Emerald Fennell's film adaptation of Emily Brontë's 'Wuthering Heights' opened at number one at the North American box office with $34.8 million over the three-day weekend (projected to reach $40 million including Monday's Presidents' Day holiday). The film earned an additional $42 million internationally across 76 territories, bringing its global opening to approximately $82 million — matching its $80 million production budget before marketing costs.
The film stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi and takes significant creative liberties with the source material, featuring a Charli XCX soundtrack and what reviewers described as 'carnality and chic stylization.' Critics were divided, with the film receiving a 63% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, though audiences rated it higher at 81%. PostTrak polling showed 76% of opening weekend ticket buyers were women, and the film received a B CinemaScore, with only 51% saying they would 'definitely recommend' it.
The film outperformed two other major releases: the animated film 'GOAT' ($26 million domestic, $32 million projected four-day) and the thriller 'Crime 101' ($15.1 million). Prior to release, the film faced social media criticism over the casting of Elordi as Heathcliff, a character some scholars interpret as a person of color in the novel, though most previous adaptations have also cast white actors in the role.