Jacob Elordi Will Play Heathcliff in New Wuthering Heights Movie

Jacob Elordi has been chosen to play the character Heathcliff in a new movie version of Wuthering Heights. The director, Emerald Fennell, said she picked him because he looked like a picture of Heathcliff she saw and that he is a surprising actor. Some people have talked about this choice, but the director hopes to show a new view of the story.
By Newsroom | Movies, Books |

The casting of Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff in Emerald Fennell's upcoming adaptation of Wuthering Heights has ignited considerable discussion. Elordi, known for his work in Euphoria and Fennell's previous film Saltburn, steps into a role that carries significant literary weight. The film's upcoming release has brought attention to Fennell's directorial choices and Elordi's suitability for the iconic, often enigmatic, character of Heathcliff.

The debate surrounding Elordi's portrayal touches upon audience expectations, the director's vision, and the enduring legacy of Emily Brontë's novel. As the film approaches its release, the conversations highlight the varied interpretations of a classic story and the actors chosen to bring them to life.

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Director's Vision and Elordi's Suitability

Director Emerald Fennell has offered insights into her decision to cast Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, a choice that has not been without its critics. Fennell has stated that Elordi possessed a certain quality she envisioned for her interpretation of the character.

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  • Fennell's primary justification for selecting Elordi stems from his resemblance to an illustration of Heathcliff she encountered in a book.

  • She also described Elordi as a "very surprising actor," suggesting an element of unexpected depth or performance she anticipated.

  • This casting decision has drawn attention, with some questioning its alignment with traditional portrayals of the character.

Fan Reactions and Perceived Backlash

The selection of Jacob Elordi for the role of Heathcliff has generated a degree of fan reaction, which some reports have termed "backlash." This response appears to be multifaceted, encompassing concerns about the actor's suitability and the director's approach to the source material.

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  • Reports indicate that some fans have voiced surprise or disagreement regarding Elordi's casting.

  • Discussions have also centered on the perceived erotic nature of promotional materials for Fennell's film, including a trailer that revealed Heathcliff with a gold tooth and muttonchops.

  • It has been noted that Elordi himself was aware that his casting would provoke a reaction, which he appears to view as a positive outcome that engages the audience.

Elordi's Own Doubts and Fennell's Interpretations

Even Jacob Elordi reportedly experienced initial reservations about taking on the role of Heathcliff. This internal consideration, coupled with Emerald Fennell's distinctive directorial approach, forms a crucial aspect of the casting narrative.

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  • Elordi has admitted to having doubts when he was first offered the Heathcliff role.

  • This period piece presented challenges that the actor felt unsure he could meet.

  • Fennell has stated her intention to focus on the "sado-masochistic elements" of the novel.

  • She has also suggested her film is a distinct interpretation, noting that her Wuthering Heights is "not an exact replica of the source material."

Addressing Casting Controversies

Director Emerald Fennell has actively addressed the controversies surrounding her casting of Jacob Elordi in Wuthering Heights. Her defense highlights her creative intent and the nuances of the original novel.

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  • Fennell has acknowledged accusations of "white-washing" the character, particularly in relation to the novel's depiction of Heathcliff's ethnicity as intentionally ambiguous.

  • She has put the film's title in quotation marks to signify that it is an adaptation that deviates from the exact text.

  • Fennell maintains that her version of the story includes elements and events that were not present in Brontë's original work.

Elordi's Career Trajectory

Jacob Elordi's role as Heathcliff comes at a point of notable visibility in his career. His collaboration with Emerald Fennell on Saltburn preceded this project, establishing a working relationship that has continued.

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  • Elordi's prior work with Fennell on Saltburn is mentioned as a precursor to his casting in Wuthering Heights.

  • He is described as having given a "memorable and haunting performance" in Saltburn.

  • The actor's participation in Wuthering Heights is a significant undertaking, positioning him to tackle a classic literary figure.

Expert Analysis

David Schilling, writing for The Guardian, questioned the artistic merit and intent behind Fennell's adaptation. He suggests that the director's focus might be on superficial elements, stating, "The aspects of Wuthering Heights that spoke to Emerald Fennell the most are clearly kissing a hot guy that is sort of your brother."

Jacob Elordi: 11 Roles You'd Probably Forgotten He Played Before Wuthering Heights - 4

Fennell herself has defended her choices, telling Fandango, "It’s not possible," in reference to replicating the book exactly. She further elaborated on her vision for the film, indicating her desire to explore different narrative paths and emphasize specific thematic elements.

Conclusion

The casting of Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff in Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights is a focal point of discussion, fueled by fan expectations and the director's distinct interpretive choices. Fennell has cited Elordi's resemblance to an early illustration of Heathcliff and his capacity for surprising performances as key reasons for his selection. While some audience members have expressed doubts, leading to discussions about potential backlash and concerns regarding the film's thematic direction, Elordi himself has admitted to initial uncertainties about the role. Fennell has also addressed controversies, including accusations of "white-washing," by emphasizing the ambiguous ethnicity of Heathcliff in the novel and her own deliberate artistic liberties with the source material. Elordi's involvement follows his notable performance in Fennell's previous film, Saltburn, signaling a continued creative partnership. The varied perspectives suggest that this adaptation aims to offer a unique, and potentially polarizing, rendition of the classic novel.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is playing Heathcliff in the new Wuthering Heights movie?
Jacob Elordi is playing Heathcliff. He is known for other movies and shows.
Q: Why was Jacob Elordi chosen for the role?
The director, Emerald Fennell, said she chose him because he looked like an old drawing of Heathcliff and she thinks he is a surprising actor.
Q: Have people talked about this casting choice?
Yes, some people have talked about it. The director is trying to make a new version of the story.
Q: Did Jacob Elordi want to play Heathcliff?
He said he had some doubts at first because the role was hard.
Q: What is the director's plan for the movie?
The director wants to focus on some parts of the book that are about strong feelings and maybe difficult relationships. She also said her movie is not exactly the same as the book.