Wuthering Heights Starts With $3 Million In Previews

Emerald Fennell's adaptation starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi eyes $40M-$50M holiday weekend

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The box office saw a significant lift this Valentine's Day weekend, led by Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Wuthering Heights starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. The film garnered $3 million from Thursday previews at 3,000 locations, signaling a strong start. Industry sources anticipate a surge in ticket sales over the Valentine's Day holiday and the subsequent Presidents' Day holiday, with projections estimating a $40M-$50M four-day gross in North America.

Why it matters

The success of Wuthering Heights on Valentine's Day echoes past trends, as romantic dramas and films geared towards couples have historically capitalized on the holiday weekend. The $14 million in presales for the film also highlights the increasing importance of advance ticket purchases, allowing studios to gauge interest and adjust marketing strategies accordingly.

The details

Warner Bros. Pictures acquired the rights to the film for $80 million, surpassing a $150 million offer from Netflix. Meanwhile, Sony Pictures Animation's GOAT similarly performed well, earning $1 million in Thursday previews from 3030 locations, with projections estimating a $20 million four-day haul. Amazon MGM Studios' Crime 101, featuring Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry, and Mark Ruffalo, brought in $1 million in overall previews and is aiming for a $15 million four-day opening.

  • The box office saw a significant lift this Valentine's Day weekend.
  • Wuthering Heights garnered $3 million from Thursday previews at 3,000 locations.
  • Presales for Wuthering Heights already stand at $14 million.
  • Wuthering Heights is projected to gross $40M-$50M over the four-day holiday weekend.
  • GOAT earned $1 million in Thursday previews from 3030 locations.

The players

Wuthering Heights

An adaptation of the classic novel directed by Emerald Fennell and starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi.

GOAT

An animated film from Sony Pictures Animation.

Crime 101

A noir thriller from Amazon MGM Studios featuring Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry, and Mark Ruffalo.

Warner Bros. Pictures

The studio that acquired the rights to Wuthering Heights for $80 million, surpassing a $150 million offer from Netflix.

Sony Pictures Animation

The studio behind the animated film GOAT.

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The takeaway

The strong box office performance of Wuthering Heights, GOAT, and Crime 101 over the Valentine's Day and Presidents' Day holiday weekend highlights the continued appeal of both romantic dramas and family-friendly animated films, as well as the growing importance of advance ticket sales in shaping studio strategies and marketing efforts.