February 12, 2026 — 8:30pm
Sydneysiders had a double treat on Thursday evening as they gathered on George Street, eager to either shop Hailey Bieber’s billion-dollar beauty brand, Rhode, at Mecca or catch a glimpse of Hollywood stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as they graced the blue carpet for the premiere of “Wuthering Heights” at the State Theatre. This much-anticipated event marked the Australian debut of the film, directed by the Oscar-winning provocateur Emerald Fennell.
Fans have been eagerly awaiting both events for months. However, it is Fennell’s bold interpretation of Emily Brontë’s classic that has sparked considerable controversy even before its release. The film, starring Robbie and Elordi, has been a topic of heated debate among critics and audiences alike.
Controversial Adaptation Sparks Debate
Margot Robbie, addressing the media at the premiere, acknowledged the mixed reactions to the film. “I suppose you can assume that’s going to happen, particularly when you’re making a bold interpretation like [Fennell’s] version of ‘Wuthering Heights’ is,” Robbie commented, reflecting on the storm of opinions surrounding the adaptation.
Joining Robbie and Elordi on the blue carpet were fellow celebrities Hailey Bieber and Australian actress Sarah Snook, adding to the star-studded allure of the evening. Despite the polarizing views, Robbie encouraged audiences to watch the film and form their own opinions. “There’s going to be mixed opinions for sure, but we just weather the storm and wait for people to see the movie, and they can make up their minds for themselves,” she added.
On-Screen Chemistry and Off-Screen Drama
The chemistry between Robbie and Elordi has been a focal point of the film’s promotion. Their off-screen antics, including Robbie’s bold fashion choices and Elordi’s romantic gestures, have captivated and bewildered audiences. During filming, Elordi, embodying his character Heathcliff, filled Robbie’s room with roses on Valentine’s Day, a gesture that sparked much discussion among fans and media alike.
Robbie, who is married to producer Tom Ackerley, dismissed rumors of any real-life romance with Elordi, stating that the perceived chemistry was part of their promotional strategy. “The polarising reactions to the press tour were not part of the strategy,” Robbie clarified, emphasizing that their relationship was purely professional.
Modern Take on a Classic Tale
Fennell’s adaptation of “Wuthering Heights” has been noted for its modern twists, including a soundtrack by hyper-pop star Charli XCX and contemporary costume designs. These elements, along with Elordi’s casting as a whitewashed Heathcliff, have been points of contention among purists of the original novel.
However, some see these changes as a necessary evolution of the story. Narelle, an English teacher and fan of Gothic literature, attended the premiere with her daughter and expressed excitement about the modern interpretation. “The best Romeo and Juliet is Baz Luhrmann’s, so this is going to be the best ‘Wuthering Heights’ because it’s a modern interpretation,” she stated, highlighting Fennell’s approach to adapting the classic for a contemporary audience.
Box Office Expectations and Audience Reception
According to industry reports, Warner Bros. is anticipating a strong box office performance, with projections estimating a global opening weekend gross of at least $US70 million ($98 million). Elordi, who has been actively engaging with fans, understands the importance of audience support. During the premiere, he took time to interact with fans, including posing for selfies with young admirers, further endearing himself to the public.
As the film opens to audiences, the question remains whether Fennell’s adaptation will resonate with viewers and stand the test of time as a modern classic. The coming weeks will reveal whether the film’s bold choices will pay off at the box office and in the hearts of audiences worldwide.
The premiere of “Wuthering Heights” in Sydney not only showcased the film’s stars but also highlighted the ongoing dialogue between traditional literary adaptations and modern cinematic interpretations. As fans and critics continue to debate, one thing is certain: the film has successfully captured the attention of audiences around the globe.
