Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights cast: Saltburn star Jacob Elordi and more
Elordi stars as Heathcliff, while Margot Robbie plays Cathy.
Emerald Fennell's new take on Wuthering Heights is shaping up to be one of the most divisive films of 2026, with the movie having sparked backlash from the very beginning.
From the movie's overtly erotic tone and its Charlie xcx-penned soundtrack, to its costumes, there hasn't really been an element of the film that hasn't raised some eyebrows.
Another aspect of the Saltburn filmmaker's retelling of Emily Brontë's novel that has prompted criticism has been the casting, with many fans unhappy with the film for aging up the characters, who are teenagers for much of the book's plot (Jacob Elordi is 28 and Margot Robbie is 35), as well as for removing Heathcliff’s non-white background.
Responding to backlash around Margot's casting, Fennell previously told British Vogue: “It’s difficult to find that supersized star power. Margot comes with big dick energy. That’s what Cathy needs."
Meanwhile, talking about Elordi's casting, Robbie told the publication: “I saw him play Heathcliff. And he is Heathcliff. I’d say, just wait. Trust me, you’ll be happy."
She added: "It’s a character that has this lineage of other great actors who’ve played him, from Laurence Olivier to Richard Burton and Ralph Fiennes to Tom Hardy. To be a part of that is special. He’s incredible and I believe in him so much.
"I honestly think he’s our generation’s Daniel Day-Lewis.”
Want to know more about the cast and where you've seen them before? Read on for everything you need to know about the stars of Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights.
Wuthering Heights cast 2026
Below is the main cast list for Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Wuthering Heights. Read on to find out more about the cast and characters.
- Margot Robbie as Catherine "Cathy" Earnshaw
- Charlotte Mellington as young Catherine Earnshaw
- Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff
- Owen Cooper as young Heathcliff
- Hong Chau as Nelly Dean
- Vy Nguyen as young Nelly Dean
- Shazad Latif as Edgar Linton
- Alison Oliver as Isabella Linton
- Martin Clunes as Mr Earnshaw
- Ewan Mitchell as Joseph
Margot Robbie plays Catherine Earnshaw
Who is Catherine Earnshaw? Catherine is the daughter of the Earnshaws, who forms a close bond with Heathcliff, but who marries another man.
Where have I seen Margot Robbie before? Robbie is an Oscar-nominated actress known for her roles in major films including Barbie, Babylon, Amsterdam, Bombshell, Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood, Mary Queen of Scots, I, Tonya, The Wolf of Wall Street and About Time, as well as for playing Harley Quinn in the DCEU. She first came to prominence for playing Donna in Neighbours.
Jacob Elordi plays Heathcliff
Who is Heathcliff? Heathcliff is a young man who was discovered as an orphaned, homeless child by Mr Earnshaw, who took him into his family home, Wuthering Heights. He falls in love with his foster sister Catherine.
Where have I seen Jacob Elordi before? Elordi is known for playing Nate in Euphoria, as well as for starring in films such as Saltburn, Priscilla, Deep Water and the trilogy of The Kissing Booth movies. He was recently Oscar-nominated for his role as Frankenstein's monster in Giullermo del Toro's adaptation of Frankenstein.
Alison Oliver plays Isabella Linton
Who is Isabella Linton? Edgar's adoring sister, who emerges as a possible match for Heathcliff.
Where have I seen Alison Oliver before? Oliver has had roles in series including Conversations with Friends and Best Interests, as well as films such as Saltburn and The Order. She recently starred alongside Mark Ruffalo in HBO drama Task.
Hong Chau plays Nelly Dean
Who is Nelly Dean? A housemaid to – at various points – both the Earnshaw and Linton families and a key observer to the events. In the original novel, Nelly serves as the narrator and she has been given a new backstory in this version.
Where have I seen Hong Chau before? Chau has had small screen roles in shows such as Watchmen,Homecoming and The Night Agent, while film credits include Downsizing, The Menu and The Whale – the latter of which earned her as Oscar nomination.
Shazad Latif plays Edgar Linton
Who is Edgar Linton? The man who Catherine marries – kickstarting a bitter rivalry between he and Heathcliff, whom he despises.
Where have I seen Shazad Latif before? His credits include Star Trek: Discovery, Nautilus, The Pursuit of Love, Penny Dreadful, Toast of London and Spooks – while he had a memorable role as Clem Fandango in sitcom Toast of London.
Ewan Mitchell plays Joseph
Who is Joseph? The long-serving, cantankerous servant at Wuthering Heights.
Where have I seen Ewan Mitchell before? Mitchell is known for his roles as Prince Aemond Targaryen in House of the Dragon, Osferth in The Last Kingdom and Tom Bennett in World on Fire. Film credits include High Life and Saltburn.
Martin Clunes plays Mr Earnshaw
Who is Mr Earnshaw? Cathy's father, who initially takes Heathcliff in after saving him on the streets. In this film – unlike the book – he soon starts treating the boy roughly.
Where have I seen Martin Clunes before? Clunes is best known for his roles in series including Men Behaving Badly, Doc Martin, Kipper, Fungus the Bogeyman, William and Mary, Reggie Perrin, The Town, Vanity Fair and Warren, while he has also appeared in films such as Nativity 3: Dude, Where's My Donkey?!. Later in 2026 he'll be starring as disgraced BBC News presenter Huw Edwards in a two-part factual drama.
Owen Cooper plays young Heathcliff
Where have I seen Owen Cooper before? Cooper shot to fame for his hugely acclaimed role in Adolescence, which has seen him showered with all sorts of accolades, including a Golden Globe.
Charlotte Mellington plays young Catherine Earnshaw
Where have I seen Charlotte Mellington before? This is the young actress's screen debut.
Vy Nguyen plays young Nelly Dean
Where have I seen Vy Nguyen before? Wuthering Heights is Nguyen's first major credit.
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Wuthering Heights is available to watch in cinemas now.
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Authors
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
Patrick Cremona is the Senior Film Writer at Radio Times, and looks after all the latest film releases both in cinemas and on streaming. He has been with the website since October 2019, and in that time has interviewed a host of big name stars and reviewed a diverse range of movies.
