Key Highlights
- Stars Alison Oliver and Hong Chau speak about their roles in ‘Wuthering Heights’ adaptation.
- Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi star as Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff respectively, directed by Emerald Fennell.
- Hong Chau avoids reading the original novel to maintain a fresh perspective on set.
- Emerald Fennell’s modern approach includes a soundtrack by Charli xcx.
The Challenge of Adapting a Classic
You might think this is new, but… adapting classics for the big screen isn’t exactly groundbreaking. Yet, when it comes to Emily Brontë’s ‘Wuthering Heights,’ every adaptation feels like a fresh attempt at capturing its essence. Alison Oliver and Hong Chau, playing Isabella Linton and Nelly Dean respectively, shared their experiences on bringing this gothic tale to life in an interview with PEOPLE.
Oliver, who recently made her feature film debut in Emerald Fennell’s 2023 movie Saltburn, was drawn to the director’s unique vision. “With a book that dense and that complex, I think anyone who’s wanting to adapt it, you kind of have to zoom in and focus on the bits of it that you want to examine,” she explained.
Chau, on the other hand, took a more unconventional approach by not reading the novel. “I want some distance from the movie and this whole experience and to be able to experience the book as its own thing,” she said, highlighting her strategy to bring authenticity to the role of Nelly Dean.
Emerald Fennell’s Modern Take
Directed by Emerald Fennell, ‘Wuthering Heights’ aims for a modern twist. “It’s so funny on set when Emerald would give us directions,” Chau remembered. “She would explain it in such a modern way and it was very casual.” Yet, delivering a more formal version of the character required internalizing this new perspective.
Fennell’s approach is reflected in the film’s soundtrack, featuring Charli xcx. This contemporary touch contrasts with the classic setting, creating an interesting dynamic that challenges actors to balance modernity and tradition.
The Spirit of Love
Elordi and Robbie share a unique bond on set, as their characters Catherine and Heathcliff intertwine in complex ways. “There’d be moments where we’d run hand-in-hand through the moors, maybe not even in the scene, just setting it up,” Elordi described. “In that moment, we really were a part of their love, for real.” This immersive experience is what makes the adaptation so compelling.
Chau further emphasized the modern approach: “That was the really tricky part of not making it feel too modern, because there are so many other things going on that will do that work for us. It’s about finding that balance.”
Release Date and More
‘Wuthering Heights’ premieres in theaters on February 13, 2026. The film stars Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, with Alison Oliver and Hong Chau playing Isabella Linton and Nelly Dean respectively.