Warner Bros. Pictures announced that Margot Robbie Wuthering Heights adaptation is set to premiere in theaters on February 13, 2026. Directed by Emerald Fennell, this new film brings a bold retelling of Emily Brontë’s classic 1847 novel, promising a fresh but intense interpretation of the tragic love story on the big screen.
A Modern Adaptation of a Timeless Gothic Romance
The upcoming Wuthering Heights movie follows the dark and passionate relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw, whose love is marred by jealousy, social divisions, and revenge spanning generations. Heathcliff, an orphan brought into a wealthy family, develops a powerful attachment to Catherine, yet their bond is strained and ultimately destroyed by societal prejudices and class conflicts.
Emerald Fennell, who also wrote and produced the film, aims to deliver a story that may not fully adhere to the original novel’s framework, introducing a new vision that has already sparked controversy among devotees of English literature. The casting director hinted,
“definitely going to be some English Lit fans that are not going to be happy”
with the fresh take on the story. Kharmel Cochrane added,
“Wait until you see the set design because that is even more shocking,”
and also mentioned,
“And there may or may not be a dog collar in it.”
Key Cast Members Bringing Iconic Roles to Life
Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi take on the lead roles of Catherine and Heathcliff, respectively, promising dynamic performances in this emotional drama. The supporting cast includes Hong Chau, Alison Oliver, Shazad Latif, Martin Clunes, and Ewan Mitchell, while young Catherine and Heathcliff will be portrayed by Charlotte Mellington and Owen Cooper.
Robbie commented on the project’s intensity during an interview in August 2025, saying,
“It’s bananas. It’s great. It’s brilliant.”
Her enthusiasm hints at an approach that might push traditional boundaries.
Emerald Fennell’s Vision for Wuthering Heights
Emerald Fennell, the Oscar-winning filmmaker, leads the project as director, writer, and producer. Known for her previous work on Promising Young Woman and Saltburn, her collaboration with both Robbie and Elordi is well established, having acted alongside Robbie in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie and directed Elordi in Saltburn.
Fennell’s fascination with gothic themes was expressed in a column for the Los Angeles Times, where she revealed,
“always been obsessed with the gothic.”
She explained that the gothic genre intertwines comedy with horror, attraction with repulsion, and blends sex and death in complex emotional interactions. In her words,
“It’s a genre where comedy and horror, revulsion and desire, sex and death are forever entwined, where every exchange is heavy with the threat of violence, or sex or both.”
Filming Locations Match the Story’s Dark Atmosphere
Production on Wuthering Heights began in 2025, choosing settings that capture the moody and atmospheric spirit essential to the story. Filming took place primarily in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, England, with specific shoots in valleys such as Arkengarthdale and Swaledale, and locations including Low Row village and Surrender Bridge—a site recognized from the 1980 series All Creatures Great and Small.
During filming, Margot Robbie was spotted wearing an elaborate bridal costume, signaling the dramatic scenes related to Catherine’s wedding. These authentic and evocative settings help deepen the gothic mood for which the original novel is renowned.
Trailer Reveals Themes of Separation and Rekindled Passion
The first teaser for the film was unveiled in September 2025, followed by a full-length trailer in November, which offers glimpses into the turbulent relationship between the two central characters. The trailer emphasizes Catherine’s impending marriage and Heathcliff’s return, as he seeks to reclaim their love.
Accompanied by original music from Charli XCX, the visuals highlight the iconic wild moors, emphasizing the emotional and physical isolation experienced by the characters, and the intense reunion that challenges their fates.
Release Plans and Viewing Information
Wuthering Heights will have a theatrical release on February 13, 2026, just before Valentine’s Day, targeting audiences drawn to passionate, tragic romance. Warner Bros. Pictures will distribute the film exclusively in theaters, making it a cinematic event for fans of gothic drama and literary adaptations alike.
Legacy of Wuthering Heights Adaptations Across Time
This new adaptation joins numerous renditions of Emily Brontë’s novel produced over the last century. Notable previous film versions include the 1939 release featuring Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon, and the 1992 version with Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche. TV adaptations have also been significant, with series released in 1978 and 1998, and TV movies such as the 2009 production that starred Tom Hardy and Charlotte Riley—who met during filming and later married.
The 2026 film intends to offer a distinctive and provocative addition to this lineage, with Fennell’s vision shaping its unique portrayal of the emotional darkness and complexity that Wuthering Heights embodies.
— Emerald Fennell (@emeraldfennell) July 12, 2024
