At the London premiere of the much-anticipated film Wuthering Heights last night, Margot Robbie’s look created an unexpected buzz, largely because of one unique item she wore. The actress and producer chose an outfit featuring braids that wrapped intricately around her body, drawing attention to a wrist accessory that sparked debate among fans. This Margot Robbie Brontë hair accessory, a replica of a Victorian bracelet made from the hair of the Brontë sisters, provoked confusion and strong reactions as the press tour progressed.
A Gothic Look Rooted in Brontë History
The 35-year-old star dazzled in a custom, sheer corseted gown designed by Dilara Findikoglu, with hand-dyed braids that appeared to encircle Robbie’s legs, shoulders, neck, and torso. This seemingly avant-garde styling reflected a deliberate homage to the Victorian-era bracelet she wore, which contained intertwined strands of hair from Emily Brontë and her sister Anne. The original bracelet belonged to their eldest sibling, Charlotte Brontë, famously known for writing Jane Eyre, and featured a central amethyst stone.
The dark, romantic style suited the movie’s theme, which centers on the tragic and intense relationship between Cathy Earnshaw, played by Robbie, and Heathcliff, portrayed by Jacob Elordi. Still, some fans found the accessory unsettling, labeling the look as ‘profane’ and ‘disrespectful’ after assuming the bracelet was the original piece.
Fan Reactions Fueled by Museum Image and Celebrity Comparisons
Adding to the confusion was a photograph shared by an X user, claiming that the actual bracelet had been temporarily removed from display at the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth, where it is usually exhibited. The image’s timing coincided with Robbie’s appearance, leading some followers to believe she was wearing the authentic artifact.
Voicing concern, one social media user, Zie, remarked,
“I just don’t think celebrities should be allowed to wear pieces like this.”
Other commentators referenced similar controversies, recalling the backlash Kim Kardashian faced in 2022 for wearing one of Marilyn Monroe’s original dresses to the Met Gala, questioning whether lessons had been learned from that incident.
Clarifying the situation, Harper’s Bazaar confirmed that Robbie’s bracelet was a meticulously crafted reproduction made by Wyedean Weaving, providing context to the museum’s temporary removal of the original artifact for conservation or loan reasons.
Thematic Elements Set by London’s Premiere Atmosphere
The premiere took place amid persistent rain in London, with the black carpet decorated by trees to evoke the somber mood of the novel and the windswept moors of Yorkshire, the story’s setting. The atmosphere added to the gothic tone fitting for the film’s themes of obsessive love and tragedy.
Robbie Reflects on Her Youthful Emo Phase
During a conversation with Metro’s social video producer Catriona Walsh, Margot Robbie reminisced about her teenage years, revealing a personal connection to the novel’s mood. She described herself as very much an “emo teenager” who frequently cut her hair with a razor blade and dyed it black, reflecting the emotional intensity that the film’s story echoes.
@metroentertainment Not Barbie listening to MCR 😭 Margot Robbie revealed at the London premiere for #WutheringHeights that she was very much an “emo teenager.” Can you picture Margot with the emo fringe? 🤣 🎥 @Catriona Walsh @Wuthering Heights Movie @Warner Bros. UK #wutheringheights #margotrobbie #jacobelordi #margotrobbieblackhair ♬ original sound – Metro Entertainment
Robbie also recounted that her teenage style was marked by
“a lot of heavy metal music”
and wearing many band shirts, adding,
“If you had told me back then that I would return to my blonde hair when I was older, I would have been like, no way!”
Jacob Elordi Engages with Fans Despite Rain
Co-star Jacob Elordi appeared on the wet black carpet without an umbrella, choosing instead to focus on fan interactions. He took photos and signed copies of the film, even assisting Robbie and others in staying dry during the rainy premiere.
Emerald Fennell’s Bold Vision Impresses at Premiere
Filmmaker Emerald Fennell attended the event, wearing a striking bright red outfit, accompanied by cast members including Hong Chau, Shazad Latif, Alison Oliver, and Martin Clunes. The director’s daring approach to this classic adaptation attracted significant attention and praise for its fresh interpretation.
Shazad Latif on Reimagining Edgar Linton’s Character
Shazad Latif, who plays Edgar Linton, Cathy’s neighbor and romantic rival, explained how Fennell aimed to reshape his role, moving away from the traditional portrayal of Edgar as an unremarkable and meek figure. Instead, the director sought to present him as a more complex and credible contender in the love triangle.
I want to make him a credible threat. We know he’s rich, but he’s also loyal and kind and gentle – make him a viable option
, Latif shared in an interview with Metro, describing how Edgar’s relationship with Cathy is genuine but overshadowed by the more intense passion she feels for Heathcliff. “It’s just heartbreaking to play that and such a fun challenge.”
Latif drew parallels between the emotional tension in the film and the scene in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet involving the letter to Mantua, where a tragic misunderstanding leads to unintended consequences. He emphasized how the film’s music, contributed by Anthony Willis and Charlie XCX, enhances this aching, yearning feeling that defines the story.
Hong Chau Embraces Challenges Portraying Nelly Dean
Oscar nominee Hong Chau, who plays Nelly Dean, the servant and narrator pivotal to Cathy and Heathcliff’s story, expressed satisfaction in how the film has been received by early audiences ahead of official reviews. She described the character as difficult for both herself and Fennell to fully define.
Chau admitted she had not read the original novel before taking the role but was still hired.
“She still hired me! And she also confessed to me that Nelly was a really tricky character for her that she hadn’t quite locked in yet, so we played around with it quite a bit and that was fun for me as an actor,”
she said. Chau appreciated working closely with the director and trusted editor Victoria Boydell to shape the final portrayal through their careful editing of the ensemble’s performances.
Martin Clunes Portrays a Harsher Mr. Earnshaw
Martin Clunes, known for his role in Doc Martin, portrays Mr. Earnshaw, Cathy’s father, who is depicted far more negatively than in the original novel. In this adaptation, his character is shown as abusive and alcoholic, with an unpredictable temperament. Clunes revealed that this interpretation also merged traits from Hindley, a character not included in the film.
Describing the grim and unpleasant nature of his character’s environment, Clunes recalled:
So there’s the pile of vomit. If you lie in that and then get up as we call action, you’ll be emerging from the vomit.
He added with humor,
OK, that’s what I’m doing today!
Premiere Marks a New Chapter for Wuthering Heights Adaptations
Wuthering Heights opens in cinemas across the UK and Ireland on February 13. This fresh adaptation, under Emerald Fennell’s direction, revisits the classic tale with bold creative choices that both honor and challenge the original. The film’s reception so far suggests a compelling re-examination of the complex love story that has fascinated audiences for generations.
