What could have been a piece of exciting news for film and novel buffs, Hollywood’s casting of Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in the adaptation of the classic novel ‘Wuthering Heights’ has instead raised eyebrows. On September 23, 2024, Deadline reported that ‘Saltburn’ and ‘Promising Young Woman’ director Emerald Fennell is set to adapt Emily Bronte’s 1847 iconic romance, ‘Wuthering Heights’ with Oscar-nominated actress and producer Margot Robbie and BAFTA-nominated actor Jacob Elordi starring as leads. The feature film which is said to be in the pre-production stage will be a joint work of MRC and LuckyChap, producing and financing.
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The news of the casting broke out after the Oscar winner Emerald Fennell teased about the adaptation on X (formerly, Twitter) on July 12, 2024, with an artwork: “Be With Me Always. Take Any Form. Drive Me Mad.” Besides directing, Fennell is also set to write and produce. Other details have been kept under wraps.
— Emerald Fennell (@emeraldfennell) July 12, 2024
Although gearing up for a UK shoot in 2025, the upcoming gothic romance tragedy has landed in hot waters among critics and fans for the nonchalant casting of the Australian duo, Elordi and Robbie who will be playing the role of Heathcliff and Catherine, respectively. While there is no doubt that both actors have shown their commendable talents through numerous projects like ‘Euphoria’, ‘Barbie’, ‘Priscilla’, and ‘Babylon’, to name a few, them portraying the turbulent relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine, who in the novel appear to be a “dark-skinned” guy and a teenage girl, respectively, does not sit well, however, one looks at it.
Netizens have also left their unimpressed views on social media platforms.
did anyone actually read the book before deciding this https://t.co/cvLZkkTg2f
— Clarisse Loughrey (@clarisselou) September 23, 2024
dorian gray adaptation ignoring the queerness, wuthering heights adaptation ignoring the racism like what is going on can we just. not adapt classics anymore
— cami (@ovichbobo) September 23, 2024
wuthering heights is practically the one book from england of the 19th century where ppl are called out for being RACIST. can we pls, for the love of God, finally cast a BLACK ACTOR as the ONE BLACK CHARACTER IN CLASSICAL LITRETURE https://t.co/mFtx8Mj2ZR
— Bar౨ৎ hates it here 🩵 SHAWN 10/18 (@iwonderjurdan) September 25, 2024
However, this is not the first time that the casting as well as adaptation of ‘Wuthering Heights’ has been called out, considering its dark, violent, yet romantic narrative. The novel has seen various movie and show adaptations over the years, including the popular William Wyler’s 1939 film starring Merle Oberon and Laurence Olivier; and Andrea Arnold’s 2011 film starring Kaya Scodelario and James Howson.
While Fennell has proven her filmmaking abilities in dark-themed dramas, only time will tell whether her ‘Wuthering Heights’ adaptation was just a smart money move or another challenging facade looking out for a flawless cinematic swing.
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