Jacob Elordi has revealed he felt nervous embarking on his role in Wuthering Heights alongside Margot Robbie. The Australian actor, 28, stars opposite Margot Robbie, 35, in this much-anticipated adaptation of Emily Brontë’s gothic novel. Wuthering Heights is scheduled for theatrical release on February 13, just ahead of Valentine’s Day, and centers around the intense romance of Catherine and Heathcliff, portrayed by Robbie and Elordi respectively.
This film marks another high-profile project for Margot Robbie, who also serves as a producer through her company LuckyChap Entertainment. Elordi’s admission of nerves stemmed from the scale and pressure of such a significant production, especially acting opposite an established star like Robbie.
Production Scale and Pressure Weighed on Elordi Before Filming
In a recent interview with Esquire UK, Jacob Elordi explained how the magnitude of the production unsettled him before filming began.
“The older I get, the more nervous I get, and I was afraid of; it was a big movie, and the crew was big and the sets were big,”
he said. The large crew and elaborate sets contributed to the weight of expectations placed on the cast and crew.
Wuthering Heights director Emerald Fennell acknowledged the difficulty for Elordi. She noted,
“Yes, and also Margot is the biggest star in the world and you’re playing opposite each other. It’s fucking big.”
This high-profile collaboration amplified Elordi’s apprehension, pushing him to question whether he had prepared enough for the role.
The actor admitted feeling a strong sense of responsibility, considering the effort behind the production.
“There’s 600 people there that have put so much work and effort in, who’ve toiled and waited and not seen their families, and then you need to come in and put a layer onto the cake,”
Elordi said. He also expressed an ongoing feeling of impostor syndrome, stating,
“There is a pressure that you’re not going to be what people want you to be. There will probably always be an imposter element to acting for me, just because I dreamt about it so intensely that it almost feels like it couldn’t have happened.”
Close Bond and Mutual Admiration Between Elordi and Robbie on Set
Beyond the nerves, Jacob Elordi described a deep mutual fascination with Margot Robbie throughout the filming process. Earlier this week, Margot gifted Jacob a distinctive matchet signet ring, featuring two skeletons embracing with an inscription that reads,
“Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.”
This gift symbolizes their off-screen connection while portraying iconic lovers Catherine and Heathcliff.
Elordi recollected the closeness developing on set, sharing how he ensured he remained within close proximity to Margot.
“Regardless of plot or screenplay, if you have the opportunity to share a film set with Margot Robbie, you’re going to make sure you’re within 5 to 10 meters at all times,”
he stated. Observing her mannerisms brought him both amusement and admiration as he paid close attention to the small details of how she ate and drank tea.
“Watching how she drinks tea, how she eats her food, how she does it. When is it going to slip? When is the thing going to come undone? And, it never comes undone,”
Jacob added.
Criticism and Backlash Over Promotional Strategies
Despite their genuine rapport, Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie have faced criticism from fans and commentators accusing them of staging a “lame” publicity stunt to promote Wuthering Heights. Many believe their public displays of affection and chemistry are overblown marketing tactics. Several commenters compared their approach to the well-documented press tour methods used by Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell during the promotion of the film Anyone But You.
One critic wrote,
“They are going way too hard with this film promotion. This is exactly like Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell. It’s all marketing.”
Another added,
“Overdoing it to sell their chemistry,”
while a third questioned,
“This shouldn’t be necessary if the film is actually good.”
Some fans expressed discomfort with the optics given Margot Robbie’s marital status, labeling their promotional behavior as
“Super creepy to say when you’re married.”
Margot Robbie’s Red Carpet Comment Sparks More Speculation
Adding to the public’s intrigue, Margot Roberto’s comments at the Los Angeles premiere drew further attention and speculation. When asked about attending the film screening, she said she would go with her “husband… or whoever,” referring ambiguously in the moment. Fans on social media quickly responded, sharing remarks such as,
“AHAHAHAH poor husband; ‘My husband or Jacob Elordi, or whoever????’;”
and,
“’Do they have an open marriage or .. ??’”
The playful confusion around this remark fueled widespread buzz and debate among observers.
The Upcoming Release and Its Potential Reception
As Wuthering Heights nears its release in cinemas on February 13, anticipation remains high for this retelling of Emily Brontë’s classic tale. Margot Robbie’s dual role as lead actress and producer underscores her deep investment in the project, while Jacob Elordi’s commitment despite initial unease suggests a passionate performance.
However, the mixed reactions surrounding the film’s promotional campaign may influence audience expectations. The pair’s off-screen chemistry, whether perceived as authentic or contrived, is becoming a focal point as viewers prepare to judge their portrayal of Catherine and Heathcliff. How this translates into box office success and critical acclaim remains to be seen, but the buzz surrounding Margot Robbie Wuthering Heights is undeniably intense heading into Valentine’s Day.
