St. Andrews, Scotland — Kharmel Cochrane, the casting director for the upcoming adaptation of Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights” by Emerald Fennell, has addressed recent criticism surrounding the casting of prominent actors Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in leading roles. At the Sands Film Festival, Cochrane defended key casting decisions that have drawn scrutiny regarding the actors’ ages and Elordi’s ethnicity.
Cochrane emphasized that the adaptation is a piece of art, suggesting that strict adherence to the original material isn’t essential. “There’s really no need for historical accuracy,” she stated, adding that “it’s just a book.” The acclaimed novel, set in late 18th-century Yorkshire, tells the intense story of Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, who is often interpreted as having a darker complexion, which has led to various portrayals over the years.
Traditionally, adaptations of “Wuthering Heights” have often overlooked the character’s potential Romany or Gypsy background, with past portrayals including actors such as Ralph Fiennes, Tom Hardy, and Timothy Dalton. The 2011 adaptation by Andrea Arnold notably cast mixed-race actor James Howson in the role, but many other adaptations have steered clear of this interpretation.
Cochrane acknowledged that the casting choices might not sit well with some fans of the literary classic. “There’s definitely going to be some English lit enthusiasts who won’t be thrilled,” she said. Her comments came in response to backlash on social media, where one user remarked on the perceived lack of sensitivity regarding racial representation. Other commenters highlighted the novel’s themes of class struggle and systemic issues that resonate even in modern contexts.
Robbie, now 34, is not the first choice for the age-appropriate portrayal of Catherine, who is depicted as younger in the book, and Elordi, at 27, presents a similar age discrepancy in comparison to their characters. This disparity has led to polarized opinions from audiences familiar with the source material.
Cochrane shared one particularly harsh critique she received: “Someone commented that the casting director should be shot. But I encourage viewers to wait until they see the film before making such judgments. The visuals—especially the set design—may surprise everyone.”
As anticipation builds, the adaptation promises a striking aesthetic, with Cochrane teasing elements that may diverge significantly from traditional interpretations, including unexpected visual components. The discussion around casting choices continues as both actors transition from recent high-profile projects, with Robbie leading the box office hit “Barbie” and Elordi featuring in Fennell’s “Saltburn,” which has already attracted its share of attention.
While the film may take creative liberties, the enduring themes depicted in Brontë’s work remain at the forefront of discussion, reflecting ongoing dialogues around representation and authenticity in cinematic storytelling. As the adaptation prepares for release, it remains to be seen how audiences will respond to this new iteration of a literary classic.