‘Wuthering Heights’ Trailer Receives Mixed Reviews: ‘Did We Read the Same Book?’

The 2026 romantic drama, which stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as the central characters, marks the eighth film adaptation since the titular novel’s original release in 1847.

Warner Bros. has unveiled the official trailer for the upcoming adaptation of Emily Brontë's enduring dark romance novel, "Wuthering Heights," which follows the turbulent and destructive relationship between lovers Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff.

Margot Robbie portrays Catherine opposite Jacob Elordi, who plays Heathcliff. The trailer was released last Wednesday, September 3, and has left fans divided. Many felt the film, slated for release in February 2026, strays too far from the source material.

"Did we read the same book?" one netizen asked. "This doesn't look like the Heathcliff and Catherine I read about 😂. What is this?" another echoed. "Emily brontë is turning in her grave [sic]," a third quipped.

Others argued the adaptation was overly sexualized. "Another soft 🌽 movie... no thx," one person wrote. "So 50 shades of the 1800s?" another remarked, referencing E.L. James' erotic "50 Shades of Gray" trilogy, also adapted into films.

Still, despite the criticism, many expressed their excitement to see the newest visual interpretation of "Wuthering Heights." One fan raved, "Oh my god. You dont understand. I AM SO EXCITED HELLO. 😍✊."

"Woah. Not what I expected but who cares. I'M IN," another added. "Was NOT what I was expecting, but considered me seated 🙂‍↕️😮‍💨♥️," a third concurred.

"Saltburn" director Emerald Fennell serves as director, writer, and producer on the film. The filmmaker has previously faced backlash over casting a white actor as Heathcliff, who is described in the book as a "dark-skinned gypsy."

Casting director Kharmel Cochrane responded to the backlash in a Deadline interview earlier this year. "There was one Instagram comment that said the casting director should be shot," Cochrane revealed.

"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," she added.