Jack Elordi, known for his role in Saltburn, recently opened up about his experience working with young actor Owen Cooper on the set of the highly anticipated Wuthering Heights adaptation.
Elordi, who is portraying the iconic Heathcliff, admitted to feeling somewhat intimidated by the teenage star, who plays a younger version of Heathcliff.
Cooper, fresh off his breakout role in Netflix’s Adolescence, has already garnered a reputation as a talented and fearless actor, earning praise from Elordi himself.
The Challenge of Working with a Talented Teenager
Elordi, 27, discussed how he initially approached Cooper, asking if he was nervous about their collaboration.
Cooper, never one to show fear, confidently responded, “No,” leaving Elordi impressed.
Despite their age difference, Elordi described Cooper as a “rock star” and a “brilliant” actor, but admitted that he was somewhat “intimidating” at first.
Elordi’s candidness about his first impressions shows the respect he has for the younger actor’s abilities, especially in such an emotionally charged role.
The Intrigue Behind the New Adaptation of Wuthering Heights
Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë’s classic novel, is being adapted for the screen by director Emerald Fennell, with a fresh take on the legendary characters.
The story centers on the doomed romance between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw, with Heathcliff being described as a “dark-skinned gypsy” and a “Lascar” in the original text.
In this adaptation, Elordi’s portrayal of Heathcliff has sparked some controversy, with critics questioning the casting of the Australian actor due to concerns about his racial ambiguity compared to the character’s descriptions in the novel.
A New Look for Heathcliff in the Film
The first images from the set, released recently, showcase Elordi in a much different light than his usual on-screen appearances.
Dressed in a long black coat, a gold-buttoned waistcoat, and sporting longer hair and sideburns, Elordi brings a rugged, swarthy appearance to Heathcliff. His character also sports a gold tooth, adding to the grittiness of his portrayal.
Meanwhile, Margot Robbie, playing Catherine Earnshaw, is seen in a voluminous black gown, with a black veil, in what appears to be a funeral scene.
Despite some backlash over the casting, Fennell’s vision for the characters seems to have resonated with the actors involved.
The Star-Studded Cast of Wuthering Heights
In addition to Elordi and Robbie, Wuthering Heights features a diverse and star-studded cast.
Shazad Latif, a British Pakistani actor, plays Edgar Linton, Cathy’s wealthy suitor, while Oscar-nominated actress Hong Chau, born in Thailand, portrays housekeeper Nelly Dean.
The inclusion of these actors has led to mixed reactions, with some fans criticizing the casting choices as being more suited for a modern Instagram aesthetic rather than a bleak Yorkshire moorland setting from the 1800s.
Nonetheless, the talented ensemble has brought together a unique mix of actors that aims to bring a fresh perspective to the timeless story.
Robbie and Elordi: A Reunited Pair on Set
Margot Robbie and Jack Elordi are no strangers to working together, having both appeared in Saltburn and the upcoming Chanel No. 5 short film See You at 5.
Robbie, who is producing Wuthering Heights through her company LuckyChap, has previously gushed about Elordi’s on-set presence.
She praised him for his “incredible presence” and expressed her excitement about working with him again.
Robbie and Elordi’s previous collaborations, including the production of Saltburn, have established a strong working relationship that has carried over into this new project.
A New Take on a Literary Classic
Wuthering Heights has been adapted numerous times over the years, with previous portrayals of Heathcliff by Tom Hardy, Ralph Fiennes, and Laurence Olivier.
Each actor has put their own spin on the tortured, complex anti-hero.
Elordi’s take on Heathcliff promises to be just as captivating, adding his own unique depth to the role.
The adaptation is already creating a buzz, with fans eagerly anticipating how Fennell’s vision will breathe new life into Brontë’s tragic tale of love and loss.
The Legacy of Wuthering Heights and Its Impact on Modern Audiences
Published in 1847, Wuthering Heights is considered one of the greatest novels in English literature.
The story’s exploration of passion, vengeance, and obsession continues to captivate readers and viewers alike.
As Fennell’s adaptation prepares for its release, the film promises to offer a new perspective on the iconic characters while still staying true to the heart of Brontë’s original work.
Fans of the novel and newcomers to the story alike will be watching closely to see how this new version compares to its predecessors.
Elordi’s Heathcliff: A Polarizing Role
Elordi’s casting as Heathcliff has certainly sparked a discussion about the role of race and identity in the adaptation of classic literature.
While some argue that the character’s description in the novel warrants a more racially ambiguous portrayal, others support Fennell’s choice to cast Elordi, a non-ambiguously white actor, in the role.
These debates reflect broader conversations about representation in Hollywood, but Elordi’s performance will ultimately be the deciding factor in whether his portrayal is successful.
The Anticipation Builds for Wuthering Heights
As the production of Wuthering Heights continues, fans are eagerly awaiting more details about the film.
With its star-studded cast, including Robbie, Elordi, and Cooper, the film is set to be one of the biggest releases of the year.
Whether the adaptation lives up to the legacy of the novel remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the combination of talent, vision, and a timeless story will make for a film that is sure to leave an impact on audiences worldwide.
Final Thoughts on the Wuthering Heights Adaptation
Wuthering Heights continues to be a story that resonates with audiences across generations.
With a cast of rising stars and established talents, Emerald Fennell’s new adaptation promises to be a visually stunning and emotionally charged retelling of a classic tale.
Whether fans embrace or critique the casting decisions, one thing is clear—the film is generating excitement, and viewers are eagerly awaiting the chance to see this new version of the tragic love story.