Margot Robbie has described an intense and “codependent” working relationship with her co-star Jacob Elordi while filming the new adaptation of Wuthering Heights. In a recent cast interview, the actress explained how she quickly became reliant on Elordi’s presence on set, even feeling “lost” when he wasn’t nearby. These candid comments about their “mutual obsession” have sparked a wave of reactions online, with some social media users questioning the nature of the actors’ bond. Robbie and Elordi star as the tortured lovers Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff in director Emerald Fennell’s upcoming film, which is scheduled for release on February 13, 2026.
The “Codependent” Dynamic On Set
During a joint interview for Fandango, Margot Robbie opened up about the unique connection she formed with Jacob Elordi. She described herself as someone who often becomes very attached to colleagues, saying, “I’m so codependent with people I work with, and I love everyone so much”. She noted that this dynamic developed rapidly with Elordi.
Robbie recalled that in the first few days of filming, Elordi would consistently position himself near her, quietly observing her character work. “I remember the first couple days on set, he would just be always in the vicinity where I was, but like in a corner, watching Cathy”. Director Emerald Fennell clarified she did not instruct this behavior, joking, “I actually had to ask him to leave”.
Robbie admitted she soon grew accustomed to his presence. “I found myself starting to look around to see where he was”. When Elordi was not around, she felt unsettled. “I was really unnerved and unmoored. I felt quite lost, like a kid without their blanket or something”. Elordi agreed with Robbie’s description, calling their relationship a “mutual obsession”. He expressed immense admiration for her craft, stating he would watch her closely to learn.
Online Reactions Question the Actors’ Comments
The actors’ frank discussion of their “codependent” and obsessive working relationship quickly drew attention on social media. A significant portion of the online conversation focused on Robbie’s personal life; she is married to film producer Tom Ackerley, with whom she welcomed a son in late 2024.
Many users questioned the appropriateness of her comments, with one asking, “How is this not cheating?” and another calling it “Marriage ending material right there”. Remarks like “Doesn’t she have a husband?” and “I can feel the husband’s pain” were common in comment sections. The discussion led some to debate where professional on-set chemistry ends and personal attachment begins.
Addressing Broader Casting Controversies
The conversation about the actors’ bond comes amidst existing controversy surrounding the film’s casting decisions. Since the first trailer was released, the project has faced criticism for its lead actors not matching the classic descriptions of their characters from Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel.
In the novel, Heathcliff is repeatedly described as “dark-skinned” and is widely interpreted by scholars to be of Romani or possibly Black heritage. The casting of Jacob Elordi, a white actor, has been called a “missed opportunity” for more authentic representation. Critics have labeled the choice “whitewashing,” with one social media user stating, “The very existence of a white Heathcliff offends me”.
Margot Robbie’s casting as the teenage Catherine has also been questioned, as the 34-year-old actress is playing a character who dies at age 18. Robbie has publicly addressed the backlash. “I get it,” she told British Vogue. “There’s nothing else to go off at this point until people see the movie”. She passionately defended Elordi’s performance, telling fans to “just wait” and trust that he embodies the role.
“I saw him play Heathcliff. And he is Heathcliff… He’s incredible and I believe in him so much. I honestly think he’s our generation’s Daniel Day-Lewis”. Director Emerald Fennell defended her choice of Robbie, describing the character Cathy as a “star” and a “recreational sadist” who requires “big dick energy” to portray, a quality she says Robbie possesses.
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A Provocative Vision for a Classic Story
Emerald Fennell’s adaptation is intentionally framed as a personal and provocative take on the classic Gothic novel. The film’s official title is stylized with quotation marks—“Wuthering Heights”—a deliberate choice by the director. Fennell explained that the marks signify her film is one specific interpretation, not a definitive adaptation.
“I can’t say I’m making Wuthering Heights. It’s not possible. What I can say is I’m making a version of it”. She described the book as “dense and complicated and difficult” and wanted the film to feel inclusive for fellow devotees. Fennell has stated her ambition is to create “this generation’s Titanic”—an epic, sweeping romance for modern audiences.
The film’s first trailer, set to Charli XCX’s song “Everything is Romantic,” established a highly stylized, sensual, and dramatic tone. Reports from an early test screening described the film as “aggressively provocative”. Robbie, who also serves as a producer on the film, has teased its content. “Everyone’s expecting this to be very, very raunchy. I think people will be surprised… it’s more romantic than provocative”. She cited a simple scene where Heathcliff shelters Cathy from rain as profoundly moving.
The movie “Wuthering Heights” arrives in theaters worldwide on February 13, 2026. The film will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.
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