Margot Robbie, the acclaimed Australian actress known worldwide for her talent and striking looks, recently revealed a personal struggle that many can relate to. While promoting Emerald Fennell’s new adaptation of Wuthering Heights, Robbie discussed her attachment to a “toxic relationship” with romantasy books, a genre blending romance and fantasy, which often keeps her awake late into the night.
Robbie spoke with CBR’s Grae Drake about this habit, explaining how she finds herself reading these captivating novels long past bedtime. The actress connected her experience to a broader audience, noting the genre’s appeal to millennials who grew up immersed in young-adult fantasy series like Harry Potter and The Hunger Games, but are now drawn to stories featuring more mature themes, including romance and adult relationships.
The Popularity and Appeal of Romantasy Among Readers
Romantasy, short for romantic fantasy, gained significant traction in the 2010s thanks to authors such as Sarah J. Maas, known for her A Court of Thorns and Roses series, and Rebeca Yarros, author of Empyrean. This subgenre offers an emotionally charged blend of fantasy and romance that resonates with readers who enjoy both escapism and complex romantic narratives.
Robbie candidly shared her late-night reading habit during the interview, stating,
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I feel like I read a lot of romantasy, and sometimes when it’s, like, 3 am and I’m still reading it, I’m like, ‘I love it so much, but I need to sleep. I can’t put it down, but I love it.’
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She further admitted,
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And I’m like, I know it’s kind of bad for me. Now I think we have a toxic relationship, but I can’t be rid of it.
”
A New Take on a Literary Classic: Emerald Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights”
In the latest adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel, officially titled with quotation marks to indicate its unique take, Margot Robbie stars as Catherine Earnshaw alongside Jacob Elordi from Euphoria, who plays Heathcliff. The film represents a fresh reimagining of a beloved story, guided by director Emerald Fennell, known for her work on Promising Young Woman and Saltburn.
The collaboration among Fennell, Robbie, and Elordi builds on previous professional relationships. Robbie produced Fennell’s directorial debut, and Fennell made a cameo appearance in Barbie, while Elordi starred as a lead in Saltburn.
Strong Opening for the Latest “Wuthering Heights” Adaptation
Wuthering Heights premiered on February 13 and has already set notable box office records, opening to $83 million globally—$38 million of which came from the U.S. It was created with an $80 million production budget plus $100 million spent on marketing and distribution. Although the film has recouped its initial production budget, industry estimates indicate it will need earnings beyond $200 million to turn a profit.
The film continues to run in theaters as audiences respond positively to this new interpretation of a literary classic, blending gripping drama with cinematic visual style.
Margot Robbie Praises the Gothic Revival and Upcoming Projects
Robbie has also expressed enthusiasm about other projects connected to her co-star Jacob Elordi, notably the film Frankenstein, which earned Elordi his first Oscar nomination. Speaking about an early cut, she said,
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Guillermo actually showed me a somewhat earlier cut, and I was blown away. For me, I loved it.
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She elaborated on the growing popularity of Gothic storytelling, highlighting its powerful combination of emotional depth and visual artistry:
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There’s a real resurgence of the Gothic right now. It’s so fun. And I can see why, because it’s really emotional storytelling with (an) aesthetic in lockstep, and really utilizing people’s craft and skills on a big scale. That is so exciting.
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Main Cast of the Film
- Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw
- Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff
Margot Robbie’s openness about her “toxic” attachment to romantasy books offers a relatable glimpse into her life beyond the screen, revealing the very human challenge of balancing passion with self-care. Meanwhile, her involvement in innovative projects like Wuthering Heights and support of fellow actors’ achievements reflect her ongoing influence in the film industry. As Wuthering Heights continues its strong box office run, audiences can expect more thought-provoking and emotionally rich storytelling from Robbie and her collaborators in the future.
