Jacob Elordi shared his thoughts on the upcoming adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, describing the film as both stunning and challenging in its emotional impact. In an interview on September 30, he explained how the project aims to evoke a powerful response from audiences through its intense portrayal of the classic story.
Elordi’s Perspective on the Film’s Emotional Power
Jacob Elordi, who takes on the role of Heathcliff, praised director Emerald Fennell’s vision for the adaptation. He said the film is “really perfect and super beautiful,” but also likened it to “nails on a chalkboard,” emphasizing that it stirs strong feelings, whether positive or negative. Elordi expressed that this emotional reaction is essential and intentional, highlighting the raw energy embedded in the storytelling.
Controversies Surrounding Casting and Characterization
The announcement of Elordi as Heathcliff has sparked discussions among literary enthusiasts and scholars. The original novel describes Heathcliff as a “dark-skinned gypsy” with black eyes, which has led many to view the character as a person of color. Elordi’s casting raised questions about whether this depiction was fully honored. Furthermore, fans have pointed out the age difference between Elordi, who is 28, and Margot Robbie, who plays Catherine and is 37, whereas the novel depicts both characters as teenagers by the story’s conclusion.
The film’s promotional trailer also ignited debate due to its sensual tone and some striking aesthetic choices, such as Heathcliff’s gold tooth and muttonchop sideburns. When asked about these elements, Elordi simply stated, “I mean, he has them.”
Emerald Fennell’s Defense of Creative Choices
Director Emerald Fennell addressed critiques during a panel at the Brontë Women’s Writing Festival in England. She revealed that upon meeting Elordi while filming her 2023 movie Saltburn, she felt he perfectly embodied the Heathcliff illustrated in the first edition of the novel she read. Fennell admitted her initial shock at this realization, saying it wasn’t entirely “the professional thing to do” to react so strongly. She praised Elordi as “a very surprising actor” and confident he possessed a certain indefinable quality necessary for the role.
Regarding the film’s erotic undertones, Fennell highlighted the novel’s own controversial reputation, noting an “enormous amount of sadomasochism” in Brontë’s text. She shared that this element is part of the reason the original work shocked readers when it was first published.
While acknowledging some liberties taken in the adaptation, Fennell emphasized her commitment to retain as much of Emily Brontë’s original dialogue as possible. She explained,
“I was really determined to preserve as much of her dialogue [as possible] because her dialogue is the best dialogue ever,”
and added,
“I couldn’t better it, and who could?”
Elordi’s Preparation for Upcoming Roles
Although fans will have to wait until 2026 to see Elordi fully embody Heathcliff on screen, the actor is already deep in preparation for another major role—as Frankenstein’s monster in Guillermo del Toro’s upcoming film. For this transformation, Elordi created a scrapbook in which he practiced writing with his non-dominant hand to simulate unfamiliar penmanship, joking that if
“someone got murdered in my vicinity and they picked this book up, they’d probably just put me in jail.”
Elordi also studied the facial movements of his golden retriever, Layla, to inform his portrayal of the iconic creature, recalling a quirky moment of interaction during his study:
“I was copying what her lips were doing and her face was doing, and then her nose touched my nose, and it went, Bzzzt! It completely carried me through into the movie.”
Staying Grounded Amid Rising Fame
With two highly awaited literary adaptations in progress, Jacob Elordi has learned to shield himself from external noise and maintain focus on his craft. He shared,
“I literally just go to my premieres,”
and explained that his close circle prefers to avoid the spotlight. He added,
“I don’t really acknowledge attention. My reality is in the start of production and the end of production, and then I go home.”
This measured approach allows Elordi to remain steady and interested primarily in the work itself rather than the fame that often accompanies it.
Looking Ahead to the Film’s Impact
The upcoming Wuthering Heights adaptation directed by Emerald Fennell, starring Jacob Elordi alongside Margot Robbie, promises to be a bold and emotionally intense retelling of the classic novel. Given the discussions around casting and creative choices, the film is positioned to prompt significant conversation among fans and scholars alike when it hits theaters in 2026.
Elordi’s nuanced portrayal of Heathcliff, coupled with Fennell’s commitment to preserving Brontë’s original dialogue and themes, suggest an adaptation that seeks to honor the novel’s dark and complex spirit while pushing creative boundaries. As anticipation builds for this and Elordi’s role in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, his career appears poised for transformative performances that continue to draw attention.
