The 2026 film adaptation of Emily Brontë's classic novel, Wuthering Heights, directed by Emerald Fennell, offers a fresh take on the timeless story. This romantic drama, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, brings new life to the characters of Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff. The film's production journey, from casting choices to filming locations, reveals the creative decisions that shaped this modern adaptation.
Development and Casting
In July 2024, Emerald Fennell
announced her intention to adapt Emily Brontë's 1847 novel into a film. Known for her work on Promising Young Woman, Fennell took on the roles of both writer and director for this project. The casting of Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff was confirmed in September 2024. Robbie, who also served as a producer through her company LuckyChap Entertainment, had previously collaborated with Fennell on other projects.
The casting of Elordi as Heathcliff sparked controversy due to the character's ambiguous racial description in the novel. Despite the backlash, Fennell defended her choice, stating that Elordi matched the illustration of Heathcliff she had first encountered. The film also features Hong Chau, Alison Oliver, and Shazad Latif in supporting roles, adding depth to the ensemble cast.
Filming Locations and Challenges
Principal photography for Wuthering Heights took place in the United Kingdom from late January to early April 2025. The production utilized 35mm VistaVision cameras to capture the film's visual aesthetic. Filming locations included Sky Studios Elstree and the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, with scenes shot in Arkengarthdale, Swaledale, and the village of Low Row.
The choice of these locations was crucial in capturing the novel's atmospheric setting. However, the production faced challenges, including an incident where Jacob Elordi sustained a second-degree burn during filming. Despite these hurdles, the team successfully completed the shoot, bringing the rugged beauty of the Yorkshire landscape to the screen.
Music and Marketing
The film's score was composed by Anthony Willis, with Charli XCX contributing original songs. The lead single, "House," featuring John Cale, was released in November 2025, setting the tone for the film's musical landscape. The marketing campaign for Wuthering Heights included a trailer and poster release in September 2025, with promotional billboards appearing in major cities.
The film's title, stylized with quotation marks, reflects Fennell's approach to adaptation. She emphasized that her version of Wuthering Heights is a reinterpretation rather than a direct retelling of the novel. This creative decision underscores the film's unique take on Brontë's work, inviting audiences to experience the story through a contemporary lens.
