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Emerald Fennell’s ‘Wuthering Heights’ Nears Feb. 13 Theatrical Debut With Buzz and Backlash

The director frames the film as her own “version,” using a provocative tone with modern design elements.

Overview

  • Warner Bros.’ adaptation opens February 13, starring Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff.
  • Online debate over casting, stylised wardrobes and a pop soundtrack has driven visibility, with the trailer topping 23 million YouTube views and pre-sales described in reports as strong with opening-weekend estimates around $30–35 million.
  • Emerald Fennell says she is making “a version” of the novel and has called the project an exploration of the story’s sadomasochistic undercurrents.
  • Costume designer Jacqueline Durran acknowledges the film does not chase strict period accuracy and explains the glossy, mixed-era look as character-driven.
  • Location work across the Yorkshire Dales was welcomed by local Brontë institutions, which hope for a tourism lift, while press reports say a Netflix offer was declined in favor of an $80 million Warner Bros. theatrical path.