The latest trailer for Wuthering Heights starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi was released, igniting strong reactions among fans and critics alike. Directed by Emerald Fennell, this fresh adaptation of Emily Brontë’s 1847 classic showcases the intense and complicated relationship between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, with the film set to premiere on Valentine’s Day 2026. The trailer‘s vivid portrayal of passion underscores the focus on the raw emotion and sexual tension that has marked this version.
Plot and Portrayal: A Bold Take on Brontë’s Timeless Romance
Robbie and Elordi bring to life the iconic lovers Catherine and Heathcliff, whose story of forbidden love is complicated by Catherine’s marriage to the wealthy Edgar Linton, played by Shazad Latif from Star Trek: Discovery. The narrative centers on Catherine’s ongoing desire for Heathcliff, an orphan with a troubled past. Set to Charli XCX’s “Everything is Romantic,” the trailer highlights a modern, sensual twist to the familiar story through evocative imagery like corsets being fastened and intimate touches over scarred skin, culminating in a steamy embrace between the leads.
The intensity of their connection is brought into focus when Heathcliff softly asks,
“Do you want me to stop?”
and Catherine whispers back, “No …”
Strong Fan Excitement and Mixed Reactions to the New Adaptation
Since the casting announcement in September 2024, fans have eagerly anticipated the Robbie-Elordi pairing as Catherine and Heathcliff. The trailer’s release fueled further enthusiasm, with viewers noting director Emerald Fennell’s distinct style that moves beyond traditional adaptations.
One fan remarked on YouTube,
“It feels like Emerald is taking Saltburn to the next level with this one,”
referencing Fennell’s previous film. Another noted,
“Always knew Emerald Fennell’s version would be a reimagined Wuthering Heights, not a straight adaptation of the Bronte novel. And with songs by Charlie XCX. Film will be as divisive as Saltburn — but that’s why I love movies,”
capturing the anticipation for its unconventional approach.
With the movie’s release planned for a romantic holiday, another user expressed excitement:
“I can’t wait to be fed good next Valentine’s Day,”
showing appreciation for the film’s provocative appeal.
Criticism and Controversy Over the Trailer‘s Sexualized Approach
However, the trailer’s overt sensuality has drawn criticism from some viewers, who likened the portrayal more to “50 Shades of Brontë” than the classic novel they expected. Reactions on social media and YouTube included harsh assessments, such as one comment:
“Ya hear that? That was the breathless gasp of the corpse of the author having a stake nailed through her heart,”
reflecting frustration among purists.
Others accused the film of being crafted primarily for social media audiences, with a critical viewer stating it appeared
“made in a lab to cater to online twitter stans and people who want to make tiktok edits,”
while another questioned
“why it’s named after Wuthering Heights if it has nothing in common”
with the original book. This adaptation joins a lengthy history of Brontë’s work being reinvented for modern audiences, with past versions starring actors such as Tom Hardy and Charlotte Riley, Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche, and James Howson with Kaya Scodelario.
Emerald Fennell’s Bold Vision and Margot Robbie’s Role
Emerald Fennell, who has a reputation for pushing boundaries in portraying sexuality on screen, continues this trend with Wuthering Heights. Her 2024 film Saltburn stirred buzz with a nude dance scene featuring Barry Keoghan, and Robbie, whose production company Luckychap was behind Saltburn, has expressed admiration for Fennell’s mastery of tone and storytelling.
Robbie commented on Fennell’s storytelling style while discussing Saltburn:
“She’s so masterful at tone and plot; she gets you into it so quickly — you’re just immediately like, ‘I’m in this world,’”
and added,
“So by the time you get to something like the bathtub scene, she’s primed you for it. She’s got you. You’re, like, picking at a scab; you’re like, ‘I can’t help myself.’ Or like popping a pimple: ‘I know I shouldn’t squeeze but I’m gonna.’”
Robbie also hinted that Wuthering Heights would push boundaries even further, telling MTV News that it will be “even more bananas than Saltburn.” She teased,
“It’s bananas. It’s great. It’s brilliant.”
Visuals and Release Date
Alongside the trailer, Warner Bros Pictures unveiled a new poster featuring Robbie and Elordi locked in a passionate embrace, visually capturing the film’s raw emotional intensity. Fans can expect to see this bold reinterpretation of Brontë’s story arrive in theaters on February 13, 2026, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
