Wuthering Heights (2026) is an upcoming gothic psychological horror–drama starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in the lead roles. Inspired by Emily Brontë’s classic novel, this dark and modern adaptation has already attracted strong attention for its intense theme, prestigious creative team, and the reportedly high salaries paid to its star cast.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the film’s cast salaries, budget, and key production details.
Film Overview
- Wuthering Heights (2026) is written, directed, and produced by Emerald Fennell, offering a bold and modern reinterpretation of Emily Brontë’s iconic novel.
- The film will be released theatrically by Warner Bros. Pictures on 13 February 2026, strategically timed for the Valentine’s Day weekend.
- The story focuses on the obsessive, toxic, and class-divided relationship between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, blending themes of love, passion, revenge, and psychological turmoil.
- Unlike traditional romantic adaptations, this version leans heavily into gothic atmosphere and psychological horror elements.
Budget and Production Details
- Reports suggest that Wuthering Heights (2026) has a production budget of approximately $80 million, placing it in the category of mid-budget, character-driven studio dramas.
- The film is produced under LuckyChap Entertainment, the production company founded by Margot Robbie, alongside producers Tom Ackerley and Josie McNamara.
- Early industry reports revealed that Netflix had reportedly offered around $150 million for the project, but Warner Bros. secured the film with a lower budget and a traditional theatrical release strategy.
- This decision reflects a high-risk, high-reward approach focused on box office performance rather than streaming exclusivity.
Also Read: Marty Supreme Cast Salary: Full Breakdown of Actors’ Fees
Wuthering Heights (2026) Cast and Their Salaries
The salary figures listed below are based on industry reports and media estimates and have not been officially confirmed by the studio.
Margot Robbie – Catherine Earnshaw
- Estimated salary: $12 million
- Margot Robbie plays the iconic role of Catherine Earnshaw and also serves as a producer on the film.
- Due to backend profit participation and producer credits, her total earnings from the project could be significantly higher.
Jacob Elordi – Heathcliff
- Estimated salary: $1 million
- Jacob Elordi portrays Heathcliff, one of literature’s most intense and complex characters.
- Despite his growing global popularity, his reported fee is considerably lower than Robbie’s, sparking industry discussions around pay disparity.
Hong Chau – Nelly Dean
- Estimated salary: $500,000
- Oscar-nominated actress Hong Chau plays Nelly Dean, a key narrative figure who connects the generational drama of the Earnshaw and Linton families.
- Her role functions almost like a narrator within the story.
Shazad Latif – Edgar Linton
- Estimated salary: $200,000
- Shazad Latif appears as Edgar Linton, a morally upright and socially privileged character who serves as Heathcliff’s emotional and ideological opposite.
- His role highlights themes of class, stability, and societal expectations.
Alison Oliver – Isabella Linton
- Estimated salary: $200,000
- Alison Oliver portrays Isabella Linton, a character whose emotional vulnerability plays a crucial role in Heathcliff’s revenge arc.
- Her performance adds further depth to the film’s exploration of toxic relationships.
Charlotte Mellington – Young Catherine
- Estimated salary: $70,000
- Charlotte Mellington plays the younger version of Catherine Earnshaw.
- Her role helps establish Catherine’s early innocence and emotional foundation before her transformation into a darker, more conflicted adult.
Owen Cooper – Young Heathcliff
- Estimated salary: $70,000
- Owen Cooper portrays the younger Heathcliff, focusing on his early trauma and emotional scars.
- This performance sets the groundwork for Jacob Elordi’s intense adult portrayal.
Salary Structure and Budget Balance
- A significant portion of the $30 million budget has reportedly been allocated to Margot Robbie’s salary and producer compensation.
- The rest of the cast salaries remain modest, allowing the film to maintain a controlled budget while still featuring major star power.
- With Emerald Fennell’s award-winning reputation and Robbie’s production involvement, the project is widely viewed as a mid-budget, high-impact film.
Box Office Potential and Industry Buzz
- Industry analysts believe the Valentine’s Day release, combined with the film’s dark romantic tone and the Robbie–Elordi pairing, could deliver a strong global opening.
- The film is expected to perform particularly well among younger audiences and literature-focused viewers.
- Despite losing the Netflix deal, Warner Bros.’ theatrical strategy is being described as risky but potentially highly rewarding.
Final Thoughts
Wuthering Heights (2026) stands out as a bold reimagining of a literary classic, blending gothic romance with psychological horror. While the reported salary figures may change once official details are disclosed, early estimates highlight the film’s ambitious nature and strong star-driven appeal.
With a powerful cast, respected creative leadership, and a strategic release window, Wuthering Heights is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about literary adaptations of 2026.