First Look at ‘Wuthering Heights’ Confirms 18th Century Setting

It sure looks as though Emerald Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights” maintains the novel’s 18th century English setting. Some were hoping that Fennell would opt to make a modern-day version of the classic story, but based on these first look set photos, that clearly isn’t the case.

Not going to lie, a modern-day adaptation of “Wuthering Heights” seemed like the more interesting option. A character like Heathcliff redefined for 2025 would have been the stuff of endless creative possibilities. Sadly, Fennell is going for the more faithful approach — although casting Margot Robbie as Catherine goes against the spirit of the character.

One of the most tormented love stories ever written, “Wuthering Heights” tackles troubled orphan, and antihero, Heathcliff and his doomed love for Catherine Earnshaw. The ensuing ramification of his unhealthy affection for Catherine sets up a tale of revenge and social climbing.

There have been four major movie adaptations of Brontë’s novel, released in 1939, 1970, 1992 and 2011. I liked the 1970 version the best, that one starred Timothy Dalton, but I guess there’s always room for improvement as I don’t believe there’s been a definitive cinematic take on the source material.

Not even Andrea Arnold could muster up a great film out of it with her 2011 version. Should we believe that Fennell will finally “crack the code,” in that regard, and deliver the definitive cinematic adaptation of “Wuthering Heights”? I remain skeptical.

What seems to be the lure here is Fennell having just directed “Promising Young Woman” and “Saltburn” back-to-back; not to mention the enticing presence of Robbie and Jacob Elordi.

Warner Bros has set up a Valentine’s 2026 release for “Wuthering Heights.” Although that date doesn’t spell awards, don’t be surprised if the film gets a very short Oscar qualifying run in late 2025.