Jacob Elordi's Raw Power in 'Wuthering Heights' Stunned Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie is sharing details about her time on the set of Emerald Fennell’s *Wuthering Heights* alongside Jacob Elordi, and one moment in particular left a lasting impression. While the film is based on one of literature's most famous love stories, Robbie explained that the movie's powerful moments weren't limited to scenes of passion. She recalled a specific take that caught her completely off guard, where Elordi’s character, Heathcliff, effortlessly lifted her character, Cathy, using just one arm. The display of strength prompted a genuine reaction from the actress.

“It almost made me weak at the knees,” she admitted.

Navigating Fan Expectations

Despite the clear on-screen chemistry evident in early previews, the production has faced some criticism for its casting choices not strictly adhering to the novel's character descriptions. Robbie, who plays a blonde and slightly older version of Cathy than in Emily Brontë's book, has finally addressed the ongoing conversation. Similarly, Elordi's portrayal of Heathcliff has drawn questions, as the character is described as a person of color in the original text.

Robbie acknowledged the fans' concerns but urged patience, suggesting that judgment should be reserved until the film is released. “There’s nothing else to go off at this point until people see the movie,” she stated. The director also clarified that this version of Cathy is intended to be in her mid-20s to early 30s. When it came to her co-star, Robbie’s endorsement was simple and direct. “I saw him play Heathcliff. And he is Heathcliff.”

She encouraged audiences not to rush to judgment, comparing the situation to the initial doubts surrounding *Barbie* before it became a massive success. “I’d say, just wait. Trust me, you’ll be happy… Everyone was like, ‘Well, [Barbie] did well because of course it was going to.’ And I’m like… ‘This was not the conversation at the time’. I try to remind myself of that with Wuthering too. You have to just not listen to the noise and trust that the thing you’re putting out is what people will be happy to have.”

Reviving the Grand Romance Genre

In today's Hollywood landscape, dominated by major franchises and superhero blockbusters, large-scale romantic dramas like *Wuthering Heights* have become increasingly uncommon. Genres like the buddy comedy and the rom-com have also seen a decline over the past decade. Robbie pointed out this shift, observing that you have to look back several years to find major romance films in the mainstream.

While many anticipate the new adaptation will be edgy and daring, she clarified that its heart lies in its grand love story. “Everyone’s expecting this to be very, very raunchy. I think people will be surprised,” Robbie explained. “Not to say there aren’t s-0xual elements and that it’s not provocative – it definitely is provocative – but it’s more romantic than provocative. This is a big epic romance. It’s just been so long since we’ve had one – maybe The Notebook, also The English Patient. You have to go back decades.”

The film is set for release on February 13, 2026, in the USA.