The casting of Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Wuthering Heights has sparked backlash due to perceived discrepancies with the original novel's character descriptions. Margot Robbie, at 34, is playing Catherine, originally an 18-year-old character, while Jacob Elordi's casting as the 'dark-skinned' Heathcliff has also raised eyebrows. Casting director Kharmel Cochrane addressed the criticism, emphasizing artistic interpretation over strict adherence to the book's details, and encouraged audiences to view the final product before passing judgment. Cochrane highlighted that adaptations allow for creative liberties, much like reading a book can be subjective, and noted the set design would offer further surprises. The film is set to be released on February 13, 2026, inviting audiences to experience this new take on a classic story.

Casting choices for the film adaptation of Wuthering Heights, featuring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, have drawn criticism for not aligning with the novel's character descriptions, particularly regarding age and race.

Margot Robbie has been cast as Catherine, a character who is 18 in the novel, despite Robbie being 34, while Jacob Elordi, who is set to play Heathcliff, is not 'dark-skinned' as described in the book.

Casting director Kharmel Cochrane responded to the backlash by emphasizing the artistic nature of adaptations and the importance of creativity over literal interpretation of source material.

Cochrane mentioned receiving harsh criticism, including threats, but stood by the casting decisions, encouraging viewers to wait for the film's release to form their opinions.

The director teased that the film's set design would challenge expectations and that casting decisions were made to provoke thought and normalize diverse interpretations of classic roles.

Cochrane argued that deviations from the original text are part of the creative process, comparing it to the varying interpretations readers can have when engaging with a book.

The film is anticipated to premiere on February 13, 2026, and aims to offer a fresh perspective on Emily Brontë's timeless narrative.

Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie are starring as the beloved characters Heathcliff and Catherine in Emerald Fennell‘s upcoming adaptation of Wuthering Heights.

But some fans issued criticism of casting for both of these stars in these roles. Margot, who is 34 years old, is portraying Catherine, who is said to be 18 years old during Emily Brontë‘s novel. In addition, some are questioning the casting of Jacob, 27, as Heathcliff, who is described in the book directly a “dark-skinned.”

Casting director Kharmel Cochrane is responding to the criticism.

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Kharmel told Deadline, “There’s definitely going to be some English Lit fans that are not going to be happy. There was one Instagram comment that said the casting director should be shot. 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.”

“Wait until you see the set design, because that is even more shocking. And there may or may not be a dog collar in it,” Kharmel teased.

As for whitewashing allegations, Kharmel responded, “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. And then it’s almost like I dare someone to question why I’ve done it, and they don’t. So then it just becomes normal. Years ago, I would get people saying, ‘Did you read the brief?’ And I’d say yeah, and this is my interpretation of it, just like when you can read a book.”

The film hits theaters on February 13, 2026.