The first trailer for Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights has left fans of the book reeling due to its sexual content, with one shot involving a fish drawing particular derision.
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The Saltburn filmmaker’s next project is an adaptation of Emily Bronte’s classic novel, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as doomed lovers Catherine and Heathcliff. A test screening last month reportedly caused controversy among the audience due to the graphic sexual scenes in the film.
The first trailer for the film arrived yesterday (September 3), which featured moments of sexual tension between the two stars, as well as close ups of Elordi shirtless and suggestive actions. There is also an intense soundtrack from Charli XCX, who has written original songs for the film.
The adult nature of the clip has confused fans of the book on X (formerly Twitter). “Did they really need to make Wuthering Heights this steamy?” asked one user, with another adding: “WAIT WTF I didn’t know this shit was spicy.”
Did they really need to make Wuthering Heights this steamy?
— Aryan Gupta (@aryangupta1411) September 3, 2025
WAIT WTF I didn't know this shit was spicy maybe I should go read the book this trailer looks really good
— Kytn (@Kytn_Nyx) September 3, 2025
Some felt the clip went too far, with a commenter quipping: “Wuthering Heights but make it soft porn”, and another remarking: “it looks weirdly pervy.”
Wuthering Heights but make it soft porn https://t.co/JkmG9fZ9S3
— Denisa (@Denisa747417) September 4, 2025
It looks weirdly pervy.
— Nora Girl (@NoraGirl19) September 3, 2025
Special attention was paid to a moment in the trailer where someone’s finger appears to slide into the mouth of a dead fish. “Leave that fish alone you perv” one user reacted, with another joking: “my favourite part of Wuthering Heights is when a character ….*checks notes*… fingers a fish???”
Leave that fish alone you perv. pic.twitter.com/UO3Ae6oMIH
— Mr. Olympian (@mrolympian_) September 3, 2025
my favourite part of Wuthering Heights is when a character ….*checks notes*… fingers a fish??? https://t.co/jwJ5uhjkG6 pic.twitter.com/nC57aEreUD
— winter🏹(GWEN DAY!!!!!) (@winterduck04) September 4, 2025
Wuthering Heights will be released on Valentine’s Day 2026. The supporting cast includes Hong Chau (The Whale) while Margot Robbie serves as the producer. Recently, the Barbie star was said to be in talks to produce and star in Tim Burton’s Attack of the Fifty Foot Woman remake.