Quick Read
- Emerald Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights” adaptation is set for release on February 13, 2026.
- The film, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, has faced significant pre-release controversy over its modern reinterpretation.
- Despite or because of the backlash, “Wuthering Heights” is projected for a strong domestic opening weekend of $30M-$35M.
- Director Fennell defended her approach, stating a direct adaptation of Emily Brontë’s dense novel is impossible.
- Actor Jacob Elordi suffered second-degree burns during filming in a “freak accident.”
LOS ANGELES (Azat TV) – Emerald Fennell’s highly anticipated and deeply divisive adaptation of Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel, “Wuthering Heights,” is poised for a significant theatrical debut on February 13, 2026. Starring Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, the film has generated immense pre-release buzz, largely fueled by its controversial reinterpretation of the gothic classic, which industry analysts suggest is paradoxically driving strong box office predictions.
The ‘Wuthering Heights’ Controversy and Marketing Strategy
Fennell, known for her bold directing style in films like “Saltburn,” has faced accusations of “rage-baiting” by intentionally modifying the beloved tale for a modern audience, a strategy that has kept the film trending across social media platforms. The director has defended her approach, explaining to Fandango that a direct adaptation of a novel as “dense and complicated” as Brontë’s original is impossible, and that her version is an interpretation reflecting her own teenage reading experience.
The public outcry has centered on various aspects, including the casting choices, costumes, and overall tone. Jacob Elordi’s portrayal of Heathcliff has drawn particular criticism, as Brontë’s original description suggested dark hair, dark eyes, and possibly Roma or Gypsy heritage. Similarly, the casting of British-Pakistani actor Shazad Latif as Edgar Linton, Heathcliff’s primary antagonist, has been questioned. Costume designer Jacqueline Durran also addressed criticisms of Margot Robbie’s “hideous” outfits in the trailer, telling Vogue that the team prioritized a mix of modern fabrics and period shapes over historical accuracy, choosing “clothes we like for each character.” The film’s soundtrack by electro-pop artist Charli XCX and hints of “explicitly kinky imagery” have further amplified the debate.
Despite or perhaps because of the backlash, the discourse has proven to be a highly effective, low-cost marketing tool. Celebrity PR Specialist Kayley Cornelius told the Daily Mail that Fennell’s strategy is a “near-perfect example of how modern film marketing now works,” leveraging controversy to encourage organic, user-generated promotion. This approach contrasts sharply with the massive $150 million marketing budget for 2023’s “Barbie,” in which Robbie starred and Fennell had a small role. “The volume of free user-generated content alone will have saved the team millions,” Cornelius noted, estimating the total marketing spend for “Wuthering Heights” to be around $20 million to $30 million for the Warner Bros. production, which reportedly secured an $80 million budget after Fennell turned down a $150 million Netflix bid to ensure a theatrical release.
Box Office Expectations for ‘Wuthering Heights’
The film is set to open over the competitive Valentine’s Day weekend, traditionally a strong period for romantic films, but also one that has seen unconventional hits like 2016’s “Deadpool.” Early pre-sales for “Wuthering Heights” are strong, hinting at a domestic opening weekend of $30 million to $35 million, according to the Daily Mail. This would mark the biggest box office opener of Jacob Elordi’s career and Margot Robbie’s first major hit since “Barbie.”
“Wuthering Heights” is expected to dominate the holiday weekend, despite facing competition from several other notable releases on February 13. These include the animated film “GOAT,” the thriller “Crime 101” starring Chris Hemsworth, and Gore Verbinski’s latest, “Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die,” as reported by Screen Rant. While these films present varied options for audiences, industry observers widely anticipate Fennell’s adaptation to be the number one movie at the box office for the Valentine’s Day weekend.
Promotional Buzz: Robbie’s Style and Elordi’s On-Set Injury
Adding to the film’s promotional momentum, Margot Robbie has embarked on a “Wuthering Heights” press tour alongside stylist Andrew Mukamal, curating a series of fashion looks that directly draw from the novel’s tragic Gothic romance. Women.com highlighted how Robbie’s ensembles, featuring designers like Robert Cavalli, Markgong, Dilara Findikoglu, Alexander McQueen, Schiaparelli, and Victoria Beckham, blend modern styles with period-appropriate elements, referencing themes of decay, drama, and passion from the source material. For the world premiere, Robbie wore a custom Schiaparelli gown designed by Daniel Roseberry, intended to capture the essence of the novel in fabric.
Meanwhile, Jacob Elordi revealed a “freak accident” during filming where he suffered second-degree burns. Speaking to The Independent, Elordi recounted how he leaned back onto a steam shower knob while cleaning his feet, searing his back. Director Emerald Fennell confirmed that producer Josey McNamara informed her of Elordi’s hospitalization, with Elordi jokingly likening his injury to the method acting intensity of Daniel Day-Lewis.
The strategic cultivation of controversy, whether deliberate or organic, has allowed “Wuthering Heights” to achieve significant public awareness and box office traction ahead of its release, illustrating a potent contemporary marketing paradigm where debate translates directly into audience engagement and commercial success.