Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi’s Wuthering Heights has already become the talk of the town around Valentine’s Weekend 2026. Whether it was Margot’s haunting Victorian look to Jacob Elordi’s brooding charm, the internet has been flooded with discussions, edits, and fan reactions around them. Taking the occasion into consideration, the makers positioned Wuthering Heights as an intense romantic drama with grand visuals.
But the film has also ignited another major debate on how the makers altered key elements of Emily Brontë’s classic novel in the film. Someone who has thoroughly read the book would know the difference. If you don’t, here are some key differences between the book and the 2026 movie that you mist know.
How is the plot of Wuthering Heights 2026 different from the classic novel?
One of the biggest differences between Margot and Jacob’s Wuthering Heights and Emily Brontë’s novel has been the nuances in the storyline. The film shows us how ‘Catherine Earnshaw’ grew up loving ‘Heathcliff’, and their story ended in her tragic death. In contrast, the original novel continues far beyond ‘Catherine’s death, exploring the lives of the next generation, including her daughter, ‘Heathcliff’s son, and ‘Hindley Frances’ son. The emotional storyline ultimately shows the healing side of love that the film never mentions.
Another significant change has been the explicit portrayal of ‘Catherine’ and ‘Heathcliff’s relationship. The book focuses on the yearning, emotional intensity and psychological connection between the duo. But the film showcases their bond more physically and sensually. The Barbie actress herself mentioned the difference on The Jimmy Kimmel Show, saying, “They never even really kiss (in the book).” Moreover, the movie showcases that ‘Catherine’ and her daughter both die towards the end. However, in the book ‘Catherine’s daughter, ‘Cathy’ continues the story of the next generation. Overall, the movie altered certain events, including the climax and emotional arc of ‘Heathcliff”. Sharing the reason for doing this, the film’s director, Emerald Fennell, told Fandango:
“I can’t say I’m making ‘Wuthering Heights.’ It’s not possible. What I can say is I’m making a version of it.”
What are the differences between the looks of the Wuthering Heights cast and the original characters?
Apart from the storyline, the film also sparked discussion about the casting and visual interpretation of Emily Brontë’s novel. According to the classic novel, ‘Heathcliff’ is possibly dark-skinned or of foreign origin, which is a significant reason he is treated as an outsider and rejected by society. However, in the film, Jacob Elordi’s look does not match that description despite great costume work. It led to a controversy before release on why the makers removed an important layer of the character’s identity. The filmmaker again defended her decision, saying how Jacob matched the visual interpretation she had in mind for the character.
More about the 2026 film, Wuthering Heights
Despite all the debates, the film has definitely drawn the audience’s attention. It is directed by Emerald Fennell and produced in part by Margot Robbie. The movie premiered at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles before its global theatrical release. On the other hand, Warner Bros have backed the film’s theatrical release plan. Wuthering Heights 2026 was filmed across the Yorkshire Dales to offer a modern interpretation of a literary classic. It features Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, Hong Chau, Shazad Latif, Alison Oliver and Martin Clunes among others in key roles.
What do you think about the differences between the Wuthering Heights 2026 film and the original novel?
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