Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi are being criticized for Emerald Fennell’s upcoming adaptation of Wuthering Heights, and Robbie is now speaking out. The Oscar nominee defended both her own casting as Catherine Earnshaw and Elordi’s role as Heathcliff, urging audiences to wait for the film before judging the choices.
Margot Robbie slams critics of her and Jacob Elordi’s casting in Wuthering Heights
Fennell’s take on Emily Brontë’s 1847 iconic novel has been under scrutiny ever since the casting was announced. Catherine Earnshaw is written as a brunette teenager, while Robbie, who is blonde and 35, plays an aged-up version of the character in her late 20s to early 30s. Robbie acknowledged the criticism but pointed out why it exists. “I get it,” she told British Vogue. “There’s nothing else to go off at this point until people see the movie.”
Elordi’s casting got even more backlash because Heathcliff is described in the book as “dark-skinned.” However, Robbie insisted Elordi embodies the character in a way that will resonate once viewers see his performance. “I saw him play Heathcliff. And he is Heathcliff,” she said. “I’d say, just wait. Trust me, you’ll be happy.” She also praised him as an actor, adding, “He’s incredible and I believe in him so much. I honestly think he’s our generation’s Daniel Day-Lewis.”
Wuthering Heights’ director also explained why Robbie was the right choice for Cathy. “Cathy is a star,” she said. “She’s willful, mean, a recreational sadist, a provocateur… It was about finding someone who you would forgive in spite of yourself. It’s difficult to find that supersized star power. Margot comes with big d*ck energy. That’s what Cathy needs.” (via Variety)
Some of the criticism has also focused on the film’s bold marketing, including a first-look shot of a finger in Robbie’s mouth. Robbie reassured fans that while the film has provocative elements, its core is emotional. “Everyone’s expecting this to be very, very raunchy. I think people will be surprised,” she said. “It’s more romantic than provocative… It’s that feeling when your chest swells or it’s like someone’s punched you in the guts.”
Wuthering Heights is releasing in theaters on February 13.
