Courtesy of Everett Collection ; Warner Bros.
NEED TO KNOW
The first film adaptation of Wuthering Heights premiered in 1939, starring Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon
Director Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Emily Brontë's Gothic novel will premiere on Feb. 13, 2026
Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi will play Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, respectively
Margot RobbieandJacob Elordiare set to bring a fresh, contemporary spin to one of literature's most infamous tales of passion and revenge,Wuthering Heights.
Emily Brontë's 1847 Gothic masterpiece follows the doomed romance between Heathcliff (Elordi), an orphan taken in by the Earnshaw family, and Catherine Earnshaw (Robbie), whose love is tested by social expectations, jealousy and betrayal. Heathcliff's obsession drives a cycle of revenge that affects everyone at Wuthering Heights and the neighboring Thrushcross Grange for generations to come.
DirectorEmerald Fennell'supcoming adaptationjoins a long line of screen interpretations of Brontë's novel. The 1939 classic starred Laurence Olivier andMerle Oberonas the doomed lovers, whileRalph FiennesandJuliette Binochebrought the intense romance of Heathcliff and Catherine to life in 1992.
On television,Wuthering Heightsinspired two series, one in 1978 and one in 1998, as well as the 2009 TV movie starringTom Hardyand his now-wife,Charlotte Riley. Robbie and Elordi's depiction of the star-crossed lovers will premiere ahead of Valentine's Day on Feb. 13, 2026.
Until then, take a look at how the newWuthering Heightscast compares to their 1939 predecessors.
Heathcliff: Laurence Olivier and Jacob Elordi
Courtesy of Everett Collection ; Warner Bros.
Elordi takes on the obsessive, passionate Heathcliff, following in Olivier's footsteps, who earned anOscarnomination for the role in 1940.
However, Elordi's castingsparked debate. Some fans felt his fairer look strayed from Brontë's description of Heathcliff as "dark-skinned," while others questioned the choice for Elordi to wear muttonchops and gold tooth.
Elordi acknowledged the chatter in a September 2025 interview withThe Wall Street Journal, assuring fans that Fennell's version will move them.
"I think what she's done is really perfect and super beautiful," he said. "It's electric. And it's also like nails on a chalkboard. It does something. It moves you in some kind of way, good or bad."
Catherine Earnshaw: Merle Oberon and Margot Robbie
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Robbie will take on the role of Catherine Earnshaw, the center ofWuthering Heights' love triangle. The part was previously played by Golden Age leading lady Merle Oberon.
"It's so epic in nature, so incredibly romantic, and it really is this stunning world that makes you just want to be there. You're thoroughly transported," Robbie toldEntertainment Weeklyin September 2025 of the project.
Fennell later told theBBCthat viewers will "lose their minds" over theBarbiestar's performance.
"It needed somebody like Margot, who's a star, not just an incredible actress — which she is — but somebody who has a power, an otherworldly power, a Godlike power," the director continued.
Edgar Linton: David Niven and Shazad Latif
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David Niven played the polite and sensitive Edgar Linton, Catherine's husband, inWuthering Heights(1939). Now, it's Shazad Latif's turn.
"It's like something you've probably never seen before. It looks stunning," the actor, who is best known for his role inStar Trek: Discovery, teased in an interview withMetro Entertainmentin August 2025.
Isabella Linton: Geraldine Fitzgerald and Alison Oliver
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In the 1939 adaptation, Geraldine Fitzgerald portrayed Edgar's younger sister, Isabella Linton, whose infatuation with Heathcliff spirals into a dangerous obsession. Now,Alison Oliverwill take over the role, and she has big shoes to fill, considering Fitzgerald garnered an Oscar nomination for her performance.
Wuthering Heightsmarks a reunion for Oliver and Elordi, who played siblings in Fennell'sSaltburn.
"It was such a gift and an honor to work with [Fennell] again. She's an absolute genius, and I just can't wait for people to see [the movie]," the actress toldEllein October 2025.
Nelly Dean: Flora Robson and Hong Chau
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BeforeHong Chau, Flora Robson played Nelly Dean, the steadfast and meddling housekeeper and primary narrator in Brontë'sWuthering Heights.
Chau is best known for her roles inThe MenuandThe Whale, for which she earned an Oscar nomination.
Mr. Earnshaw: Cecil Kellaway and Martin Clunes
Courtesy of Everett Collection ; Karwai Tang/WireImage
Cecil Kellaway brought Mr. Earnshaw to life in the 1939 film as the patriarch of the family.
In Fennell's version, Martin Clunes will take on the role of Catherine's compassionate and loving father, whose kindness and favoritism toward Heathcliff help set the stage for the intense family dynamics that follow.
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