Why Some Fans Are Very Upset Jacob Elordi Has Been Cast In The Upcoming Wuthering Heights Adaptation

Why Some Fans Are Very Upset Jacob Elordi Has Been Cast In The Upcoming Wuthering Heights Adaptation

As a longtime enthusiast of classic literature, I must admit that I’ve followed the ongoing saga surrounding the latest adaptation of Emily Bronte’s “Wuthering Heights” with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. The casting choices have certainly stirred up quite a storm, especially the decision to cast Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff.


Emily Bronte’s “Wuthering Heights” is a timeless work of literature that seems destined for frequent reinterpretation in film form until the end of time itself. Typically, these cinematic renditions will be overlooked except by dedicated enthusiasts; however, the recent on-screen adaptation of this classic novel has stirred up more than just a bit of debate due to its choice of actors.

As an ardent admirer, I’m excited to share that Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi have been chosen for the main roles of Catherine and Heathcliff in Emerald Fennell’s upcoming adaptation of Wuthering Heights. Yet, their casting has stirred some debate among fans. Some feel that Robbie might be too conventional a choice, given the book’s eccentric narrative and memorable characters, as Fennell is renowned for her bold directorial decisions, like the iconic bathtub scene from Saturn’s tale.

In the novel “Wuthering Heights,” Heathcliff’s ethnicity isn’t mentioned explicitly; however, he is portrayed as having dark skin throughout the story. Consequently, some readers feel displeased with the choice of actor Elordi for the role, as his appearance doesn’t align with the character description presented in the book.

In popular literature, Heathcliff is often regarded as a notable romantic figure. Within the narrative, he’s taken in by the Earnshaw family and thus differs in ethnicity from them, a factor that significantly contributes to his character development. For devotees of the novel, finding an authentic actor to play this role is crucial because of its importance to the storyline.

Over the past few years, there’s been an increasing public demand for greater diversity in movie casting, with characters who are typically portrayed by white actors being played by individuals of various ethnicities instead. However, despite this progress, many people believe it remains problematic when white actors are cast in roles that should ideally be played by others due to the persistent imbalance.

Indeed, the classic novel Wuthering Heights has been reimagined on screen multiple times, and the debate surrounding Jacob Elordi’s casting is not a fresh concern. It’s important to note that in over a dozen past adaptations, the character of Heathcliff is typically portrayed by actors who aren’t of color; however, there have been exceptions.

Indeed, although similar situations have occurred in the past, it’s precisely this repetition that needs to cease. It’s long overdue for things to change because if we’ve seen it happen before, it’s clear that it’s time for a shift. The fact that more people are noticing this as an issue now suggests that awareness is growing.

While it’s true that our knowledge about Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights is limited, it could very well deviate from the conventional retelling of the story. The casting choice of Jacob Elordi might be strategic, taking into account the original character’s description in a unique way. Time will tell as we eagerly await more details.

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2024-09-25 18:07