Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi Embrace Emerald Fennell's Provocative 'Wuthering Heights' Vision

Director Fennell and stars Robbie and Elordi discuss bringing a bold new take on the classic Emily Brontë novel to the big screen.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Director Emerald Fennell's new adaptation of 'Wuthering Heights' features a provocative, sensual take on the classic Emily Brontë novel, with stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi embracing Fennell's bold vision. Fennell, who previously directed the acclaimed films 'Promising Young Woman' and 'Saltburn,' was inspired by the book's themes of desire and repression, aiming to create a film that would 'make people physically respond.' Robbie and Elordi, who had previously worked with Fennell, were eager to bring the iconic characters of Cathy and Heathcliff to life, with Elordi saying he wanted to 'bring something of my own biography into it.' The film features several steamy, sensual scenes that ratchet up the intimacy from the original novel, underscoring Brontë's exploration of these themes.

Why it matters

Fennell's adaptation of 'Wuthering Heights' taps into the current cultural appetite for yearning and melodramatic romance, exemplified by the success of shows like 'Bridgerton' and films like 'Heated Rivalry.' By embracing the novel's themes of desire and repression in a more overt, physical way, Fennell aims to create an emotional experience that will resonate with modern audiences.

The details

Fennell, a self-described 'fanatic' of the Brontë novel, was inspired by a specific visual she had in mind for the film - a scene of someone 'slurping the leftover bathwater of the object of their romantic desire.' This idea manifests in the film through a scene depicting Cathy's sexual awakening, as she masturbates under her skirts after accidentally witnessing an intimate encounter. Fennell wanted to tap into the book's themes of desire and repression, and translate them into a 'bodice-ripping piece of cinema' through the casting of Robbie and Elordi, whose chemistry 'crackles' on screen.

  • Fennell first read 'Wuthering Heights' when she was 14 years old.
  • Fennell's previous films 'Promising Young Woman' and 'Saltburn' were released in 2020 and 2023, respectively.

The players

Emerald Fennell

The Oscar-winning filmmaker who directed the new adaptation of 'Wuthering Heights,' inspired by her lifelong love of the classic novel.

Margot Robbie

The acclaimed actress who stars as Cathy in Fennell's 'Wuthering Heights,' having previously worked with the director through her production company Luckychap.

Jacob Elordi

The actor who portrays Heathcliff in Fennell's film, having been specifically written for the role by the director.

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What they’re saying

“I probably can't spoil it, but something happens on a rock. I think people will know.”

— Emerald Fennell, Director (Variety)

“Emerald loves this work with her soul. This book pumps through her.”

— Jacob Elordi, Actor (Variety)

“I would follow her anywhere. I think working with directors who you would follow anywhere is the best thing that you can do. Find those people that you really believe in, and then just follow them.”

— Margot Robbie, Actress (Variety)

What’s next

The film 'Wuthering Heights' is now playing in theaters, allowing audiences to experience Emerald Fennell's bold and sensual take on the classic Emily Brontë novel.

The takeaway

Fennell's adaptation of 'Wuthering Heights' taps into the current cultural appetite for yearning and melodramatic romance, embracing the novel's themes of desire and repression in a more overt, physical way to create an emotional experience that will resonate with modern audiences.