Margot Robbie nearly missed the opportunity to star as Catherine Earnshaw in the upcoming film adaptation of Wuthering Heights, making her eventual casting a surprising turn in the project. The 35-year-old actress shared this revelation during her appearance on The Graham Norton Show on February 6, alongside her co-star Jacob Elordi, while discussing her involvement in the film based on Emily Brontë’s 1847 classic novel.
The highly anticipated 2026 adaptation is directed by Emerald Fennell, whose creative vision remains under wraps in terms of how closely it will follow the original gothic tale. Robbie revealed she was originally focused on her role as a producer before deciding to audition for the lead character, which led to her being cast.
I wasn’t always going to be in it. I was thrilled to be the producer, but at some point, we were talking about Cathy, and I decided to throw my hat into the ring,
Robbie explained on the show, referencing Catherine Earnshaw’s character.
Robbie also expressed her long-standing desire to collaborate with Fennell, emphasizing the director’s passion for the source material.
I’ve always wanted to be one of Emerald’s actors and fortunately, she felt the same way. It worked out wonderfully.
Margot Robbie said.
Emerald Fennell’s Unique Approach to the Classic Narrative
Emerald Fennell, known for her work on titles like Saltburn and Promising Young Woman, directs the film, casting Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, the orphaned character who shares a complex and intense bond with Catherine Earnshaw. The story explores themes of doomed love, class divisions, and their lasting effects on families.
Robbie described Fennell’s interpretation of Brontë’s novel as deeply emotional and personal rather than a straightforward adaptation.
Emerald loves the book and she really focused on the feeling it gave her when she first read it at 14,
Robbie said, noting the director’s connection to the story from a young age.
She added,
In my opinion, it is one of the greatest love stories of all time and it has a great cast and incredible actors. It’s a great film,
highlighting the film’s quality and ensemble.
Full Cast and Surprising Casting Decisions Reveal
Alongside Robbie and Elordi, the cast includes Hong Chau, Alison Oliver, Shazad Latif, Martin Clunes, and Ewan Mitchell, with Charlotte Mellington and Owen Cooper portraying younger versions of Catherine and Heathcliff respectively. Elordi, recently nominated for an Oscar for his role in Frankenstein, admitted the timing of his casting was unexpected.
I was traveling when I got a text message from [Fennell] saying, ‘Do you want to be Heathcliff?’ and I wrote, ‘Yeah.’
Jacob Elordi recounted during their interview.
Release Plans and Anticipated Reception
Wuthering Heights is scheduled for release on February 13, just before Valentine’s Day, positioning it as a timely cinematic exploration of one of literature’s most iconic love stories. Its debut on BBC One and iPlayer the week prior brought increasing attention to the cast’s reflections on their roles and the emotional depth of the film.
The movie stands to draw audiences intrigued by Fennell’s fresh take and the star-studded cast’s portrayal of a narrative that has endured for over a century, promising a new interpretation of this tragic romance.
