Wuthering Heights 2026: Release Date, Cast & Plot Details

Wuthering Heights is Emily Brontë’s timeless novel that explores passion, obsession, and revenge. The story revolves around Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, whose love is as destructive as it is intense. Over the years, it has inspired multiple adaptations, each interpreting the classic story in its own way.

The Wuthering Heights 2026 movie promises to capture the raw emotion of the original while bringing a contemporary cinematic approach. Fans can expect breathtaking visuals, complex characters, and a story that resonates with both longtime readers and new audiences.

Wuthering Heights Release Date

The Wuthering Heights 2026 movie is set to release on February 13, 2026, coinciding with Valentine’s week. The timing adds a romantic edge, making it an ideal cinematic experience for couples and literature fans alike.

The movie will release worldwide, including major markets such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe, ensuring that audiences everywhere can experience this highly anticipated adaptation.

Cast of Wuthering Heights 2026

Here’s a closer look at the cast of Wuthering Heights 2026 and the characters they bring to life:

• Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw

Catherine is the spirited and headstrong daughter of the Earnshaw family. Torn between her love for Heathcliff and societal expectations, her complex emotions drive much of the story’s drama.

• Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff

Heathcliff is a brooding outsider who experiences intense love and devastating betrayal. His obsession with Catherine fuels the central conflict and tragic arc of the story.

• Hong Chau as Nelly Dean

Nelly is the loyal housekeeper and narrator of much of the story, offering insight into the lives and emotions of the central characters.

• Shazad Latif as Edgar Linton

Edgar is Catherine’s wealthy and refined suitor. His love for Catherine contrasts with Heathcliff’s passionate intensity, highlighting the social and emotional tensions in the story.

• Alison Oliver as Isabella Linton

Isabella is Edgar’s sister, whose relationship with Heathcliff introduces further conflict and demonstrates the consequences of obsession and revenge.

• Martin Clunes as Mr. Earnshaw

The patriarch of the Earnshaw family, whose favoritism towards Heathcliff sparks jealousy and sets the story in motion.

• Ewan Mitchell as Hindley Earnshaw

Hindley is Catherine’s brother, whose resentment toward Heathcliff fuels family tensions and tragic events.

• Owen Cooper as Young Heathcliff

Portrays Heathcliff during his childhood, showing the origins of his complex personality and troubled upbringing.

• Charlotte Mellington as Young Catherine

Plays Catherine as a child, establishing the early bond and shared mischief with young Heathcliff.

• Vy Nguyen as Young Isabella

Captures Isabella’s youthful innocence before her tragic encounters with Heathcliff shape her future.

This cast brings depth and nuance to the story, ensuring that both the main and supporting characters are fully realized and emotionally engaging.

Wuthering Heights 2026 Plot

The Wuthering Heights 2026 movie follows the intense and turbulent love story of Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw. From Heathcliff’s arrival as an orphan at the Earnshaw estate to his deep bond with Catherine, their childhood friendship evolves into a passionate but complicated love.

As they grow older, social expectations and personal ambitions create conflict. Catherine is torn between her love for Heathcliff and the security offered by Edgar Linton, while Heathcliff, feeling betrayed, leaves only to return as a wealthy and vengeful man. Their reunion sparks a series of emotional confrontations, affecting family and friends and fueling cycles of obsession, jealousy, and revenge.

Set against the wild and isolated Yorkshire moors, the movie uses striking cinematography to reflect the characters’ inner turmoil. With emotional depth, intense conflicts, and tragic choices, brings Brontë’s timeless story to life for a modern audience.

Director & Filmmaking Team

The Wuthering Heights 2026 movie is directed by Emerald Fennell, who also co-wrote and produced the film. Known for her bold storytelling, Fennell brings a contemporary cinematic vision to the classic tale, emphasizing intense emotions and complex character dynamics.

The production is backed by Warner Bros., MRC, LuckyChap, and Lie Still, ensuring high production quality and global distribution. Cinematography highlights the moody landscapes of the Yorkshire moors, while the original music score enhances both the romantic and tragic elements of the story. Fennell’s approach ensures that this wuthering heights movie stays true to Emily Brontë’s novel while appealing to modern audiences.

Filming Locations & Behind the Scenes

Most of the movie was filmed in the Yorkshire Dales, England, whose rugged landscapes perfectly mirror the isolated and dramatic setting of the novel. These authentic locations enhance the story’s emotional weight and give audiences a true sense of place.

In addition to outdoor filming, carefully designed studio sets were used to create intimate scenes that reflect the characters’ inner turmoil. Behind the scenes, attention to detail was paramount—from period-accurate costumes to historically faithful interiors. Original music contributions, including work by Charli XCX, add a unique contemporary edge while complementing the story’s classic tone.

Fan Expectations & Controversies

As with any adaptation of a literary classic, expectations are high, and debates are inevitable. Fans are particularly vocal about the casting of Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as Catherine and Heathcliff. Many are excited to see their on-screen chemistry, while others question whether the actors can fully capture the depth and intensity of the characters.

Discussions also focus on how closely the adaptation follows Brontë’s original story. Some expect a faithful retelling, while others look forward to modernized storytelling that emphasizes character psychology and cinematic drama. Despite differing opinions, anticipation continues to grow, making Wuthering Heights movie a hot topic among both literature enthusiasts and movie fans.

Comparison to Past Adaptations

Wuthering Heights has seen many adaptations over the years, from the 1939 Laurence Olivier classic to more recent film and TV versions. Each interpretation has emphasized different aspects of the story—some highlighting the romantic intensity, others focusing on the darker themes of revenge and obsession.

The 2026 Wuthering Heights movie is expected to stand out due to its modern filmmaking approach, immersive cinematography, and a strong focus on character depth. With Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in the lead roles and Emerald Fennell directing, this adaptation aims to balance fidelity to Emily Brontë’s story with a contemporary cinematic style. Audiences anticipate a fresh yet respectful take on the classic, offering both emotional intensity and visual appeal.

Wrapping Up

The Wuthering Heights 2026 movie promises to be a striking adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic tale of love, obsession, and revenge. With Margot Robbie as Catherine and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, the film explores the emotional intensity of their turbulent relationship. Directed by Emerald Fennell and filmed across the dramatic Yorkshire moors, it combines modern cinematography with the timeless story. Fans are eagerly anticipating the release on February 13, 2026, expecting a faithful yet fresh take on the novel. This adaptation is set to captivate both longtime admirers and new audiences with its passion, depth, and visual brilliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the release date for the 2026 Wuthering Heights movie?

The film is scheduled to release on February 13, 2026, making it a perfect watch for Valentine’s week.

2. Who plays the main characters in the upcoming adaptation?

Margot Robbie stars as Catherine Earnshaw, while Jacob Elordi portrays Heathcliff. The cast also includes Hong Chau, Shazad Latif, Alison Oliver, Martin Clunes, and Ewan Mitchell.

3. Who is directing this version of Wuthering Heights?

The movie is directed and co-written by Emerald Fennell, known for her modern and emotionally-driven filmmaking style.

4. Where was the movie filmed?

Filming took place primarily in the Yorkshire Dales, England, capturing the iconic moors from the novel, along with studio sets for indoor scenes.

5. Is there a trailer for the 2026 adaptation?

Yes, an official trailer is available, showcasing the story’s emotional tension, key scenes, and the chemistry between the lead characters.