As a fervent admirer of Margot Robbie and her impressive career trajectory, I wholeheartedly applaud her decision to prioritize a theatrical release for “Wuthering Heights.” Her determination to bring this timeless novel to life on the silver screen is commendable, especially considering the lucrative offer from Netflix.
Margot Robbie declined a substantial offer from Netflix for the lead role in her next high-profile project, “Wuthering Heights,” to guarantee a theatrical debut. This upcoming adaptation of Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel is creating quite a stir in Hollywood, with Robbie and Jacob Elordi set to star. The film will be helmed by , who has collaborated with Robbie on four projects so far. Fennell directed her two previous films, “Promising Young Woman” and “Saltburn,” which were produced by Robbie’s company, Lucky Chap Entertainment. Fennell also played a minor role in Robbie’s 2023 film, “Barbie.
It’s reported that multiple film studios engaged in intense competition to acquire the rights to distribute “Wuthering Heights,” with Warner Bros emerging victorious. Even though Netflix offered a record-breaking bid of up to $150 million, sources claim that Margo Robbie and director Autumn de Wilde were determined for their adaptation to have a cinematic release, as opposed to being streamed exclusively by Netflix. Although Warner Bros is said to have offered slightly less than Netflix, they secured the deal due to their commitment to a global theatrical release of “Wuthering Heights” and a substantial marketing budget. Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy from Warner Bros Pictures Group announced the agreement with a statement:
We’re overjoyed to collaborate with MRC, Emerald Fennell, and LuckyChap on the feature film adaptation of Wuthering Heights. From the first glimpse of Emerald’s unique vision for the project, coupled with a stellar cast featuring Margot and Jacob, we were immediately excited about teaming up with this group to bring this movie to cinemas worldwide.
Robbie certainly has developed a strong working relationship with Warner Bros. Barbie was not only the studio’s biggest hit of 2023 but is, not adjusted for inflation, the most successful film in the studio’s history. She also played Harley Quinn in three DCEU films: 2016’s Suicide Squad, 2020’s Birds of Prey, and 2021’s The Suicide Squad. Despite the DCU rebooting with James Gunn’s new slate of films, the studio is likely hoping for Robbie to reprise her role as Harley Quinn. Robbie is also set to star in an Ocean’s 11 prequel titled Oceans for Warner Bros., but that project seems to still be in early development. Still, it appears Robbie will stay in the Warner Bros. family.
Netflix vs Theatrical Releases
Robbie choosing Warner Bros. instead of Netflix hints at some recent Netflix dilemmas. Director Greta Gerwig, who is working on Robbie’s Barbie, has been advocating for a cinema release of her upcoming Chronicles of Narnia remake, but Netflix appears reluctant to change their stance.
Following the unexpected success of Knives Out in 2019, Netflix secured the rights for two sequels. One of these, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, was initially given a limited one-week theater release by Netflix. However, the studio declined to extend it further. It is said that the film’s debut received a standing ovation, but Netflix’s CEO, Ted Sarandos, remained firm against expanding its theatrical run. In response, the film’s leading actor, Daniel Craig, reportedly commented, “Your strategy is flawed.
On two separate occasions, Warner Bros. has secured high-profile films over Netflix by providing a theatrical release, most notably with Crazy Rich Asians. In this case, despite Netflix presenting a substantial deal and promising a trilogy, the producers preferred Warner Bros. as they valued the opportunity to showcase Asian talent on the big screen. The 2018 film proved successful, earning $239 million compared to its production budget of $30 million. For many, the cultural influence of a theatrically released movie surpasses the financial benefits that Netflix can offer.
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2024-10-25 02:32