Margot Robbie's Wuthering Heights Sparks New Costume Backlash

The upcoming Emily Brontë adaptation starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi has triggered another wave of criticism. Costume designer Jacqueline Durran told Vogue that the film deliberately abandons historical accuracy in its wardrobe choices.

Set in late 18th-century England, the movie won't represent any specific time period. Durran explained their approach: "Our dates are all confused in the sense that we're not representing a moment in time at all – we're just picking images or styles that we like for each character. Heathcliff has always been a sort of Georgian-era hero, and we thought that really worked for Jacob."

This creative decision has upset fans who expected period-appropriate costumes. The prospect of characters wearing modern accessories like sunglasses or carrying designer bags has drawn sharp reactions.

Previous Casting Controversy Still Lingers

This isn't the first time Emerald Fennell's adaptation has faced public scrutiny. Jacob Elordi's casting as Heathcliff sparked significant backlash when announced.

Emily Brontë described Heathcliff as a "dark-skinned gipsy" in her original novel. Critics accused the production of whitewashing the character by casting a white actor in the role.

The Telegraph reported extensive criticism during the casting announcement. While the initial outrage has somewhat subsided, the film continues attracting negative attention ahead of its February 13, 2026 release date.

Could This Approach Actually Work?

Despite the controversies, some industry watchers believe the film might succeed. The timeless costume approach could establish a new trend for literary adaptations.

Classic novels might find fresh audiences through modern visual interpretations. The star power of Robbie and Elordi certainly helps, but the unconventional styling choices could appeal to younger viewers.

Warner Bros. Pictures and MRC are betting that audiences will embrace this bold reimagining. Hong Chau rounds out the main cast in what promises to be one of 2026's most talked-about releases.