the helm as Heathcliff and Catherine are Australian actors Jacob Elordi (Saltburn, Euphoria) and Margot Robbie (Barbie, Bombshell), respectively.
Joining the cast is Alison Oliver as Isabella Linton, Shazad Latif as Edgar Linton, and Hong Chau as Nelly Dean.
Are there any differences between “Wuthering Heights”, the movie, versus the novel?
There will undoubtedly be some changes as the 19th-century novel is transformed for modern-day audiences. But we think it is very intentional that the movie is titled “Wuthering Heights” (note the quotation marks) and not Wuthering Heights.
One aspect that has been brought into question is the casting of Heathcliff. Emily Brontë never specified Heathcliffe’s race, and it was his racial ambiguity that heavily influenced the storyline.
There were many contextual clues about his race, including his social status and his mistreatment. The character was additionally described as “dark-skinned”, yet the actor cast, Jacob, is evidently white.
Watch the first look trailer for “Wuthering Heights” (2026):
See the official trailer for “Wuthering Heights” here:
Who is Emily Brontë?
Emily Jane Brontë was a writer, most popular for Wuthering Heights, which was initially published under the alias Ellis Bell due to prejudice against female authors.
She was born on July 30, 1818, and sadly died from tuberculosis in 1848, aged 30.
The Brontë Sisters are incredibly well known today for their groundbreaking and dark stories. Emily’s sisters include Charlotte (Jane Eyre), Anne (The Tenant of Wildfell Hall), Maria and Elizabeth.
Three of the five sisters were authors in their own right, but they also worked on poetry novels together.
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