A polarizing adaptation opens big
Emerald Fennell’s provocative adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights opened in theaters this week and immediately reignited debate. The film — Fennell’s largest theatrical release to date — has split critics and viewers with its stylistic reinvention of the classic novel, yet that polarization appears to be working in its favor at the box office.
Producers and distributors have already seen a sizable payday: the movie eclipsed the combined lifetime domestic grosses of some of Margot Robbie’s recent smaller releases in just a single day of release, and is on track to surpass others by the end of the opening weekend.
Opening-day numbers and weekend expectations
Wuthering Heights brought in roughly $11 million domestically on its opening day. Industry projections estimate an extended four-day weekend haul near $40 million. Those early receipts suggest strong initial interest—driven in part by the film’s controversial marketing and the widespread conversation surrounding Fennell’s unconventional choices.
The film reportedly cost about $80 million to produce. While that budget makes the film a significant investment, its early box office performance gives it room to build toward profitability, especially if international markets and secondary windows add steady revenue.
How controversy is fueling box office momentum
The adaptation departs notably from Brontë’s novel in places, and the changes have drawn fierce reactions. Some Brontë loyalists have criticized the liberties taken with plot and characterization, while others have applauded Fennell’s bold, modernized approach and cinematic flair. That split has amplified media attention and social conversation—often a boon for opening-weekend attendance.
This dynamic mirrors other recent releases where strong reactions—positive and negative—translated into robust ticket sales, at least initially. Whether the film can sustain momentum will depend on word-of-mouth and how broadly audiences embrace Fennell’s reinterpretation.
Critical reception and audience response
Critical aggregation places Wuthering Heights at a middling position: around 64% on Rotten Tomatoes. The general critical sentiment describes the film as a visually striking and sensual reimagining that prioritizes style and intensity over strict fidelity to the source material.
Audience reaction has been mixed as well. The film earned a B grade on CinemaScore, a sign that while many viewers enjoyed the experience, a notable portion left underwhelmed—an outcome that can sometimes forecast a steeper week-to-week drop than films with stronger audience grades.
Impact on Margot Robbie’s box office record
Margot Robbie’s recent filmography includes wide swings at the box office. Two of her smaller releases—Babylon (2022) and A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (2025)—grossed about $16 million and $6 million domestically, respectively. By the end of its first weekend, Wuthering Heights is expected to overtake those totals, underscoring how a single high-profile release can recalibrate an actor’s box-office metrics.
Robbie also remains associated with one of the biggest commercial hits of recent years, the satirical blockbuster Barbie, which serves as a reminder of her ability to anchor both huge mainstream successes and more niche prestige or art-house projects.
Supporting cast, awards buzz, and production credits
The film’s ensemble includes Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff and Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw, with supporting turns from Hong Chau and rising star Owen Cooper. Elordi currently has awards momentum—he received a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his role in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein and is in the midst of a high-profile awards push, which could indirectly heighten attention for Wuthering Heights.
Emerald Fennell wrote and directed the film, with producing credits that include Margot Robbie, Tom Ackerley, Fennell herself, and Josey McNamara. The movie carries an R rating, runs approximately 136 minutes, and was released February 13, 2026.
What to watch next
Key indicators to monitor over the coming weeks:
- Weekend-to-weekend drop: A steep decline after opening would signal limited staying power; a modest decline would indicate stronger word-of-mouth.
- International performance: Global box office and key overseas markets could substantially affect the film’s financial outcome.
- Awards-season lift: Any nominations or wins for cast or technical categories can drive renewed interest and theatrical legs.
- Audience sentiment shift: How non-critic viewers respond once initial curiosity wanes will determine long-term box office durability.
Wuthering Heights is currently playing in theaters. With its combination of star power, striking visuals, and contentious reimagining of a literary classic, it’s shaping up to be one of the most talked-about releases of the season.