• The Wuthering Heights movie by Emerald Fennell is currently filming
  • It stars Margot Robbie as Catherine and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff
  • The casting has caused controversy – casting director warns fans won’t like it
Margot Robbie plays Catherine Earnshaw in Wuthering Heights
Margot Robbie plays Catherine Earnshaw in Wuthering Heights Credit: IMAGO/ZUMA

Surprise, there is more controversy over the casting for the Wuthering Heights movie. But this time, the warnings are from the film’s casting director, not the internet.

Cast in the role of Catherine Earnshaw is Margot Robbie, and in the role of her charming lover, Heathcliff, is Jacob Elordi. The iconic love story based on the novel by Emily Brontë chronicles the tale of passionate and destructive love and revenge between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw, set against the bleak, windswept moors of England.

Read more: Fans react to news of Wuthering Heights cast

But where is the problem? Well, fans of the gothic novel were not happy with the selections by the casting director Kharmel Cochrane. Firstly, Catherine is a teenager when she becomes romantically involved with Heathcliff, while he is around 20.

Because Robbie is 34, and Elordi is 27, many fans were upset by this. Furthermore, Heathcliff is described as “dark-skinned” in the novel, a description that Elordi does not fit. However, other fans seem uncaring about the casting, they just seem to love the star power of the two actors.

Now, Cochrane is warning that fans of the Wuthering Heights novel won’t be happy. But why is that?

Fans of English lit won’t be happy, says Cochrane

At a Q&A session at Scotland’s Sands Film Festival, Cochrane teased a bit about the casting for Wuthering Heights, per Deadline.

On her casting process, Cochrane said, “If something is clearly written as white, for example, a script reads ‘she tied her blonde hair back,’ but there’s no specific reason for it, I will just put people on tape”.

She reflected on the controversy around the casting for the upcoming Brontë project.

“There was one Instagram comment that said the casting director should be shot,” Cochrane said. “But just wait till you see it, and then you can decide whether you want to shoot me or not. But you really don’t need to be accurate. It’s just a book. That is not based on real life. It’s all art.”

However, Cochrane did her damage control and warned that “English Lit fans that are not going to be happy”.

Why that is, she hints, is because the film’s interpretation of the novel is different.

How did fans react to the Wuthering Heights warning?

Jacob Elordi plays Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights
Jacob Elordi plays Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights Credit: Imago

Fans are already aware of the casting controversy for the two leads, but there also has been a lot of talk surrounding the historical inaccuracies, such as a viral photo that leaked of Catherine’s dress.

Nevertheless, fans were angry with Cochrane’s comments.

Recast and rehire for Wuthering Heights, the fans say

“‘But you really don’t need to be accurate. It’s just a book’. STOP HIRING PEOPLE WHO DO NOT CARE ABOUT THE SOURCE MATERIAL,” one angry fan said on X.

Similarly, another user suggested recasting and rehiring because it is important to remain faithful when adapting a book.

Meanwhile, another fan pointed out Heathcliff’s racial description and how important this is to the plot. “Heathcliff’s racial ambiguity is central to Wuthering Heights. Artistic license shouldn’t erase that,” said one user.

While it is not specified what race Heathcliff is, his dark skin description does indicate he is discriminated against for that, as well as for his social standing.

Referencing Cochrane’s words, another user said, “How English lit fans gonna be acting up when the movie comes out,” with an angry meme attached.

Other fans didn’t care

In contrast, many fans did not care about the accuracy of the casting or clothing.

“I honestly agree. Someone can make another adaptation that’s more faithful if people want it- it’s not like this is the only chance we get. It might suck, it might not… who cares? It’s a movie,” one user said.

“Can’t wait to see their unique vision,” remarked another person.

A third fan said, “It’s always tough when there’s strong passion behind a beloved story, but it’s art, and every interpretation brings something fresh. I’m excited to see how this one turns out!”

Whether it is about accuracy or not, we can understand why some original fans are upset.

Wuthering Heights will release in February 2026.

Sophie Humphrey is a freelance writer and journalist. Sophie has seven years experience in journalism and has a keen interest in pop culture and entertainment. Sophie has worked for the likes of Time Out...