The Full Wuthering Heights 2026 Cast List: Every Star Confirmed For Emerald Fennell’s Controversial Adaptation

As of December 2025, the world of classic literature is buzzing with anticipation for the latest, and perhaps most audacious, adaptation of Emily Brontë’s timeless Gothic romance, *Wuthering Heights*. Director Emerald Fennell, known for her sharp, provocative style in films like *Promising Young Woman* and *Saltburn*, is set to deliver a version of the tragic love story between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff that promises to be both faithful to the novel’s dark heart and radically modern in its casting choices.

Scheduled for a highly-coveted Valentine's Day weekend release in February 2026, the film has already ignited significant discussion, primarily driven by its star-studded and diverse ensemble cast. This is the definitive, up-to-date guide to every major actor confirmed to traverse the windswept Yorkshire moors in the 2026 production.

The Main Cast: Biography and Role Breakdown

The core of any *Wuthering Heights* adaptation rests on the shoulders of the two leads, and Emerald Fennell has assembled a pair of Hollywood heavyweights whose casting alone guarantees global attention. Their on-screen chemistry is the most anticipated element of the 2026 film.

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• Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw
  • Full Name: Margot Elise Robbie
  • Role: Catherine Earnshaw, the passionate, headstrong heroine torn between social expectation and her soulmate, Heathcliff.
  • Born: July 2, 1990 (Age: 35 as of Dec 2025)
  • Birthplace: Dalby, Queensland, Australia
  • Notable Works: *Barbie*, *The Wolf of Wall Street*, *I, Tonya*, *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood*.
  • Trivia: Robbie is also a producer on the film through her company, LuckyChap Entertainment, which suggests a strong creative hand in this new vision.
• Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff
  • Full Name: Jacob Nathaniel Elordi
  • Role: Heathcliff, the brooding, tormented foundling who grows into a powerful, vengeful man after being separated from Catherine.
  • Born: June 26, 1997 (Age: 28 as of Dec 2025)
  • Birthplace: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
  • Notable Works: *Euphoria*, *Saltburn*, *Priscilla*, *The Kissing Booth* franchise.
  • Trivia: Elordi is one of the most in-demand young actors today, and his casting as the iconic romantic anti-hero has been hailed as a perfect fit for a modern, dark interpretation of the character.

The Radical and Essential Supporting Ensemble

Fennell’s adaptation is making headlines for its bold, color-conscious casting, bringing a fresh perspective to characters traditionally depicted by white actors. This approach is central to her vision of re-examining the classic through a contemporary lens, particularly concerning themes of class, race, and social standing in the 19th century.

The Linton Family and the Social Divide

The Linton family represents the polite, wealthy society that Catherine chooses over her wild, passionate connection with Heathcliff. The casting here highlights the stark contrast between the two worlds.

• Shazad Latif as Edgar Linton
  • Role: Edgar Linton, the wealthy, refined, but ultimately weak-willed gentleman whom Catherine marries.
  • Background: Latif is a British-Pakistani actor known for his work in *Star Trek: Discovery* and *The Pursuit of Love*. His casting challenges the traditional, fair-haired description of Edgar, adding a layer of complexity to the social dynamics at Thrushcross Grange.
• Alison Oliver as Isabella Linton
  • Role: Isabella Linton, Edgar's sister, a naive and sheltered aristocrat who becomes infatuated with and marries Heathcliff, only to face his cruelty.
  • Background: Oliver, an Irish actress, is a rising star who recently gained acclaim for her role in Fennell's previous film, *Saltburn*, marking a reunion for the director and actress.

The Narrator and The Earnshaw Patriarch

Two of the most crucial roles for grounding the story in reality and setting the tone are the narrator and the man who sets the whole tragedy in motion.

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• Hong Chau as Nelly Dean
  • Role: Nelly Dean, the chief narrator of the novel and the long-serving housekeeper who witnesses and recounts the entire tragic saga.
  • Background: Chau is a critically acclaimed Vietnamese-American actress, known for her Oscar-nominated role in *The Whale* and performances in *The Menu* and *Watchmen*. Her casting as the observational, pragmatic Nelly Dean is a major departure from previous adaptations and is highly anticipated.
• Martin Clunes as Mr. Earnshaw
  • Role: Mr. Earnshaw, the patriarch of Wuthering Heights who brings the foundling Heathcliff home, setting the entire tragic chain of events in motion.
  • Background: Clunes is a beloved British actor, famous for his long-running role in *Doc Martin*. His presence brings a gravitas and familiar British sensibility to the critical, early moments of the story.

The Next Generation and Key Supporting Figures

The sprawling narrative of *Wuthering Heights* covers two generations, requiring a deep bench of talented actors to fill out the tragic family tree. The casting of the younger versions of the main couple is vital for establishing their intense, foundational bond.

• Charlotte Mellington as Young Catherine
  • Role: The younger version of Catherine Earnshaw, showing her wild, inseparable childhood with Heathcliff.
  • Status: Mellington is a newer talent whose portrayal will define the beginning of the legendary romance.
• Owen Cooper as Young Heathcliff
  • Role: The younger version of Heathcliff, before his transformation into a bitter, vengeful man.
  • Status: Cooper is also a fresh face, cast to capture the raw, untamed spirit of the character's youth.
• Ewan Mitchell as Hindley Earnshaw (Speculated)
  • Role: Hindley Earnshaw, Catherine's older brother, whose jealousy and cruelty toward Heathcliff are the catalysts for much of the novel's tragedy.
  • Background: Mitchell is known for his roles in *House of the Dragon* and *Saltburn* (another reunion with Fennell). While his role is not officially confirmed, his strong ties to the director and his dramatic range make him a highly speculated and fitting choice for the vengeful, tormented Hindley.

Why This Adaptation is Set to Be a Cultural Event

The *Wuthering Heights* 2026 film is more than just another literary adaptation; it is a statement. Emerald Fennell’s decision to embrace a modern, diverse casting philosophy for a classic text ensures the film will be a major cultural talking point long before its February 2026 release date.

The LSI keyword "Heathcliff and Cathy's chemistry" is paramount, and the pairing of Robbie and Elordi guarantees the necessary star power and intense on-screen passion. Furthermore, the inclusion of acclaimed actors like Hong Chau and Shazad Latif in traditionally English roles adds layers of nuance to the novel's exploration of social boundaries and outsiders. This is an adaptation that promises to be as turbulent and unforgettable as Emily Brontë's original novel itself.

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With its high-profile cast, a director known for her provocative vision, and the backing of Warner Bros. Pictures, this new version of the Gothic romance is poised to be one of the must-see cinematic events of 2026. The Valentine's Day timing is no accident, positioning the film as a dark, passionate counterpoint to traditional romantic fare.