Emerald Fennell’s audacious adaptation of *Wuthering Heights* is poised to make a significant impact at the box office this upcoming Valentine’s weekend, with early forecasts suggesting that the film could recoup its hefty $80 million (£59 million) production budget within just three days of release. As the romantic drama takes centre stage, expectations are high for a strong turnout both in the United States and abroad.
Box Office Projections
Initial estimates indicate that *Wuthering Heights* could rake in approximately $50 million (£37 million) across 3,600 screens in the US, alongside an impressive $40 million (£29 million) from international markets. With limited competition, the film is set to dominate the box office, especially as family-friendly animation *GOAT* and the darker drama *Crime 101* provide lighter counter-programming options.
Warner Bros., the film’s studio, is riding high on a successful wave following a string of hits in 2025, including *A Minecraft Movie* and *Final Destination Bloodlines*. The studio is currently attracting attention from major players like Netflix and Paramount amidst ongoing takeover discussions. Additionally, Warner Bros. is fielding two strong contenders for this year’s Academy Awards: *Sinners*, which has set a record with 16 nominations, and *One Battle After Another*, both films performing well despite their considerable budgets.
Reimagining a Classic
This latest cinematic venture marks Fennell’s third outing as a writer-director, following the accolades of *Promising Young Woman* and the quirky *Saltburn*. In *Wuthering Heights*, Fennell reunites with Jacob Elordi, who portrays Heathcliff, and Margot Robbie, who plays Catherine. Fennell has openly described her adaptation as a personal interpretation of Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel, drawing inspiration from her teenage encounters with the story.
While the film’s ambition has garnered praise, it has also sparked a wave of criticism. Reviewers in the US have lauded its unique vision and distinctiveness, while critics in the UK have taken a more cautious stance. The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw characterised it as a “20-page fashion shoot of relentless silliness,” highlighting concerns over the film’s stylistic choices and its intentional anachronisms.
Casting Controversies
The casting of Robbie and Elordi has not been without its controversies, particularly as both actors are considerably older than the characters depicted in the source material. Elordi’s portrayal of Heathcliff has also drawn scrutiny, given Brontë’s description of the character as “dark-skinned.” This has ignited discussions around representation and fidelity to the original text, pushing the boundaries of how classic literature is adapted for modern audiences.
As audiences prepare for its release, the conversation surrounding *Wuthering Heights* continues to evolve, highlighting the fine line filmmakers walk between creative interpretation and audience expectations.
Why it Matters
The success of *Wuthering Heights* has the potential to reshape the landscape of romantic dramas while providing insights into the evolving nature of adaptations. In an industry increasingly focused on diversity and representation, this film invites viewers to reconsider not just how stories are told, but who gets to tell them. As it approaches its release, *Wuthering Heights* stands as a testament to the enduring power of classic literature, reimagined for a contemporary audience, and its reception could influence future adaptations of beloved texts.
