Margot Robbie has revealed that her upcoming film adaptation of Wuthering Heights is considerably more explicit than Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel, featuring numerous on-screen kisses with co-star Jacob Elordi. The romantic movie, directed by Emerald Fennell, is scheduled for release on February 13 and showcases the passionate relationship between Cathy and Heathcliff, set against the atmospheric backdrop of the Yorkshire moors.
The Australian actress, 35, shares lead roles in this film alongside 28-year-old Jacob Elordi, who plays Heathcliff, while Robbie embodies the character of Cathy. The actors’ portrayal presents a significantly intensified physical romance compared to the original literary work.
Intense On-Screen Chemistry and Physicality in the Adaptation
Margot Robbie described to The Sun how the adaptation diverges from the book, saying,
“They never really kissed in the book, but we kiss a lot. We kiss everywhere.”
She added,
“And there’s so many times where he just picks me up and puts me in a tree, or picks me up with one hand.”
Robbie expressed that the physicality of these scenes made her feel light and delicate:
“I have to say, it is really nice, it makes you feel, ‘Oh I’m light as a feather, I’m a tiny little thing.’”
Despite these intensified romantic moments, the film has sparked controversy among fans for its departure from the original character descriptions. Cathy is portrayed as an adult rather than a teenager, and Heathcliff’s traditionally dark-skinned identity is subject to debate due to Elordi’s casting.
Margot Robbie’s Approach to Portraying Emotional Depth
Asked about preparing for the passionate scenes, Margot Robbie told PEOPLE that filming these moments did not involve different techniques from other scenes. She explained that the role is emotionally demanding, as her character frequently cries and transitions quickly between intense feelings.
“My character essentially cries in every single scene, but no, it was a joy. I loved playing a character who kind of swings from one wild emotion to the other in an instant,”
she said, highlighting the role’s emotional complexity.
Premiere and Fashion Inspired by Literary History
At the film’s London premiere, Robbie made a striking appearance on the black carpet wearing a sheer gown by Dilara Findikoglu featuring a Victorian-style corset with green detailing fashioned from plaited hair and adorned with archival Boucheron brooches. The actress also wore a replica bracelet believed to have belonged to Charlotte Brontë, which may have been made from the hair of her sisters Emily and Anne. This historic jewelry piece served as an inspiration for the gown’s design, linking Robbie’s look directly to the Brontë legacy.
Red Carpet Displays and Public Reactions to On-Screen Pairing
Robbie and Elordi have displayed their strong on-screen chemistry across several recent public appearances, intensifying anticipation for the film. Their intimate red carpet interactions have drawn comparisons to Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell’s promotional behavior for their film Anyone But You, generating some criticism aimed at the duo’s approach to public relations.
During a press interview with Fandango, Jacob Elordi spoke about his close working relationship with Robbie, stating,
“If you have the opportunity to share a film set with Margot Robbie, you’re going to make sure you’re within five to ten metres at all times.”
He added a humorous observation about her meticulousness, saying,
“Watching how she drinks tea, how she eats her food. When is it going to slip? And it never comes undone.”
Expectations Ahead of the Film’s Release
As Wuthering Heights is poised for release, its departure from the original novel has fueled a divided reception, especially regarding character portrayals and the intimate nature of the film. Margot Robbie Wuthering Heights promises a visually and emotionally intense experience that reimagines the classic story with heightened passion and complex emotional depth. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how this rendition influences future adaptations of timeless literature.
