The Battle for Wuthering Heights: Theatrical vs. Streaming
In a dramatic clash that has captivated Hollywood, the ongoing bidding war for the film adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel Wuthering Heights highlights the stark contrast between traditional theatrical releases and the burgeoning streaming industry. In this instance, the theaters have emerged victorious.
This highly anticipated project is being helmed by the talented writer and director Emerald Fennell, known for her viral, provocative hits like Promising Young Woman and Saltburn. Fennell’s vision for the film promises to reimagine the tale through a modern lens, emphasizing a gothic and sensual interpretation. The film is set to feature Margot Robbie in the role of the passionate Catherine Earnshaw, alongside Jacob Elordi, who will portray the tempestuous Heathcliff. Given Fennell’s track record, audiences can expect an R-rated experience that is both edgy and contemporary.
Initially, Netflix made a substantial offer of $150 million to secure the film rights, hoping to add a significant title to its growing catalog. However, Margot Robbie, who is producing the film alongside her husband, Tom Ackerley, and business partner Josey McNamara, was keen on preserving her reputation for producing films that receive theatrical releases. This aligns with her successful strategy exemplified by the hit film Barbie, albeit with a darker and more sensual twist.
Ultimately, Robbie’s production team, in collaboration with the independent studio MRC, decided to partner with Warner Bros., which announced the news on Thursday. Warner Bros. offered approximately $80 million, complemented by a robust marketing commitment, making it an attractive deal. This partnership is further strengthened by Robbie’s existing multiyear first-look deal with the studio.
In a joint statement, Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, co-chairs of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, expressed their enthusiasm: “From the moment we were introduced to Emerald’s vision for the film, and with an incredible cast led by Margot and Jacob, we were instantly committed to forging a partnership with this team to ensure the movie was brought to theaters around the world.”
This decisive move represents a significant setback for Netflix. Securing Wuthering Heights would have been a notable achievement for their new film chief, Dan Lin. However, Lin faced similar constraints as his predecessor, especially considering the hesitance from Netflix’s upper management regarding theatrical releases. Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s co-chief executive, reiterated this viewpoint during a recent earnings call, stating, “I’m just going to reiterate, we are in the subscription entertainment business.” He added, “I’m sure that we can continue to pierce the zeitgeist and have those moments in the culture, even when those moments begin on Netflix.”
Interestingly, Margot Robbie stands out as one of the few A-list actresses who has yet to star in a film released by a streaming platform. Her rising star power in Hollywood has been significantly bolstered by the phenomenal success of Barbie, which became the highest-grossing film of 2023. With production for Wuthering Heights set to commence in the first quarter of next year, Robbie’s next venture promises to be both a critical and commercial success.