Warner Bros. Releases First Trailer for Emerald Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights” Starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi

Warner Bros. Pictures today unveiled the highly anticipated first trailer and official poster for director Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic gothic romance “Wuthering Heights,” setting the stage for what promises to be one of 2026’s most provocative films.

Major Trailer Debut Generates Industry Buzz

On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, the studio released the teaser trailer for the film, which stars Academy Award nominee Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as the brooding Heathcliff. The trailer immediately generated significant attention across entertainment media outlets, with many noting the steamy and provocative nature of Fennell’s interpretation of the beloved 1847 novel.

The adaptation marks Fennell’s third directorial effort following her acclaimed films “Promising Young Woman” and “Saltburn,” both of which were also produced by Robbie’s production company LuckyChap Entertainment. The trailer showcases Fennell’s signature style, featuring the Charli XCX song “Everything Is Romantic” and promising what entertainment outlets are describing as a “horny-looking adaptation” that captures the raw passion of Brontë’s original work.

Star-Studded Cast and Valentine’s Day Release

The film features an ensemble cast including Hong Chau as Nelly Dean, Shazad Latif as Edgar Linton, Alison Oliver as Isabella Linton, BAFTA winner Martin Clunes, and Ewan Mitchell. Notably, the production also includes younger versions of the main characters, with Owen Cooper portraying young Heathcliff, Charlotte Mellington as young Catherine, and Vy Nguyen as young Nelly Dean.

Warner Bros. has strategically scheduled the film’s theatrical release for February 13, 2026, positioning it perfectly for Valentine’s Day weekend. This timing aligns with the romantic themes of the adaptation, though early glimpses suggest Fennell’s version will explore the darker, more obsessive aspects of Catherine and Heathcliff’s relationship.

Controversial Casting Decisions and Production Details

The casting of Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff has sparked some controversy among literary purists, as the character is described as “dark-skinned” in Brontë’s original novel, while Elordi is a white actor. Despite this debate, Elordi has expressed enthusiasm for the project, telling Deadline in April 2025, “The performances from everyone-it’s breathtaking. It’s an incredible romance. It’s a true epic. It’s visually beautiful. The script is beautiful. The costumes are incredible”.

The production represents a significant investment, with the distribution rights initially sparking a bidding war that saw Netflix offer $150 million before Warner Bros. ultimately secured the project for $80 million, ensuring a theatrical release and substantial marketing campaign. The film was shot on location in the United Kingdom beginning in late January 2025.

Marketing Campaign Emphasizes Passion and Drama

The newly released poster shows Robbie and Elordi in character, styled like protagonists of a steamy romance novel cover, complete with the provocative tagline “Come undone”. Additional promotional materials spotted around major cities feature close-up images of the actors’ hands accompanied by the phrase “Drive me mad,” suggesting an intensive marketing campaign focused on the film’s passionate themes.

Music will play a significant role in the adaptation, with Charli XCX contributing not only “Everything Is Romantic” but also additional original songs to the soundtrack. This modern musical element represents Fennell’s approach to updating the classic tale for contemporary audiences while maintaining its gothic romance essence.

Conclusion

The release of the “Wuthering Heights” trailer marks a significant milestone in what is expected to be one of 2026’s most talked-about films. With Fennell’s proven track record for provocative storytelling, Robbie’s star power, and Elordi’s rising profile, the adaptation appears positioned to introduce Brontë’s timeless tale of obsessive love to a new generation of moviegoers. As the February 2026 release date approaches, industry observers will be watching to see how audiences respond to this bold reinterpretation of one of literature’s most enduring love stories.