Wuthering Heights Trailer Sparks Widespread Controversy Over Explicit Content, Casting

The trailer for Emerald Fennell’s 2026 film adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights has ignited significant controversy among fans and critics due to its explicit sexual content and notable departures from the original novel. Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi star as Catherine and Heathcliff, with Elordi’s casting criticized for whitewashing a character historically portrayed with dark features and possibly Roma heritage, which some argue undermines central race and class dynamics. The trailer’s provocative scenes, including BDSM elements and a peculiar moment involving a finger in a dead fish’s mouth, have drawn comparisons to soft porn and sparked backlash for straying far from the novel’s tone. While some defend Fennell's stylized, modern interpretation and her artistic liberties, many fans express disappointment and frustration over the perceived loss of the story's original thematic depth and period accuracy. The film’s bold soundtrack by Charli XCX and erotic visuals further polarize audiences, with some viewing the adaptation as a fresh take and others deeming it an insulting distortion. Wuthering Heights is scheduled for release on Valentine’s Day 2026, with Margot Robbie also serving as a producer.