Online debate erupts over the provocative 'Wuthering Heights' trailer
This adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic 1847 novel is causing a stir for its provocative scenes featuring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi.
Image: Instagram.
Warner Bros. Pictures has unveiled the much-anticipated first trailer for "Wuthering Heights".
Directed by Emerald Fennell, the film is set to release in 2026; however, this adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic 1847 novel is causing a stir, particularly for its provocative scenes featuring lead actors Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi.
In the trailer, Elordi takes on the role of Heathcliff, who is seen asking Robbie’s character, Catherine, in a charged moment, "Do you want me to stop?" As he touches her stomach, she softly replies, "No."
The trailer features a soundtrack by Charli XCX, including her original song "Everything Is Romantic", which adds a modern twist to the classic tale.
Other cast include Hong Chau as Nelly Dean, Shazad Latif as Edgar Linton and Alison Oliver as Isabella Linton.
Martin Clunes and Ewan Mitchell also star in the film.
The plot of the original novel is written from the point of view of diary entries from a tenant of Heathcliff who asks his housekeeper to tell him about Heathcliff.
The housekeeper recalls the great deal of drama that happened between Heathcliff and the Earnshaw family over the years, including his relationship with Catherine, her marriage to another man and Heathcliff's eventual revenge on them all.
The trailer, however, seems to focus on the erotic elements of Catherine and Heathcliff's relationship, which many fans of the original novel have claimed oversexualises what is actually a very dark story.
Some fans expressed disappointment.
@sk8ting_nem0 commented: "What in the 50 shades of Bridgerton is going on here?" while another user said: "This doesn’t look like the Heathcliff and Catherine I read about. What is this?"
@a.moretti_94 wrote: "This sucks. Emily, we're so sorry."
Despite the backlash, many fans are excited about the film, defending its creative interpretation.
@jadylicious.20 said, "Am I the one who’s not disappointed?! They just amplified the dark romance elements of this literary classic. It’s not like Heathcliff-Catherine had a pure, unadulterated bond like Lizzy-Darcy.
"I don’t mind watching a loose adaptation, and honestly, I love how they hammered onto the Gothic vibes too."
"Holy crap, this trailer is phenomenal," said @victoriadeblauss.
"Wuthering Heights" is set to release in cinemas on February 13, 2026, just in time for Valentine's Day.