“Wuthering Heights” Director Defends Casting Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi After Backlash

Director of ‘Wuthering Heights’ Defends Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi Casting

The renowned filmmaker, Emerald Fennell, has come forward to defend her choice of casting Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in the upcoming adaptation of ‘Wuthering Heights’. Fennell, an Oscar-winner known for her work on ‘Promising Young Woman’ and ‘Saltburn’, is set to bring Emily Brontë’s classic romance to the big screen this Valentine’s Day in 2026.

During the Brontë Women’s Writing Festival, Fennell shared her deep connection to the novel, describing it as “completely singular, sexy, horrible, and devastating”. Despite the online criticisms regarding the casting, with some pointing out the age difference between the characters and the actors, Fennell stood by her decision.

Addressing the backlash, Fennell explained that when she first saw Elordi, she immediately thought he resembled the illustration of Heathcliff from the book. She praised his acting skills, calling him a “very surprising actor”, indicating that he brings something unique to the role.

Similarly, Fennell expressed admiration for Margot Robbie, stating that she possesses an “otherworldly power, a Godlike power” that aligns perfectly with her character in the film. Robbie’s ability to captivate audiences and portray complex characters was a key factor in her casting.

In response to concerns about the age and appearance of the actors compared to the characters in the book, Fennell emphasised the importance of staying true to the emotional essence of the story. She wanted to create a film that elicits a primal and sexual response, similar to the experience of reading the novel for the first time.

Despite the controversies surrounding the casting choices, Fennell reassured fans that the movie remains faithful to the source material while embracing its provocative nature. The film also features a talented ensemble cast including Hong Chau, Shazad Latif, Alison Oliver, Martin Clunes and Ewan Mitchell.

Casting director Kharmel Cochrane, who addressed the backlash at Scotland’s Sands Film Festival, echoed Fennell’s sentiment that artistic interpretation should take precedence over strict adherence to the original text. Cochrane urged audiences to watch the film before passing judgment, acknowledging that literary purists might have reservations.

‘Wuthering Heights’ is scheduled to hit theatres on February 13th, promising audiences a captivating and emotionally charged retelling of the timeless classic. As the release date approaches, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi bring the iconic characters of Catherine and Heathcliff to life on the silver screen.