2026 Isn’t Even Here Yet, But This Is Already the Most Controversial Movie of the Year

The upcoming film adaptation of Wuthering Heights, directed, written, and produced by Emerald Fennell, has already stirred controversy.

The Gothic erotic psychological drama stars Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, and is set to release in the United States and the United Kingdom on February 13, 2026 via Warner Bros. Pictures.

The main point of contention among fans is Jacob Elordi’s casting as Heathcliff. In Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel, Heathcliff is described as having dark hair, dark eyes, and dark skin, with many interpretations suggesting a Romany or Gypsy background. (Keep in mind that there’s no way to verify this).

Critics of the casting say that Elordi, who is white, represents another example of “whitewashing” the character. Previous adaptations have also largely ignored Heathcliff’s ethnicity, with actors such as Ralph Fiennes, Tom Hardy, and Timothy Dalton in the role. Andrea Arnold’s 2011 version, however, cast mixed-race actor James Howson, which drew praise for staying closer to the book’s description.

Age has also been a point of debate. The characters in the novel are in their early twenties, while Margot Robbie is 34 and Elordi is 27.

Kharmel Cochrane, the casting director of Fennell’s adaptation, defended the choices at the Sands Film Festival in Scotland. Speaking to Deadline, Cochrane said, “There was one Instagram comment that said the casting director should be shot, but just wait till you see it, and then you can decide whether you want to shoot me or not. But really, you don’t need to be accurate. It’s just a book. That is not based on real life. It’s all art.”

Cochrane also added, “There’s definitely going to be some English Lit fans that are not going to be happy. Wait until you see the set design, because that is even more shocking. And there may or may not be a dog collar in it.”

Her comments sparked further debate online. One user wrote, “So they saw the whitewashing backlash and proceeded to ignore it.” Another pointed out, “A classic book that famously talks about class politics, racism & the patriarchal system of the time.”

The film also features Charlotte Mellington as young Catherine, Owen Cooper as young Heathcliff, Hong Chau as Nelly Dean, Vy Nguyen as young Nelly, Shazad Latif as Edgar Linton, Alison Oliver as Isabella Linton, and Martin Clunes and Ewan Mitchell in supporting roles.

Drive me mad. “Wuthering Heights” comes to theaters Valentine’s Day. pic.twitter.com/n4UNA1nKmh

— WutheringHeightsMovie (@wuthering_hts) September 3, 2025

While the release is far away, the casting controversy has already divided fans. The debate highlights ongoing tensions about representation in adaptations of classic literature.

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