The cinematic world is buzzing with the arrival of the Margot Robbie new movie Wuthering Heights, a project that has redefined the traditional period drama. Released in February 2026, this adaptation of Emily Brontë’s 1847 masterpiece is not your grandmother’s classic literature. Directed by the visionary Emerald Fennell, the film serves as a provocative, stylish, and deeply emotional exploration of toxic obsession. Margot Robbie takes on the iconic role of Catherine Earnshaw, marking a significant departure from her previous roles while reuniting her with the director of Promising Young Woman and Saltburn. The film’s release has sparked global conversations about how we interpret classic characters in a modern, “maximalist” cinematic landscape.
Margot Robbie: Quick Biography Facts
| Full Name | Margot Elise Robbie |
| Date of Birth | July 2, 1990 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 35 Years Old |
| Place of Birth | Dalby, Queensland, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 5′ 6″ (168 cm) |
| Education | Somerset College (Drama Studies) |
| Spouse | Tom Ackerley (m. 2016) |
| Children | One (born October 2024) |
| Production House | LuckyChap Entertainment |
| Breakthrough Role | Naomi Lapaglia in The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) |
| Key Movie (2026) | Wuthering Heights (as Catherine Earnshaw) |
| Estimated Net Worth | Over $100 Million (following Barbie success) |
| Major Awards | 3 Oscar Nominations, 6 BAFTA Nominations |
The Visionary Behind the Lens: Emerald Fennell
The collaboration between Margot Robbie and Emerald Fennell is the heartbeat of this production. Having previously worked together as producers, this is the first time Robbie has stepped in front of the camera for a Fennell-directed feature. Known for her bold, often scandalous storytelling, Fennell has brought a “gothic sauciness” to the moors of Yorkshire. The Margot Robbie new movie Wuthering Heights is stylized with quotation marks in its marketing, reflecting Fennell’s belief that a book this dense can only be “captured,” not perfectly adapted. This artistic choice sets the tone for a film that prioritizes raw, unhinged emotion over strict historical adherence.
Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw: A New Era
Stepping into the shoes of Catherine Earnshaw, Margot Robbie delivers a performance that critics are calling “mercurial” and “electrifying.” Unlike the more passive interpretations of the past, Robbie’s Cathy is a “recreational sadist”—a woman who is as cruel as she is captivated by her soulmate. At 35 years old, Robbie brings a seasoned depth to a character traditionally portrayed as a teenager, emphasizing the long-term devastation of Catherine’s choices. Her portrayal balances the “beachy breeziness” fans love with a dark, vengeful undercurrent that perfectly suits the gothic genre. This role further cements her status as one of the most versatile actresses in Hollywood today.
Jacob Elordi as the Brooding Heathcliff
Opposite Robbie is Jacob Elordi, who takes on the legendary role of Heathcliff. The chemistry between the two leads is the engine of the Margot Robbie new movie Wuthering Heights. Elordi, known for his roles in Euphoria and Priscilla, was handpicked by Fennell to embody the “dangerous and vulnerable” orphan. While his casting sparked debate regarding the character’s ethnic background as described in the novel, Elordi’s performance has been praised for its sheer physicality and brooding intensity. The film leans heavily into the “horny” and “lust-filled” aspects of their connection, presenting a relationship that is as physically explosive as it is emotionally destructive.
A Modern Soundtrack by Charli XCX
One of the most surprising elements of the Margot Robbie new movie Wuthering Heights is its sonic landscape. In a bold move, the film features an original soundtrack by synth-pop icon Charli XCX. The music blends the rugged, bleak atmosphere of the Yorkshire Dales with a contemporary, club-inspired sound. This “electro-gothic” approach helps bridge the gap between the 19th-century setting and modern audiences. The lead single, “House,” has already become a chart-topping hit, further boosting the film’s profile among younger demographics. This musical choice reinforces the idea that this adaptation is a “renegade reboot” designed to shock and enthrall.
Filming Locations: The Beauty of the Yorkshire Dales
To capture the desolation of the moors, the production team filmed on location in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Key scenes were shot in Arkengarthdale, Swaledale, and the village of Low Row. These craggy, rugged landscapes provide a stark contrast to the high-fashion, stylized costumes designed for the film. The cinematography by Linus Sandgren uses the natural light of the moors to create a haunting, immersive environment. The Margot Robbie new movie Wuthering Heights succeeds in making the setting feel like a character itself, mirroring the wild and untamed spirits of Cathy and Heathcliff.
The Fashion of the Moors: Modern Meets Victorian
The costume design in the Margot Robbie new movie Wuthering Heights is a talking point in its own right. Merging Victorian silhouettes with contemporary flourishes, the wardrobe reflects the “unserious abandon” of the film’s tone. Margot Robbie has been seen in everything from intricate corsets to a striking red latex gown, a far cry from the drab woolens usually associated with the era. This “Barbie-fied” makeover of Brontë’s world has been divisive but undeniably eye-catching. The fashion serves as a visual metaphor for the characters’ internal rebellion against the rigid social structures of the 1800s.
Exploring the Plot: Beyond the Forbidden Passion
While the core of the Margot Robbie new movie Wuthering Heights is the romance between Cathy and Heathcliff, the film also dives deep into themes of class warfare and generational trauma. The narrative follows the Earnshaw and Linton families over several decades, illustrating how the toxic bond between the two leads destroys everything in its path. Supporting cast members like Hong Chau (as Nelly Dean) and Shazad Latif (as Edgar Linton) provide a grounded perspective on the chaos. The film doesn’t shy away from the “vicious and whip-smart” nature of its protagonists, making it a “cautionary tale” of love without boundaries.
Critical Reception and Box Office Buzz
Since its premiere at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on January 28, 2026, the film has generated a polarized yet passionate response. Some critics hail it as a “god-tier new classic,” while others find its departure from the source material “too shallow.” Regardless of the reviews, the Margot Robbie new movie Wuthering Heights has been a massive commercial success. It won a high-stakes bidding war against Netflix, with Warner Bros. securing the rights for $80 million. The film’s theatrical-first strategy paid off, with audiences flocking to IMAX screens to witness the “maximalist” spectacle of the Yorkshire moors.
Margot Robbie’s Production Power: LuckyChap Entertainment
Behind the scenes, the Margot Robbie new movie Wuthering Heights is a triumph for LuckyChap Entertainment. Produced by Robbie and her husband Tom Ackerley, the film represents the company’s commitment to female-driven, provocative cinema. Following the billion-dollar success of Barbie, LuckyChap has the industry clout to take risks on non-traditional adaptations. By championing Emerald Fennell’s unique vision, Robbie is not just starring in the movie—she is shaping the future of how classic literature is presented to a global audience. This production marks their third major collaboration, solidifying one of the most powerful partnerships in modern film.
Controversy and Casting Debates
No major adaptation is without its hurdles, and the Margot Robbie new movie Wuthering Heights faced significant scrutiny regarding its casting. Brontë purists and scholars pointed out that Heathcliff is described as a “dark-skinned gypsy” in the original text, leading to criticism over casting Jacob Elordi, a white actor. Additionally, the age gap between the actors and their characters was a point of contention. However, Fennell has defended these choices, stating that the film is an “inspired-by” project rather than a literal translation. These debates have only added to the film’s “scandalous” reputation, keeping it at the center of cultural conversations.
Marketing Genius: The “Mourning Bracelet” and Beyond
The marketing campaign for the Margot Robbie new movie Wuthering Heights has been a masterclass in immersive storytelling. At the London premiere on February 6, 2026, Robbie wore a replica of a Victorian mourning bracelet made from hair, a direct nod to the Brontë sisters’ history. This level of detail in the press tour—handled by stylist Andrew Mukamal—has kept fans engaged long before the film hit theaters. From “Wuthering Heights Waves” hair trends to billboard campaigns featuring haunting quotes from the novel, the promotional efforts have successfully turned a 180-year-old book into a 2026 cultural phenomenon.
Conclusion: A Lasting Impact on Cinema
The Margot Robbie new movie Wuthering Heights is more than just a film; it is a bold statement on the endurance of classic stories. By blending the dark, brooding themes of the 19th century with the vibrant, provocative energy of the 21st, Emerald Fennell and Margot Robbie have created a cinematic experience that is impossible to ignore. Whether you are a fan of the original novel or a newcomer to the moors, this adaptation offers a visceral, “unhinged” look at the heights of human passion and the depths of revenge. As the film continues its theatrical run, its influence on the “maximalist” trend in period dramas is certain to endure.
FAQs
1. When was the Margot Robbie new movie Wuthering Heights released?
The film had its world premiere on January 28, 2026, and was released in theaters worldwide on February 13, 2026, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
2. Who stars as Heathcliff in this version of Wuthering Heights?
Jacob Elordi plays the role of Heathcliff, starring alongside Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw.
3. Is the movie a faithful adaptation of the Emily Brontë novel?
The film is described as being “loosely inspired” by the novel. While it keeps the core characters and setting, director Emerald Fennell has added more explicit romance, modern costumes, and a contemporary soundtrack.
4. What is the age rating for the new Wuthering Heights movie?
The film is rated M (or R in some regions) for mature themes, sex scenes, and coarse language, making it suitable for older audiences.
5. Did Margot Robbie produce the Wuthering Heights movie?
Yes, Margot Robbie produced the film through her production company, LuckyChap Entertainment, alongside Warner Bros. and MRC.
6. Who composed the music for the film?
The score was composed by Anthony Willis, but the film also features an album of original songs by pop star Charli XCX.
