Wuthering Heights Returns to Cinema: What to Expect from the 2026 Adaptation
A New Vision of a Classic Tale
Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights is a Gothic erotic psychological drama film loosely inspired by Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel, bringing fresh energy to one of literature’s most enduring love stories. The film will be released by Warner Bros. Pictures in the United Kingdom on February 11, 2026, and in the United States on February 13, strategically positioned for Valentine’s Day weekend. This adaptation marks Fennell’s third directorial project following her acclaimed works Promising Young Woman and Saltburn.
Star-Studded Cast and Controversial Choices
The film stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, respectively, alongside Hong Chau, Shazad Latif, Alison Oliver, Martin Clunes, and Ewan Mitchell in supporting roles. In September 2024, Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi were cast as Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, respectively, with Robbie also producing under her label LuckyChap Entertainment. However, the decision to cast a white actor as the racially ambiguous Heathcliff sparked controversies, igniting debate among fans familiar with Brontë’s original characterisation.
A Bold, Sensual Approach
The Wuthering Heights movie trailer offers a provocative and erotically charged reinterpretation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel, with moody, Gothic visuals—corsets, wind‑swept moors, and a sensual, intense atmosphere. The new footage is set against Charli xcx’s new song “Chains of Love’ from her album Wuthering Heights, written specifically for the feature film. This contemporary musical choice signals Fennell’s intention to create a version that resonates with modern audiences whilst honouring the novel’s timeless themes of passion, obsession, and destruction.
Production and Anticipation
Principal photography took place in the United Kingdom from late January to early April 2025, using 35mm VistaVision cameras, with location shooting in the Yorkshire Dales including the valleys of Arkengarthdale and Swaledale. The production followed a high‑stakes bidding war in 2024, with Warner Bros. ultimately securing distribution for $80 million. As cinema-goers await this latest interpretation, the film promises to reignite interest in Emily Brontë’s masterpiece and introduce the haunting love story of Catherine and Heathcliff to a new generation of viewers.