Margot Robbie Shares Surprising On-Set Moment with Jacob Elordi

Margot Robbie has spoken candidly about her time working alongside Jacob Elordi in Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights, recalling a particular scene that left a lasting impression. The film, inspired by one of literature’s most celebrated love stories, features moments that go well beyond the expected romantic encounters. Robbie described one instance where Elordi, portraying Heathcliff, effortlessly lifted her character Cathy with a single arm, prompting a rather visceral reaction on set.

Addressing Casting Controversy

Despite the evident chemistry between the two leads, some viewers have expressed reservations about the casting choices, noting differences from the original novel. In Fennell’s version, Cathy is depicted as older and blonde, a departure from Emily Brontë’s depiction. This has sparked discussion among fans, with Robbie acknowledging the concerns but urging patience until the film’s release. She remarked,

“there’s nothing else to go off at this point until people see the movie”

, and emphasised that the director’s vision places Cathy in her mid-twenties to early thirties. Regarding Elordi’s suitability for Heathcliff, Robbie simply stated,

“I saw him play Heathcliff. And he is Heathcliff.”

Robbie encouraged audiences not to rush to judgement, drawing a parallel with the initial scepticism that surrounded Barbie before its eventual success. She advised,

“I’d say, just wait. Trust me, you’ll be happy… Everyone was like, ‘Well, [Barbie] did well because of course it was going to.’ And I’m like… ‘This was not the conversation at the time’. I try to remind myself of that with Wuthering too. You have to just not listen to the noise and trust that the thing you’re putting out is what people will be happy to have.”

Epic Romance in Modern Cinema

Robbie also reflected on the current landscape of mainstream cinema, noting the rarity of large-scale romantic dramas such as Wuthering Heights. She observed that, in recent years, the industry has shifted towards big-budget franchises, leaving fewer opportunities for sweeping love stories. This trend, she suggested, has also affected other genres like buddy comedies and romantic comedies.

While some anticipate a provocative approach in the new adaptation, Robbie clarified that the film’s essence is rooted in romance rather than mere provocation. She explained,

“Everyone’s expecting this to be very, very raunchy. I think people will be surprised. Not to say there aren’t s-0xual elements and that it’s not provocative – it definitely is provocative – but it’s more romantic than provocative. This is a big epic romance. It’s just been so long since we’ve had one – maybe The Notebook, also The English Patient. You have to go back decades.”

Anticipation for the Release

With Warner Bros. backing a number of original projects in 2025, there is hope that the success of Wuthering Heights will encourage other studios to invest in similar ventures. The film is set to premiere on 13 February 2026 in the United States, and anticipation continues to build as audiences await the chance to see this new interpretation of a classic tale.