The Trailer For The Latest Adaptation Of Wuthering Heights Has Us Scratching Our Heads

This writer always has a lot to say, and very few things leave me speechless or searching for words. However, I have watched the trailer for the upcoming adaptation of Wuthering Heights starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, and well…

I don’t think that I will ever be able to articulate my WTF thoughts properly.

I am fully aware that people take liberties in adaptations. I just thought – naively, I guess – that there are some things that you don’t. The classics are classics. Wuthering Heights is a classic and is considered one of the best and most influential pieces of literature.

Now, there is already a lot of controversy surrounding this adaptation due to the casting. Healthcliff, in the books, is described as a “dark-skinned gypsy” and also as a “lascar,” who becomes a wealthy gentleman but remains a cruel, “fierce, pitiless, wolfish man.” Casting a white character in that role has rightfully been a subject of controversy. It definitely does not fit the look of Jacob Elordi. And we’re wondering the thought process there.

Casting director Kharmel Cochrane addressed the casting in April, saying, “There’s definitely going to be some English Lit fans that are not going to be happy. There was one Instagram comment that said the casting director should be shot. But just wait till you see it, and then you can decide whether you want to shoot me or not. But you really don’t need to be accurate. It’s just a book. That is not based on real life. It’s all art.”

We don’t agree with the statement that “it’s just a book,” and we never agree with anyone threatening violence against anyone. No one should ever say anything that threatens someone, and anyone saying, “the casting director should be shot” is taking things too far. We will, however, reserve a lot of judgment until the movie is out.

But the trailer… well, we’re holding out hope, but also extremely cautious after seeing this. Like, can someone explain why this is necessary? Also WTF.

Starring in this iteration of Wuthering Heights are Margo Robbie and Jacob Elordi along with Hong Chau, Shazad Latif, Alison Oliver, Martin Clunes and Ewan Mitchell.

We were definitely not prepared for how sexually charged that trailer is.

The movie is directed by Oscar-winner Emerald Fennell, who previously directed Promising Young Woman and Saltburn – both of which stirred up controversy and a lot of WTF’s also.

The film will feature original songs from Charli xcx – which may be a major selling point for us. Love her music after all.

Then there is the poster, which feels like Gone With The Wind-esque.