Jacob Elordi Nearly Quit Acting Before Emerald Fennell Cast Him in ‘Wuthering Heights’ Adaptation

Before being approached by director Emerald Fennell for her upcoming ‘Wuthering Heights’ adaptation, Jacob Elordi recently revealed that he had been preparing to take a break from acting.  Fennell, who was well-known for ‘Promising Young Woman’ and ‘Saltburn’, texted Elordi to ask him to play Heathcliff. He couldn’t refuse the offer.

 After collaborating with Elordi on ‘Saltburn’, Fennell returns to directing with her third feature.   Elordi is starring opposite Margot Robbie, who plays Catherine Earnshaw, in the just-finished movie.  Robbie’s performance was praised by Elordi, who described her as vibrant and devoted to her part.  He praised her on-screen charisma and emotional depth, saying he was eager for viewers to see her representation.

Fans’ initial opinions of the film have been conflicting, despite its remarkable skill.  On Valentine’s Day, Warner Bros. unveiled a mysterious first teaser image that sparked controversy and bewilderment. It featured an eerie close-up of fingers inside a mouth amid greenery.  Many internet commenters expressed concern that the adaptation might be veering too much toward erotica and questioned the image’s apparent sensuous tone.  Some observers thought that this approach deviated too much from Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel’s original tone.

Image Courtesy: The Hollywood Reporter

Elordi’s choice to play Heathcliff has also generated controversy.  Since Heathcliff is portrayed in the book as having a dark complexion, some have questioned whether using a white actor for the part ignores the character’s unclear racial background.  The chief editor of the Brontë Society’s journal, Dr. Claire O’Callaghan, made a statement about how critical it is to recognise Heathcliff’s race, particularly in light of contemporary culture.

 The 1939 classic featuring Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon, the 2009 ITV drama starring Tom Hardy, and the 2011 film starring Kaya Scodelario and James Howson are just a few of the many adaptations of ‘Wuthering Heights’ that have been made over the years.

Elordi is presently filming the third season of HBO’s ‘Euphoria’ while juggling other significant projects.  Some cast members, such as Barbie Ferreira and Storm Reid, have left the show since the last season aired.  Elordi is expected to return, though, along with Sydney Sweeney and Hunter Schafer.

–Farheen Ali