Wuthering Heights (2026) is a gothic romance directed by Emerald Fennell, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. Releasing February 13, 2026.
The enduring tale of forbidden love, revenge, and emotional turmoil returns to the big screen with a modern cinematic spin. Wuthering Heights, directed, written, and produced by Emerald Fennell, is one of the most anticipated films of early 2026 — hitting theaters just ahead of Valentine’s Day on February 13, 2026. Wikipedia+1
🎥 A New Take on a Classic
This adaptation of Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel is not a traditional period drama but rather a visually daring and emotionally charged reinterpretation of the source material. Fennell — known for her Oscar-winning direction with Promising Young Woman and the provocative Saltburn — brings her signature aesthetic and storytelling style to the windswept moors of Yorkshire. Wikipedia+1
Rather than simply retelling the 19th-century story, Fennell’s film aims to intensify the psychological and sensual elements of the narrative, using modern cinematic language while remaining rooted in the emotional heart of Brontë’s gothic romance. EW.com
🎭 Star-Studded Cast
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Margot Robbie stars as Catherine Earnshaw, the fiercely passionate and conflicted heroine at the center of the story. Robbie also serves as a producer under her LuckyChap Entertainment banner, continuing her collaboration with Fennell. Wikipedia
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Jacob Elordi plays Heathcliff, the brooding, intense outsider whose obsessive love for Catherine drives much of the tragedy. Wikipedia
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The film’s ensemble cast includes Hong Chau as Nelly Dean, Shazad Latif as Edgar Linton, Alison Oliver as Isabella Linton, and supporting roles from Martin Clunes and Ewan Mitchell. Younger versions of the lead characters are portrayed by Charlotte Mellington and Owen Cooper. Wikipedia
Filming took place across the United Kingdom, including on location in the Yorkshire Dales, giving the production an immersive, atmospheric backdrop evocative of the novel’s moorland setting. The Table Read Magazine
❤️ Plot & Themes
At its core, Wuthering Heights chronicles the intense, destructive relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine — a bond that defies social conventions and tears through the lives of two families, the Earnshaws and the Lintons. Though rooted in 19th-century England, the story’s themes of passion, class conflict, identity, and emotional suffering remain compelling today. Wikipedia
Fennell’s interpretation has been described as embracing the erotic and psychological undercurrents of the novel, with early promotional materials highlighting the raw emotional connection between the protagonists. The creative use of contemporary music, including involvement from Charli XCX on an original soundtrack, suggests the film will blend classic narrative with modern artistic sensibilities. DIE WELT
🎬 Anticipation and Reactions
The teaser trailers and early promotional stills have generated significant buzz, drawing attention for both their visual ambition and Fennell’s distinctive directorial voice. Robbie has teased that the movie is even more “bananas” and striking than her previous work with Fennell, hinting at a cinematic experience that defies expectations. People.com
At the same time, the film has sparked debate among fans — particularly regarding casting choices, with some expressing concern that Heathcliff’s portrayal diverges from how the character is described in the original novel. Nevertheless, the creative team has defended their artistic decisions as part of reshaping the story for a contemporary audience. mint
📅 Release & What to Expect
Wuthering Heights will be released in theaters on February 13, 2026, positioning it as a dramatic and romantic centerpiece for Valentine’s Day weekend. With its blend of gothic intensity, emotional complexity, and bold visual style, the film aims to attract both fans of the classic novel and new viewers seeking a fresh cinematic romance. Wikipedia
Whether you’re drawn to sweeping love stories, atmospheric period pieces, or audacious reinterpretations of literary works, this adaptation promises to be one of 2026’s most talked-about films.