Margot Robbie Responds to Casting Backlash Over ‘Wuthering Heights’ and Shares Her Thoughts
Margot Robbie Addresses Casting Backlash for ‘Wuthering Heights’
Margot Robbie has responded to criticism regarding her casting alongside Jacob Elordi in the upcoming adaptation of Wuthering Heights, helmed by Emerald Fennell.
In a recent interview with British Vogue, the actress expressed her understanding of the public’s concerns about the casting. "I get it," Robbie remarked. "There’s nothing else to go off at this point until people see the movie."
Wuthering Heights, inspired by Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel, features Robbie as Catherine, a role that has sparked debate due to the character’s description as a brunette teenager. Robbie, who is blonde and 35 years old in reality, faced criticism, especially following the release of the film’s trailer. Additionally, the casting of Elordi as Heathcliff raised eyebrows, as the character is described in the novel as “dark-skinned.”
Robbie defended Elordi’s casting, stating, "I saw him play Heathcliff. And he is Heathcliff. I’d say, just wait. Trust me, you’ll be happy. It’s a character that has this lineage of other great actors who’ve played him, from Laurence Olivier to Richard Burton and Ralph Fiennes to Tom Hardy. To be a part of that is special. He’s incredible and I believe in him so much. I honestly think he’s our generation’s Daniel Day-Lewis."
Fennell further elaborated on her choice of Robbie for the lead role, highlighting the complexity of the character. “Cathy is a star. She’s willful, mean, a recreational sadist, a provocateur. She engages in cruelty in a way that is disturbing and fascinating. It was about finding someone who you would forgive in spite of yourself, someone who literally everyone in the world would understand why you love her. It’s difficult to find that supersized star power. Margot comes with big dick energy. That’s what Cathy needs,” she said.
The adaptation of Wuthering Heights is scheduled to be released in theaters on February 13, 2026.
