Margot Robbie Says She Was Not Originally Cast as Catherine in Wuthering Heights and Fans Are Shocked
Margot Robbie is stepping into one of literature’s most iconic roles, but she recently revealed that she was not always set to play Catherine Earnshaw in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Wuthering Heights. As excitement builds for the movie’s February 13 release, Robbie shared surprising details about how she landed the lead role and why working with director Emerald Fennell meant so much to her.
During an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, Robbie and her co-star Jacob Elordi opened up about their experience bringing Emily Brontë’s classic 1847 novel to life. From unexpected casting decisions to the emotional inspiration behind the film, here is everything you need to know about the new Wuthering Heights movie.
Keep reading to find out how Margot Robbie landed the iconic role of Catherine Earnshaw and what makes this adaptation so different from the original novel.
Margot Robbie Was Not Always Meant to Play Catherine Earnshaw
It may be hard to imagine anyone else playing Catherine Earnshaw, but Robbie admitted that she was not originally cast in the role.
Speaking candidly about the project, she said, “I wasn’t always going to be in it. I was thrilled to be the producer, but at some point, we were talking about Cathy, and I decided to throw my hat into the ring.”
Robbie, 35, explained that she initially joined the project as a producer and was excited simply to help bring the story to the screen. However, as conversations about casting Catherine began, she felt compelled to take a chance.
Her decision paid off.
Robbie continued, “I’ve always wanted to be one of Emerald’s actors, and fortunately, she felt the same way. It worked out wonderfully.”
For fans of both Robbie and director Emerald Fennell, the collaboration feels like a perfect match.
Emerald Fennell’s Unique Vision for Wuthering Heights
Director Emerald Fennell is known for bold storytelling and emotionally layered films such as Promising Young Woman and Saltburn. With Wuthering Heights, she is taking a slightly different approach.
While it is not yet confirmed how closely the 2026 adaptation follows the original novel, Robbie shared insight into Fennell’s creative process.
“Emerald loves the book, and she really focused on the feeling it gave her when she first read it at 14,” Robbie said. “She channels that raw emotional experience so it’s an interpretation rather than an adaptation.”
That distinction is important. Instead of simply recreating the pages of the novel scene by scene, Fennell appears to be capturing the emotional intensity that has made Wuthering Heights one of the greatest love stories in literary history.
Robbie herself is clearly passionate about the material. She added, “In my opinion, it is one of the greatest love stories of all time, and it has a great cast and incredible actors. It’s a great film.”
Jacob Elordi’s Surprising Casting as Heathcliff
Jacob Elordi, 28, stars opposite Robbie as Heathcliff, the brooding orphan whose deep connection with Catherine drives the tragic love story at the heart of the novel.
Elordi revealed that his casting was surprisingly simple.
Speaking on The Graham Norton Show, he said, “I was traveling when I got a text message from [Fennell] saying, ‘Do you want to be Heathcliff?’ and I wrote, ‘Yeah.’ ”
That brief exchange led to one of the most talked-about casting announcements of the year.
Elordi recently received an Oscar nomination for Frankenstein, which has only heightened interest in his portrayal of Heathcliff. Fans are eager to see how he brings depth and vulnerability to the complex character.
A Star-Studded Cast Brings the Classic Novel to Life
The film’s cast extends well beyond its two leads. Alongside Robbie and Elordi, the ensemble includes Hong Chau, Alison Oliver, Shazad Latif, Martin Clunes, and Ewan Mitchell.
Younger versions of Catherine and Heathcliff are played by Charlotte Mellington and Owen Cooper, known for their work in Adolescence. Their performances are expected to explore the early bond between the two characters, which sets the stage for the emotional turmoil that follows.
The story centers on Heathcliff, an orphan taken in by a wealthy family, and his intense relationship with Catherine Earnshaw. Their connection is passionate, complicated, and shaped by class differences and family conflict. The novel’s themes of love, revenge, and social division have resonated with readers for nearly two centuries.
A Valentine’s Day Release for a Legendary Love Story
The timing of the film’s release feels intentional. Wuthering Heights is set to hit theaters on Friday, February 13, just ahead of Valentine’s Day.
While the story is far from a traditional romance, it remains one of the most powerful love stories ever written. Its exploration of longing, heartbreak, and emotional obsession continues to captivate audiences.
Early premiere appearances have already generated buzz. Robbie was stunned at the world premiere and at international events promoting the film. Interest in the adaptation continues to grow as fans anticipate Fennell’s interpretation.
Why This Adaptation Is Generating So Much Buzz
There are several reasons this new Wuthering Heights adaptation is trending.
First, the pairing of Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi brings together two major Hollywood stars at pivotal moments in their careers. Second, Emerald Fennell’s involvement signals a fresh, emotionally driven take on the material. And finally, Robbie’s revelation that she was not initially cast as Catherine adds an unexpected twist to the film’s backstory.
The combination of literary prestige, star power, and a bold director has created serious anticipation.
As Robbie herself expressed, this is more than just a retelling of a classic novel. It is a film rooted in emotional memory and artistic interpretation. With its February 13 release date approaching, audiences will soon see how this new version of Wuthering Heights reimagines one of the most enduring love stories of all time.
Fans of the novel, longtime admirers of Robbie, and moviegoers looking for a sweeping romantic drama are all marking their calendars. If the cast’s enthusiasm is any indication, this adaptation is poised to leave a lasting impression.
Summary:
- Margot Robbie revealed she was not originally cast as Catherine Earnshaw in Wuthering Heights and initially joined the project as a producer.
- Robbie decided to pursue the lead role later, saying she “threw her hat into the ring” during casting discussions.
- The film is directed by Emerald Fennell, known for Promising Young Woman and Saltburn.
- Robbie shared that Fennell’s version is “an interpretation rather than an adaptation,” inspired by the emotional impact the novel had on her at 14.
- Jacob Elordi stars as Heathcliff and revealed he was cast after receiving a simple text message from Fennell.
- Elordi recently earned an Oscar nomination for Frankenstein, adding to the buzz around the film.
- The ensemble cast includes Hong Chau, Alison Oliver, Shazad Latif, Martin Clunes, and Ewan Mitchell.
- Charlotte Mellington and Owen Cooper portray the younger versions of Catherine and Heathcliff.
- The film explores the intense romance, class divide, and emotional turmoil central to Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel.
- Wuthering Heights is set for theatrical release on February 13, just ahead of Valentine’s Day.
