The Definitive Cast List: 9 Shocking Stars Confirmed For Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights (2026)
The literary world is buzzing with anticipation for the latest and arguably most provocative adaptation of Emily Brontë's gothic masterpiece, Wuthering Heights, a new feature film slated for a highly-anticipated release in February 2026. This cinematic reimagining, helmed by Academy Award-winning director Emerald Fennell, promises a lusty, dark, and star-studded take on the tragic, obsessive romance between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff. The official cast list, featuring some of the biggest names in Hollywood, confirms this will be unlike any version of the classic novel you have seen before, sparking immediate conversation and debate among fans and critics alike.
As of the current date, December 23, 2025, the confirmed ensemble cast is a powerhouse of contemporary talent, bringing a fresh, modern edge to the unforgiving Yorkshire moors. From the lead roles of the doomed lovers to the crucial supporting characters, this production has assembled a cast that guarantees a bold, unforgettable cinematic experience that will dominate the 2026 awards season and reignite the passion for this timeless story of love, obsession, and class.
The Confirmed Main Cast and Character Lineup
The core of any Wuthering Heights adaptation rests on the shoulders of the actors portraying the iconic, emotionally volatile duo of Catherine and Heathcliff. Director Emerald Fennell, known for her provocative and visually decadent filmmaking in movies like Promising Young Woman and Saltburn, has made a daring choice by casting two of the most recognizable stars of their generation. The film is a production from MRC, Lie Still, and Margot Robbie’s own LuckyChap Entertainment, ensuring a high-profile, quality release distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.
- Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw: The Australian actress takes on the central, tempestuous role of Catherine, the free-spirited woman torn between her wild, passionate love for Heathcliff and the social stability offered by Edgar Linton. Robbie is also credited as a producer on the film, bringing significant creative weight to the project.
- Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff: Known for his roles in Euphoria and The Kissing Booth, Elordi steps into the role of the brooding, vengeful anti-hero Heathcliff, the foundling who becomes consumed by his unrequited love and social exclusion. His casting has been lauded for bringing a raw, intense energy to the character.
- Hong Chau as Nelly Dean: The Academy Award-nominated actress will portray Nelly Dean, the housekeeper and narrator of the story, whose perspective shapes the audience's understanding of the tragic events at Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange.
- Shazad Latif as Edgar Linton: Latif, known for his work in Star Trek: Discovery, is cast as the wealthy, gentle, and respectable Edgar Linton, the man Catherine chooses to marry, setting the stage for the story's central conflict.
- Alison Oliver as Isabella Linton: The Irish actress, who gained recognition in Conversations With Friends, is set to play Isabella Linton, Edgar’s sister, who tragically falls in love with and marries the cruel Heathcliff.
- Martin Clunes as Mr. Earnshaw: The veteran British actor plays Mr. Earnshaw, the man who brings the orphaned Heathcliff to Wuthering Heights, setting the entire tragic saga in motion.
- Ewan Mitchell as Whip-Wielding Man: Mitchell, known for House of the Dragon, has been cast in a role that hints at the darker, more brutal elements of the story, fitting with Fennell's signature style.
- Charlotte Mellington as Young Catherine: Mellington will portray the younger version of Catherine Earnshaw, capturing her formative, wild bond with Heathcliff.
- Owen Cooper as Young Heathcliff: Cooper plays the young, impressionable version of Heathcliff, highlighting the deep, almost primal connection he shares with young Catherine before their separation by class and society.
Director's Vision and Production Team: A New Era for a Classic Tale
The choice of Emerald Fennell to direct and write the screenplay is perhaps the most compelling reason for the intense interest in this new adaptation. Fennell is celebrated for her fearless approach to classic narratives and societal critique, often blending dark comedy with thrilling drama. Her previous films, Promising Young Woman (2020) and Saltburn (2023), established her as a director unafraid to explore themes of obsession, class, and toxic relationships with a visually stunning and often shocking aesthetic. This directorial vision suggests a version of Wuthering Heights that will lean heavily into the passionate, destructive, and even violent aspects of Brontë's novel, moving away from more romanticized interpretations.
The production team behind the 2026 film is equally formidable, bringing together a group of industry heavyweights to support Fennell’s ambitious vision. The film is produced by Josey McNamara alongside Robbie and Fennell, continuing a successful partnership. The cinematography is handled by Oscar-winner Linus Sandgren, known for his vibrant and dynamic work on films like La La Land and No Time to Die, promising a visually spectacular rendition of the bleak Yorkshire moors. The film's score is composed by Anthony Willis, whose work on Promising Young Woman and Saltburn perfectly complemented Fennell's unique tone.
The involvement of Margot Robbie's LuckyChap Entertainment production company, which has been behind critically acclaimed and commercially successful projects like I, Tonya and Barbie, signals an adaptation that is both prestige and primed for a massive global audience. This team is focused on delivering a bold, contemporary interpretation that honors the novel's gothic heart while making it relevant to modern audiences.
The Star Power: A Deep Dive into the Leads' Biographies
The casting of Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as the central, star-crossed lovers has generated the most buzz. Their collective star power ensures that this adaptation will be a major cultural event.
Margot Robbie: From Soap Opera to Oscar Nominee
Margot Elise Robbie (born July 2, 1990) is an Australian actress and producer who has become one of Hollywood's most bankable stars. She began her career in Australian television, notably on the soap opera Neighbours. Her breakthrough in American cinema came with Martin Scorsese's The Wolf of Wall Street (2013). Robbie has since earned multiple Academy Award nominations for her transformative roles as Olympic figure skater Tonya Harding in I, Tonya (2017) and as an executive in Bombshell (2019). Her recent, massive success as the title character in Barbie (2023) cemented her status as a global icon. Taking on the complex, demanding role of Catherine Earnshaw, a character defined by her wild nature and societal constraints, is a perfect fit for an actress known for her incredible range and magnetic screen presence.
Jacob Elordi: The Brooding, Modern Anti-Hero
Jacob Nathaniel Elordi (born June 26, 1997) is an Australian actor who quickly rose to global fame. He first gained prominence as Noah Flynn in Netflix's romantic comedy franchise The Kissing Booth (2018–2021). However, it was his critically acclaimed, darker turn as the troubled high school football star Nate Jacobs in the HBO series Euphoria that showcased his dramatic depth and intensity. His recent roles, including Elvis Presley in Priscilla and the lead in Saltburn, have solidified his reputation as a serious, compelling actor. His casting as the dark, passionate, and vengeful Heathcliff is seen as a deliberate move to bring a modern, brooding intensity to the character, promising a performance that will capture the character's raw, obsessive nature.
The Topical Authority: Why This Adaptation Matters
The 2026 film is poised to be more than just another period drama; it is a significant cultural event that builds upon the recent successes of its creative team. Emerald Fennell, an Academy Award winner and a prominent voice in modern cinema, has a track record of re-examining classic themes through a contemporary, often subversive lens. Her previous work has explored the dark side of privilege and gender dynamics, making her an ideal director to tackle the themes of class, patriarchy, and toxic love that are central to Emily Brontë's novel. The casting choices, particularly the pairing of Robbie and Elordi, are a bold statement, ensuring that the film will appeal to both classic literature enthusiasts and a new generation of blockbuster fans. This combination of a provocative director, an Oscar-caliber crew, and a high-wattage cast guarantees that the Wuthering Heights 2026 adaptation will be a definitive and much-discussed version of the timeless gothic tragedy.
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