Wuthering Heights' Remake Tops Box Office on Strong Opening Weekend

Emerald Fennell's bold reimagining of the classic novel brings in $34.8 million in its first three days.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Emerald Fennell's new adaptation of the classic novel 'Wuthering Heights' topped the box office charts this weekend, bringing in $34.8 million in its first three days in North American theaters. The Warner Bros. release, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, saw an estimated 76% of its opening weekend audience comprised of women. The romantic drama outperformed the weekend's other new releases, including the animated film 'GOAT' and the heist thriller 'Crime 101'.

Why it matters

The strong opening for 'Wuthering Heights' comes as the future of Warner Bros. remains uncertain, with Paramount continuing its efforts to acquire the studio through a hostile takeover bid. The film's success marks the studio's ninth No. 1 opening in a row, providing a much-needed boost during this period of transition.

The details

The $80 million production cost for 'Wuthering Heights' does not include the millions spent on marketing and promotion. If the four-day holiday weekend totals match estimates, the film will have a global debut of around $82 million. 'Wuthering Heights' is also expected to perform well internationally, with additional openings planned in Japan, Vietnam, and China in the coming weeks.

  • The film opened in North American theaters on February 16, 2026.
  • Its biggest day was Valentine's Day on February 14, 2026, where it earned $14 million.

The players

Emerald Fennell

The director who has reimagined the classic novel 'Wuthering Heights' for the screen.

Margot Robbie

The actress who stars as Catherine in the new 'Wuthering Heights' film.

Jacob Elordi

The actor who portrays Heathcliff in the new 'Wuthering Heights' adaptation.

Warner Bros.

The studio that produced and distributed the new 'Wuthering Heights' film.

Paramount

The company that is making a hostile takeover bid to acquire Warner Bros.

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What they’re saying

“This was a solid if not record-breaking Presidents Day/Valentines weekend. But that was to be expected without an MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) film.”

— Paul Dergarabedian, Comscore marketplace trends expert (bostonherald.com)

What’s next

The film still has several major international openings planned in the coming weeks, including in Japan, Vietnam, and China.

The takeaway

Emerald Fennell's bold reimagining of the classic novel 'Wuthering Heights' has resonated with audiences, particularly women, and provided a much-needed box office boost for Warner Bros. as the studio faces an uncertain future amid Paramount's hostile takeover bid.