“Wuthering Heights ”Director Says She Regrets Cutting Margot Robbie’s ‘Extremely Hairy Armpits’ from the Film

Emerald Fennell, the acclaimed director behind the recent adaptation of *Wuthering Heights*, has candidly expressed her regret over a decision to omit a scene that would have showcased the character Catherine Earnshaw, played by Margot Robbie, with visible body hair. Speaking at the Hay Festival in Wales, Fennell commented on the historical inaccuracies prevalent in many period dramas, particularly concerning the portrayal of women.

Fennell’s observations are rooted in a broader critique of the beauty standards that often dominate the depiction of women in historical narratives. She noted that many period dramas present women as “hairless”, a portrayal that contradicts the reality of the time when the conveniences of modern-day shaving and waxing were not available. “They’re all kind of hairless like eels,” she remarked, highlighting her frustration with the unrealistic depictions seen in adaptations of classic literature, including adaptations of Jane Austen’s works.

The director’s perspective stems from a desire to adhere faithfully to the era portrayed in *Wuthering Heights*, first published in 1847. Fennell explained that while various methods for hair removal did exist, they were primarily accessible to the wealthier classes, which makes the representation of characters in a period setting all the more important. She emphasised the need to present Cathy accurately, commenting, “Where are the razors that these women are using?”

Following its theatrical release in February 2026, Fennell’s adaptation of Emily Brontë’s masterpiece has sparked discussions around historical accuracy, not just in terms of personal grooming but also in its broader artistic interpretation. Critics have raised concerns regarding various elements of the film, including Cathy’s extravagant clothing and the racial portrayal of Heathcliff, portrayed by Jacob Elordi. These deviations from the source material have led to a mixed response from audiences and literary purists alike.

In defence of her creative choices, Fennell articulated that her version of *Wuthering Heights* came from her own recollections of the novel during her teenage years. She said, “I wanted stuff to happen that never happened,” reinforcing her intent to create an adaptation that resonates with her personal interpretation rather than a conventional retelling. This approach invites viewers to consider alternative narratives within the well-trodden landscape of Brontë’s work.

Despite some criticisms, Fennell believes that the essence of her adaptation captures the spirit of the story while allowing for a degree of artistic licence. “So it is *Wuthering Heights*, but it isn’t,” she explained, acknowledging the challenges of adapting such a complex and revered text. “You can’t adapt a book as dense and complicated and difficult as this without making some changes.”

In the contemporary context, Fennell’s comments resonate with a growing trend towards authenticity in filmmaking. The inclusion of historically accurate details, such as Cathy’s natural body hair, might have illustrated a significant step towards challenging modern beauty norms and providing a more genuine representation of women from the past.

As audiences engage with this interpretation of *Wuthering Heights*, they have the opportunity to reflect not only on the story itself but also on how historical narratives can be reshaped to include more accurate portrayals of women’s lives and experiences. With the film now available for streaming on HBO Max, viewers can explore Fennell’s unique vision and decide for themselves how effectively it conveys the themes of Brontë’s classic novel.

In conclusion, Emerald Fennell’s reflections highlight the ongoing conversation regarding representation and authenticity in period dramas. Her decision to initially include a scene featuring Margot Robbie’s Cathy with unshaven armpits underscores a need for more honesty in cinematic portrayals of history and, in turn, encourages a dialogue about contemporary beauty standards influenced by the past.