New 'Wuthering Heights' Film Sparks Surge in Book Sales

Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi star in the latest adaptation of Emily Bronte's classic novel

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The release of a new film adaptation of 'Wuthering Heights' starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi has sparked a sharp increase in interest and sales of Emily Bronte's classic novel. In the UK, book sales rose by 469% compared to the previous year, while in the US, print sales exceeded 180,000 copies in 2025 - more than double the previous year. The film has also generated buzz and engagement from a new, younger audience, with the novel becoming a top pick for Vogue's book club and a companion album being released by singer Charli XCX.

Why it matters

The surge in interest highlights the enduring appeal of 'Wuthering Heights' and how a new film adaptation can revive interest in a literary classic. The novel, once considered 'strange' and 'devilish' by Victorian critics, has since been recognized as a masterpiece and one of the greatest works of English literature. The new film adaptation, while taking creative liberties, has sparked renewed discussions about the novel's themes of love, revenge, and the human condition.

The details

The new film adaptation, directed by Emerald Fennell, has already generated controversy over its casting choices and creative liberties taken with the source material. While the film omits the second half of the novel, it has been praised for its heightened physicality and visual style. The production involved extensive location filming in the Yorkshire Dales and the creation of detailed sets and props to capture the novel's atmosphere.

  • The novel 'Wuthering Heights' was first published in December 1847 under the pseudonym Ellis Bell.
  • The new film adaptation premiered on January 28, 2026, in Los Angeles, with the UK premiere on February 5.
  • The global release of the film is scheduled for February 13, 2026.

The players

Emily Bronte

The author of the novel 'Wuthering Heights', which was published in 1847 under the pseudonym Ellis Bell. Bronte died of tuberculosis at the age of 30, about a year after the novel's publication.

Margot Robbie

The actress who stars as Catherine Earnshaw in the 2026 film adaptation of 'Wuthering Heights'.

Jacob Elordi

The actor who stars as Heathcliff in the 2026 film adaptation of 'Wuthering Heights'.

Emerald Fennell

The screenwriter and director of the 2026 film adaptation of 'Wuthering Heights', who has emphasized that she is making her own 'version' of the classic novel.

Charli XCX

The singer who created an original album of songs as a companion to the 2026 film adaptation of 'Wuthering Heights'.

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What they’re saying

“I can't adapt the book as it is, but I can get close to how it made me feel.”

— Emerald Fennell, Director (The Guardian)

“There's no need to be accurate. It's just a book.”

— Kharmel Cochrane, Casting Director (The Guardian)

“You cannot adapt a book as dense, complex, and difficult as this. It's impossible.”

— Emerald Fennell, Director (The Guardian)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.