Margot Robbie on how she landed the lead in 'Wuthering Heights' film

Margot Robbie revealed she was not the original choice for Catherine Earnshaw in Emerald Fennell's 'Wuthering Heights'. Initially a producer, she decided to 'throw her hat into the ring' for the role and was cast opposite Jacob Elordi's Heathcliff.

Robbie on Her 'Wuthering Heights' Casting

Actor Margot Robbie has revealed that she was not always set to play the lead role of Catherine Earnshaw in the upcoming film Wuthering Heights, directed by Emerald Fennell, according to People. Robbie, 35, spoke about the casting process during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, alongside her co-star Jacob Elordi, ahead of the film's release on February 13.

"I wasn't always going to be in it. I was thrilled to be the producer, but at some point, we were talking about Cathy, and I decided to throw my hat into the ring," Robbie said, referring to the character of Catherine Earnshaw, according to People. She added, "I've always wanted to be one of Emerald's actors and fortunately, she felt the same way. It worked out wonderfully."

Fennell's 'Interpretation' of the Classic

It remains unclear how closely Fennell's 2026 adaptation will follow Emily Brontë's 1847 gothic novel. Fennell is best known for films such as Saltburn and Promising Young Woman.

In Wuthering Heights, Jacob Elordi, 28, plays Heathcliff, an orphan who develops an intense bond with Catherine, the daughter of the wealthy family that takes him in. The story explores themes of doomed romance, class divide and generational impact.

"Emerald loves the book and she really focused on the feeling it gave her when she first read it at 14," Robbie said. "She channels that raw emotional experience so it's an interpretation rather than an adaptation."

"In my opinion, it is one of the greatest love stories of all time and it has a great cast and incredible actors. It's a great film," she added.

Cast and Release Details

The film also stars Hong Chau, Alison Oliver, Shazad Latif, Martin Clunes and Ewan Mitchell. Charlotte Mellington and Adolescence actor Owen Cooper portray the younger versions of Catherine and Heathcliff, according to People.

Elordi said his casting came as a surprise. "I was traveling when I got a text message from [Fennell] saying, 'Do you want to be Heathcliff?' and I wrote, 'Yeah,'" he told The Graham Norton Show, according to People.

Wuthering Heights is scheduled for release on Friday, February 13, ahead of Valentine's Day.

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