'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The recent announcement that Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi will star in a new adaptation of Wuthering Heights has stirred quite a debate online. Directed by Oscar-winner Emerald Fennell (known for her work on Promising Young Woman), this version of the Emily Brontë classic has cast Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Elordi as Heathcliff, and fans of the novel are far from pleased.
The backlash from fans lies in the casting dispute involving Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff. The character is perceived as dark-skinned and of gypsy ancestry or negro descent, going by the book's description. Some have argued that this is another case where the casting directors have let an opportunity slip through their fingers by not selecting an actor who can represent the character's lineage.
An X user commented on the news of the casting, saying:
Trending
"This is so embarrassing."
While Jacob Elordi has met success in projects like Euphoria and Priscilla, critics of his casting argue that his previous roles do not align with Heathcliff's brooding, complex nature. Similarly, Margot Robbie's casting for Catherine has sparked mixed reactions, with some questioning her ability to embody the tortured, passionate character from the Brontë novel.
As this adaptation takes shape, Fennell's vision has already struck a controversial chord with audiences, leaving many skeptical about how faithful it will remain to the essence of the characters.
Other users were quick to express their views on the casting of Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi.
"did anyone actually read the book before deciding this," commented one user.
"I'm starting to think their priority is to reel in viewers. Margot and Jacob will certainly attract a good amount of audience." Commented another user.
"Right I'm not the biggest fan of Wuthering Heights but this casting is terrible," commented one netizen.
Some X users expressed their anger towards Emerald Fennell for the casting, saying,
"Oh, I'm sure Emerald had to read the book at her very posh school and also at Oxford. She is nothing but a very, very privileged sloane who had all the opportunities in the world and who thinks white is the default and pretty is more important than anything else." One user shared her opinion.
"obviously emerald didn't…" commented another user.
Other users said,
"Can we stop casting the same actors for everything. Margot is great, but she doesn't really have that period drama look or fit the age range of the fcm and Jacob…is nothing like the character described. Pretty disappointing," commented one X user.
"Heathcliff wasn't white. It's absolutely clear in the book that he's not white." Commented another X user.
More details on Wuthering Heights and the production of the latest rendition
Wuthering Heights is a historical novel by Emily Brontë and was published in 1847 under the name Ellis Bell. The tale's events unfold on the stormy edges of West Yorkshire, focusing on the fate of the two families, Earnshaw and Linton, through the break and rise of Heathcliff, a foster son.
The novel is steeped in Gothic and Romantic influences and has the essence of a racy Gothic tale of passion, vengeance, and oppression. Even though the novel is considered one of British literature's classic masterpieces, Wuthering Heights was met with criticism owing to the excessive violence, cruelty, and elements of challenging Victorian standards about class system, ethics, and religion.
The novel also caused a wave of disquisitions throughout history, sampling the story and its presentation. These inspirations include musical content, like that of Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush, or musical films inspired by the story. The novel has also garnered several other adaptations in film and stage productions and many movies loosely based on the storyline.
The latest rendition of Wuthering Heights, starring Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie, is currently in pre-production. The filming is likely to begin in 2025.
