Margot Robbie Sets the Record Straight on Wuthering Heights Criticism

Margot Robbie finally weighed in on the Wuthering Heights casting uproar, and yes, she knows you have thoughts. She is playing Cathy. Jacob Elordi is Heathcliff. Emerald Fennell is making it. And everyone has an opinion. Here is what Robbie and Fennell are actually saying, minus the noise.

The pushback, in plain terms

The criticism has mostly centered on two things. First, Robbie is a 35-year-old blonde playing Catherine Earnshaw, who is typically imagined as a brunette teen. Second, Elordi was cast as Heathcliff, a character many interpret as dark-skinned in Emily Bronte's novel. That combo set social media on fire the second this movie was announced.

Robbie's response: I hear you, but wait for it

Talking to British Vogue, Robbie did not dismiss the complaints. She basically said: I get why people are skeptical when all they have is a logline and a casting announcement. As a producer on the film, she is asking viewers to hold the judgment until the movie can defend itself.

"I get it. There is nothing else to go off at this point until people see the movie... I saw him play Heathcliff. And he is Heathcliff. I'd say, just wait. Trust me, you'll be happy... He's incredible and I believe in him so much. I honestly think he's our generation's Daniel Day-Lewis."

That last part is a swing. Declaring Elordi the DDL of his generation is not a small claim. But Robbie is clearly all-in on him as Heathcliff.

Fennell's take: Cathy needs star wattage and sharp edges

Emerald Fennell explained the thinking behind picking Robbie for Cathy: Cathy, as she sees her, is a magnetic, morally messy person who can be willful, mean, and cruel for sport, and still be irresistible. The job was to find someone whose charisma lets you forgive her in spite of yourself, someone universally legible as a person you fall for, even when you should not.

"It is difficult to find that supersized star power. Margot comes with big dick energy. That's what Cathy needs."

Subtle? No. Clear? Absolutely.

So what kind of Wuthering Heights is this?

Fennell is calling it a dark, erotic, epic romance; Robbie says that even with the provocative elements, the core is straight-up emotional. Her shorthand: it is more romantic than provocative, with the big, swoony sweep you get from something like The Notebook.

Bottom line

• Film: Wuthering Heights, directed by Emerald Fennell
• Cast: Margot Robbie as Cathy; Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff
• Why people were mad: age and look differences for Cathy; questions about Heathcliff's traditionally dark-skinned depiction vs. Elordi's casting
• Robbie's stance: understands the skepticism, asks people to wait; calls Elordi "our generation's Daniel Day-Lewis"
• Fennell's rationale: Cathy needs dangerous charm and massive star power; says Robbie has exactly that
• Vibe: dark, erotic, epic romance with a big emotional core; think more tragic love story than shock piece
• Release date: February 13, 2026

It is a bold package by design. If the movie sticks the landing, the casting noise fades. If it does not, well, the internet will be ready. For now, they are asking for patience.