Controversy Surrounds Casting for New ‘Wuthering Heights’ Film

The anticipated adaptation of Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights,” is generating significant discussion due to the recent casting announcements. Academy Award nominee Jacob Elordi and BAFTA nominee Margot Robbie have been cast in the roles of Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw, respectively. The film is set to be produced by MRC and LuckyChap, with Emerald Fennell, known for “Promising Young Woman” and “Saltburn,” directing and producing, alongside her writing duties.

Fennell’s involvement with the project marks her third collaboration with LuckyChap, a company co-founded by Robbie. “Wuthering Heights” will unite several key figures from “Saltburn,” including Elordi. Since its announcement, the project has faced scrutiny over casting choices that some critics feel diverge significantly from the source material.

The role of Heathcliff, portrayed by Elordi, has raised eyebrows due to the character’s traditionally described dark-skinned, Roma or Gypsy heritage, which is an integral aspect of Brontë’s narrative. Social media platforms have seen comments from audiences questioning whether “anyone actually read the book before deciding this?” as stated by The Independent’s film critic Clarisse Loughrey.

Beyond racial representation, age has also been a focal point of critique. In Brontë’s novel, Heathcliff is presumably in his 40s, contrasting with Elordi’s age of 27, while Catherine is depicted as a teenager, which varies starkly from the 34-year-old Robbie.

This adaptation is set to commence filming in the United Kingdom in 2025. Despite the controversies, Robbie has expressed admiration for Fennell’s unique cinematic vision, noting, “Emerald immerses you into a world so quickly,” emphasizing Fennell’s storytelling strengths that engage audiences deeply.

Those involved with the project have yet to publicly address the casting backlash. News regarding the casting was first reported by Deadline, reflecting the ongoing attention to this upcoming film.