The moors have never looked quite like this.
If you were expecting muted grey skies, damp wool, and the somber, high-waisted restraint of a traditional Brontë adaptation, Emerald Fennell has a message for you: Adjust your expectations. The first-look images for Fennell’s upcoming “Wuthering Heights” have officially dropped, and they are already ignited a firestorm of digital discourse. At the center of the storm is Margot Robbie, our new Catherine Earnshaw, looking less like a Victorian tragic heroine and more like a high-fashion fever dream.
The Durran Effect: From Barbiecore to Moorcore
It is impossible to discuss the visual language of this film without mentioning two-time Oscar winner Jacqueline Durran. If her name sounds familiar, it’s because she is the architect of some of the most iconic fashion moments in cinema history. From the shimmering green dress in Atonement to the neon pink “Barbiecore” explosion of 2023, Durran doesn’t just dress characters; she creates cultural movements.
For Wuthering Heights, Durran has reunited with Robbie and Fennell to craft a wardrobe that is intentionally, gloriously provocative. We’re seeing translucent wedding-night ensembles, giant Russian fur hats, and—the item that broke the internet—a “latex-look” dress (which Durran clarifies is not actually latex, despite the high-shine finish).
“This Cathy would not be a pared-back brunette drifting through the moors in muted frocks,” the production notes suggest. Instead, Robbie’s Cathy is an “exuberant blonde” rocking Elton John-style sunglasses and German milkmaid corsetry.
A “Fantastical Fever Dream”
Emerald Fennell is no stranger to subverting genres. After the neon-soaked vengeance of Promising Young Woman and the gothic decadence of Saltburn, her take on Emily Brontë’s 1847 masterpiece was never going to be “safe.”
Fennell has described the film as a contemporary take on a 1950s soundstage melodrama, gleefully mixing historical accuracy with glitzy modernity. It’s a bold swing that prioritizes emotional atmosphere over textbook history.
The Cast: Subverting the Classics
The casting has been just as much a talking point as the costumes. While the chemistry between Robbie and Jacob Elordi (Heathcliff) is undeniable in these first looks, the decision to cast a white actor as the racially ambiguous Heathcliff—described in the novel as a “dark-skinned gipsy”—has sparked significant controversy. Fennell recently defended the choice, noting Elordi captured the essence of the Heathcliff she first imagined when reading the book as a child.
Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw
Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff
Hong Chau asNelly Dean
Shazad Latif as Edgar Linton
Alison Oliver as Isabella Linton
The $80 Million Gamble
The road to the screen for Wuthering Heights was a cinematic drama in its own right. In late 2024, a massive bidding war broke out. Netflix reportedly put a staggering $150 million on the table for the distribution rights.
However, in a move that signals Robbie and Fennell’s commitment to the “big screen experience,” they turned down the Netflix millions. Instead, they signed with Warner Bros. Pictures for a significantly lower offer of $80 million. Why? Because Warner Bros. guaranteed a full theatrical release and a massive global marketing campaign. They aren’t just making a movie; they’re making an event.
When Can We See It?
Mark your calendars for the ultimate dark-romance date night. Wuthering Heights is scheduled to hit theaters—including IMAX—on February 13, 2026, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Whether you’re a Brontë purist or a fan of Fennell’s stylized chaos, one thing is certain: this film will be the most talked-about aesthetic of the year.
Check out all the first look photos here:
