'I get it': Margot Robbie addresses 'Wuthering Heights' casting backlash
What's the story
Margot Robbie has responded to the criticism over her and Jacob Elordi's casting in Emerald Fennell's upcoming adaptation of Wuthering Heights. Speaking to British Vogue, the Barbie actor said she understood why people were upset about their roles. "I get it," she said. "There's nothing else to go off at this point until people see the movie."
Role justification
Robbie defended Elordi's casting as Heathcliff
Robbie also defended Elordi's casting as Heathcliff, a character described as "dark-skinned" in the novel. "I saw him play Heathcliff," she said. "And he is Heathcliff. I'd say, just wait. Trust me, you'll be happy." "It's a character that has this lineage of other great actors who've played him, from Laurence Olivier to Richard Burton and Ralph Fiennes to Tom Hardy."
Director's perspective
Fennell's casting rationale: Robbie as Cathy
Fennell, the director of Wuthering Heights, explained why she chose Robbie for the lead role. She described Cathy as "willful, mean, a recreational sadist, a provocateur." "It was about finding someone who you would forgive in spite of yourself," Fennell said. "Margot comes with big d*ck energy. That's what Cathy needs." The film will hit theaters on February 13, 2026.