87-Year-Old Adaptation Of Classic Gothic Novel Sets HBO Max Release Ahead Of Controversial Remake

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A new streaming version of a beloved story is on its way, just before a reimagining of the same story arrives in cinemas and sparks controversy.

Emily Brontë, sister to famous authors Charlotte and Anne, wrote what is considered one of the greatest novels of all time: Wuthering Heights. Published in 1847, this Gothic story centers on the passionate and destructive relationship between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, and Heathcliff’s relentless quest for revenge against both the Earnshaw and Linton families, all set on the wild Yorkshire moors.

The 1939 film version of Wuthering Heights, featuring Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon, will be added to HBO Max starting February 1st. This was the first Wuthering Heights movie to include sound, and it received eight Academy Award nominations. Critics generally loved it, with a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 25 reviews.

With a new film version of Wuthering Heights starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi arriving in theaters on February 13th – just in time for Valentine’s Day – it’s a great moment to revisit and discuss how this classic story has been adapted for the screen. This release comes at the perfect time for those interested in comparing different versions of Wuthering Heights.

The upcoming 2025 film adaptation of Wuthering Heights has faced significant criticism since its announcement. Much of the controversy stems from the casting of Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, which many see as whitewashing the character. Additionally, some viewers believe Florence Pugh is too old to play her role, and the trailer’s highly sexualized content has also drawn criticism.

Emerald Fennell, the director of Promising Young Woman and Saltburn, has been discussing her creative decisions as the film is promoted. Despite this, Wuthering Heights is expected to perform well in theaters, potentially earning around $50 million during its opening weekend. This success would be particularly welcome for Margot Robbie, whose 2025 film, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, wasn’t well-received.

If you’re interested in other versions of Wuthering Heights, the 1992 film starring Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche (available on Pluto TV) was the first to adapt the complete novel. You can also find the 2011 adaptation with Kaya Scodelario and James Howson on AMC+. However, past adaptations have often faced similar issues, like casting a white actor as Heathcliff and emphasizing the romantic aspects of the story over other themes.

Fans interested in the history of how Wuthering Heights has appeared in movies and TV will soon have easier access to one of the earliest film adaptations.

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2026-01-27 16:58