As a lifelong reader and admirer of classic literature, I find myself once again disheartened by Hollywood’s lack of commitment to diversity and inclusivity in their adaptations. The casting of Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff in Emerald Fennell’s upcoming adaptation of Wuthering Heights is a step backwards, not forwards.
The choice made by Emerald Fennell to have Jacob Elordi play Heathcliff in her upcoming adaptation of Wuthering Heights has led to criticism online. According to Deadline, Elordi and Margot Robbie will take on the roles of Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw respectively in this film. Fennell is set to write, direct, and produce the project.
In the renowned novel by Emily Brontë, “Wuthering Heights,” the character Heathcliff’s ethnicity is not explicitly defined. However, he is described with dark skin, black hair, and a wild demeanor, leading some to believe he may be of Romani descent or at least of non-white origin. This interpretation is widely shared among readers and literary scholars, as they generally agree that Heathcliff is not Caucasian.
In the narrative, Heathcliff’s encounters with discrimination and racial bias, being a character of color, significantly shape his actions, connections, personality development, and the overall interpretation of the story. The original tale doesn’t hesitate to focus on the mistreatment Heathcliff experiences at the hands of his foster family, the Earnshaws, and the Lintons. It seems unusual that director Fennell would elect to overlook this vital aspect of his personality in her adaptation.
Lost in Adaptation Again and Again
The classic novel “Wuthering Heights” is widely regarded as one of the finest works of literature ever penned. In 1939, a film version directed by William Wyler was released, with Lawrence Oliver portraying Heathcliff. Another adaptation from the 70s featured Timothy Dalton, although this only partially told the story. Ralph Fiennes took on the role in a 1992 film, and more recently, Tom Hardy played Heathcliff in a 2009 television production.
In their latest collaboration, Fennel and Elordi appeared in the 2023 movie named Saltburn. Despite Elordi’s and other white, British actors’ exceptional skills, this casting choice is reminiscent of past projects. This could be why the 2011 adaptation is cherished so deeply by fans. A refreshing change was brought about in that adaptation with James Howson portraying Heathcliff, offering a more faithful representation of the book. The film garnered critical praise and has become a beloved classic among fans. Vulture even likened the 2011 movie to Fennel’s Saltburn, stating:
“2011’s
Wuthering Heights
Is the Horny, Twisted Romance
Saltburn
Wishes It Was”
Some fans were upset by the announcement, expressing their view that Fennell’s choice to cast for the role appeared “lacking in seriousness”. Clarisse Loughrey, a film critic from The Independent, wrote: “Were anyone actually familiar with the book before making this decision?” Many viewers saw it as yet another instance of underrepresentation of minorities and queer individuals in Hollywood. Michael Stewart, director of the Brontë Writing Centre, voiced his opinion on the casting to The Daily Telegraph, saying: “Did they even read the book beforehand?
For a long time, ‘Wuthering Heights’ has seen white performers portraying characters of ambiguous ethnicity. However, times have changed; today, depicting specific individuals in artistic and cultural expressions carries a responsibility that was less prevalent two decades ago.
One X (Twitter) user expanded on this same sentiment, addressing the lack of care and responsibility in Hollywood’s recent adaptations of classic literature.
Netflix’s 2023 version of “Persuasion” garnered unfavorable responses, earning a 30% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Now, Netflix is planning another adaptation – a contemporary retelling of “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” drawn from Oscar Wilde’s novel. Yet, the news that the creators intend to alter Dorian and Basil’s relationship in the narrative, turning them into brothers, did not sit well with fans.
Users on Twitter started sharing their own ideas for castings similar to the one provided, with Elle Fanning suggested for Hulu’s “The Great” and Dev Patel proposed for “The Green Knight.
Fennell has remained silent regarding the reaction to the casting announcement. Given their working history, it seems unlikely that Fennel will replace the role she originally held. The public eagerly anticipates who will be cast for the role next in this adaptation. Filming for “Wuthering Heights” is scheduled to commence next year in the UK.
Stream
Wuthering Heights
(2011) now on Peacock.
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2024-09-26 16:01