Summon your English classmates, for Wuthering Heights is getting a new adaptation with some *very* exciting names attached. The Emily Brontë classic is officially an Australian affair, with two of our greatest acting exports to take the lead. Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi have been tapped to star as Catherine and Heathcliff in the latest adaptation to be directed by Emerald Fennell.
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The gothic novel is considered to be one of the most romantic (or rather, anti-romantic) stories of all time, following the obsessive bond of two star-crossed lovers as they traverse the limits of social class, passion and revenge in late 18th-century England.
The subject matter is not unfamiliar to the film’s director, Fennell, who earned popular praise for her 2023 film Saltburn. This will also therefore be Fennell’s second time working with Elordi. The 27-year-old Australian will be well-versed in period dramas and literary adaptations by the time Wuthering Heights begins production, with the Euphoria star currently filming Frankenstein. Meanwhile, this will be a bit of a departure from the blockbuster-friendly Robbie.
The film is set to be produced by Robbie’s production company LuckyChap, which has previously produced Fennell’s Saltburn and Promising Young Woman. Here’s everything we know thus far.
What Is Wuthering Heights About?
Wuthering Heights follows a young orphan, Heathcliff (Jacob Elordi), who is adopted by the wealthy Earnshaw family and made to work in their household. He and the family’s daughter, Catherine (Margot Robbie) form a bond which grows into a rather toxic romance and eventual obsession. The two are kept apart, mostly by Cathy’s controlling brother, with Heathcliff swearing revenge on those who have stood between the lovers. As time passes the memory of the connection persists as our leads grapple with their tortured, forbidden relationship. Despite the novel being nearly 200 years old, we’ll hold major spoilers for a new generation!
Will Margot Robbie & Jacob Elordi’s Wuthering Heights Be Different From The Original?
Plot details are yet to be released regarding Fennell’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights. Stay tuned.
Who Is In The Cast Of Wuthering Heights?
So far, the only cast announcements include Jacob Elordi as Heathciff and Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw. Elordi is following in the footsteps of actors like Tom Hardy, Ralph Fiennes and Laurence Olivier, who have played the story’s romantic hero in previous adaptations. Meanwhile, other actresses to step into the role of Cathy include French actress Juliette Binoche and Skins star Kaya Scodelario.
Emerald Fennell will also pen the script and direct the latest Wuthering Heights film.
Wuthering Heights Release Date
The release date is TBC, with production set to begin in 2025.
Where To Watch Wuthering Heights
While there will be a wait on the Robbie/Elordi version, there are several existing adaptations ready for you to stream. (There is, in fact, an entire Wikipedia page dedicated to the many (many!) existing adaptations, but we’ve cherry-picked a few you can watch below…
- Wuthering Heights (2011), starring Kaya Scodelairo and James Howson — Binge, Foxtel
- Wuthering Heights (1992), starring Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fiennes — Apple TV+, Kanopy
- Wuthering Heights (2009, mini series), starring Charlotte Riley and Tom Hardy — Apple TV+
- Wuthering Heights (1939), starring Merle Oberon and Laurence Olivier — Prime Video
Read the original artilce on ELLE Australia
