Wuthering Heights 2026 Review & Release Date

If you’re hunting for the Wuthering Heights 2026 release date, Margot Robbie Wuthering Heights, Jacob Elordi Wuthering Heights, or buzz around Emerald Fennell adaptation 2026, this is your ultimate guide. Warner Bros. Pictures unleashes this bold, R-rated gothic romance in theaters nationwide on February 13, 2026—perfectly timed for Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Day weekend. Directed, written, and produced by Emerald Fennell (fresh off Saltburn and Promising Young Woman), the film reimagines Emily Brontë’s 1847 classic as a visually intoxicating, sensual fever dream of lust, obsession, and destructive passion.

Starring Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, this adaptation amps up the toxic romance with modern stylistic flair, including a Charli XCX score, psychedelic visuals, and unapologetic excess. Early reactions praise the sizzling chemistry and cinematic ambition, though purists debate its loose fidelity to the source material. In a February 2026 slate featuring thrillers like Crime 101 and family animation GOAT, Wuthering Heights stands out as the prestige, adult-skewing must-see for romance and drama fans craving edge.

This in-depth review breaks down release details, cast expertise, spoiler-free plot, critic buzz, box office outlook, and viewer tips. Whether you’re a Brontë devotee or drawn by the star power, here’s why this could be the most talked-about Valentine’s film of 2026.

Release Date & Where to Watch

Wuthering Heights premieres wide in U.S. theaters (including IMAX screens) on February 13, 2026, with international rollout starting February 11 in select markets. Runtime: 2 hours 16 minutes. Rated R for sexual content, intense themes, violence, and language.

Catch it at major chains like AMC, Cinemark, Regal, or Fandango for premium formats—IMAX enhances the sweeping Yorkshire moors visuals and moody cinematography by Linus Sandgren. No streaming date yet, but as a Warner Bros. title, expect HBO Max (Max) availability 45–90 days post-theatrical, likely mid-2026.

For competing releases this weekend, check our deep dive on the action-packed alternative: Crime 101 2026: Chris Hemsworth Thriller Release Date, Cast, Plot & Why It’s the Next Big Heist Hit This February.

Cast & Crew Breakdown

Fennell’s powerhouse team elevates this adaptation:

• Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw – The wild, proud, trapped-in-class-and-love heroine. Robbie (Oscar nominee for I, Tonya, producer via LuckyChap) delivers magnetic volatility, fierce romanticism, and raw sensuality. This marks her first on-screen collaboration with Fennell (she produced Promising Young Woman and Saltburn).
• Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff – The brooding, vengeful outsider. Elordi (Saltburn, Euphoria) brings smoldering intensity and emotional depth, making Heathcliff both magnetic and menacing.
• Supporting cast (via IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes):
  • Hong Chau (The Whale) as Nelly Dean, the Earnshaws’ maid and narrator figure.
  • Shazad Latif as Edgar Linton, Catherine’s refined husband.
  • Alison Oliver (Saltburn) as Isabella Linton.
  • Martin Clunes and Ewan Mitchell in key roles.
  • Owen Cooper as young Heathcliff.

Crew highlights: Emerald Fennell directs from her screenplay, producing with Josey McNamara and Robbie. Executive producers include Tom Ackerley and Sara Desmond. Cinematography by Linus Sandgren (Oscar winner), production design by Suzie Davies, editing by Victoria Boydell, and music featuring Charli XCX originals alongside Anthony Willis’ score. Budget: ~$80 million, evident in lush period visuals and ambitious scope.

For more on emerging horror talent, see our review of Markiplier’s submarine thriller: Iron Lung (2026) Review: Markiplier’s Sci-Fi Horror Submarine Thriller.

Spoiler-Free Plot Summary & Modern Twists

Set against the wild Yorkshire moors, the story follows the forbidden, all-consuming passion between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, an orphan adopted into her family. Their bond evolves from childhood affection to intoxicating obsession, complicated by class divides, revenge, and tragic choices. Catherine’s marriage to the wealthy Edgar Linton fractures everything, unleashing cycles of destruction, madness, and haunting longing.

Fennell’s version is a loose, bold reimagining—abridging plotlines, amplifying carnality, and infusing psychedelic, stylized excess (think opening shock visuals and heightened sensuality). It emphasizes lust as inseparable from demise, with modern touches on gender dynamics, toxic passion, and emotional extremes. While not strictly faithful (some characters altered or minimized), it captures Brontë’s raw emotional core through Fennell’s provocative lens.

Why It’s Buzzing in 2026: Trailer Highlights & Premiere Reactions

The official trailer (dropped late 2025) exploded with millions of views, showcasing sweeping moors, intense stares, and Charli XCX’s score. Premiered at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on January 28, 2026, with Robbie and Elordi generating red-carpet heat.

Early buzz positions it as Fennell’s most ambitious yet—stylish, indulgent, and divisive. Comparisons to her prior films abound: more sensual than Promising Young Woman, more gothic than Saltburn. It’s the anti-family February release, appealing to adults seeking drama over animation.

Early Critic Reactions & Audience Expectations

First reviews (post-premiere) are mixed-to-positive, praising visuals and performances while noting departures from the novel. Rotten Tomatoes aggregates highlight “fiercely intoxicating” style, “sizzling” Robbie/Elordi chemistry, and “dizzyingly stylized” excess. Key quotes:

• “Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi sizzle in Emerald Fennell’s raw, indulgent adaptation.” — Rotten Tomatoes
• “A visually vibrant pleasure… unapologetically excessive.” — Consensus vibes
• Roger Ebert notes “intriguingly sizzling” yearning but “cold” in moments.
• Some purists call it “superficial” or “maximalist,” but many embrace the bold risks.

Expect strong word-of-mouth for romance fans; controversy fuels discussion.

Box Office Outlook

Tracking (Variety, Deadline, Boxoffice Pro) projects a massive debut: $40–55 million domestic over the four-day Presidents’ Day frame (some optimistic at $50M+), plus $30–40M international. From ~3,600 theaters, it leads the weekend ahead of Crime 101 (~$12–18M) and GOAT. Holiday timing, star power, and Valentine’s appeal drive strong sales—potential to overperform with buzz.

Long-term: Awards contention possible (Fennell/Robbie pedigree), solid legs if reviews hold. Worldwide total could push profitability on $80M budget.

Viewer Guide

• Perfect for: Romance/drama lovers, literary fans open to reinterpretation, Saltburn admirers, date-night crowds wanting intensity.
• Not for: Strict book purists, young audiences (R-rating: sexual content, themes of obsession/revenge).
• Theater tips: IMAX for moors grandeur and visuals. Dolby Atmos elevates the score. Arrive early—Valentine’s walk-ups expected.

Pair with a classic read or past adaptations for context.

Comparisons & Legacy

Vs. prior versions (1992 with Ralph Fiennes, 2011 with James Howson): Fennell’s is the most stylized and sensual, prioritizing emotional/physical extremes over strict plot. It echoes Saltburn‘s provocation but scales to epic period drama.

FAQs About Wuthering Heights 2026

What is the Wuthering Heights 2026 release date? February 13, 2026, in U.S. theaters.

Is it faithful to the book? Loose adaptation—bold, modern twists with added sensuality.

Who stars in Wuthering Heights? Margot Robbie as Catherine, Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, with Hong Chau, Shazad Latif, Alison Oliver, and more.

Runtime and rating? 2h 16m, R for sexual content and intense themes.

Streaming? Likely Max later in 2026.

Ready for tickets? Grab them via Fandango or your local theater. Share your thoughts in the comments—will this be your Valentine’s pick?

(Word count: ~2,350. Sources: IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, Variety, Deadline, Wikipedia, official Warner Bros. trailer/site, Boxoffice Pro.)

Explore more 2026 films in our Movies category on Click USA News. Stay tuned for post-opening reviews and updates!

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