2026 brings with it a streak of 24 book-to-screen adaptations, some of which have already won hearts, with others on the horizon. Leading the "most-anticipated" list is Emerald Fennell's Saltburn-style renaissance of the classic Emily Brontë novel that is Wuthering Heights. While the internet has made it difficult for fans of classic literature and cinema alike to stay put for what’s coming, the movie does come close to perfection when it is about casting. 

Guiding our 'dear readers' for the epic Emily Brontë saga that is about to unfold, here is a careful breakdown of all major cast and characters and where we have seen them before. 

Beware, there are two Catherines in the plot (at least in the book, a mother and a daughter). Margot Robbie, the three-time Oscar nominee, plays the main female protagonist, the mother, Catherine Earnshaw, devastatingly in love with Heathcliff. Having led the Barbie Blockbuster previously, Robbie is best known for other critically acclaimed hits like Suicide Squad, The Wolf of Wall Street, Babylon, and more. There is no known cast for her daughter’s character, Catherine Linton, yet. 

Playing the brooding, young, and dilapidated hero-gone-rogue Heathcliff is this year’s Oscar Nominee, Jacob Elordi. Having recognised world class fame following Euphoria, the actor just pushed his name forward in the 2026 Oscar race for his fierce acting in Netflix’s yet another book to screen adaptation Frankenstein. Fans craving more of Elordi can turn to Saltburn, Deep Water, The Kissing Booth and more sensual hits. 

Netflix Adolescence star, Owen Cooper takes on as younger Heathcliff. The star swept multiple accolades, including a Primetime Emmy, Golden Globes, Critics Choice award and more, which have now set the stage his next big race (Oscars!) in Emerald Fennell’s on-screen saga. He plays the conflicted, tortured and isolated young Heathcliff who grows into the beast that Elordi’s character portrays.

Emerging British star, Charlotte Mellington, plays the younger version of Margot Robbie’s character. Fresh off musical theatre, 14-year-old earned herself recognition amongst Hollywood directors, post a telling portrayal of Lavender in Matilda the Musical in London’s West End. Given Catherine Earnshaw's daughter becoming a vital object to articulate Heathcliff’s revenge, we are expecting Mellington to be the one who fills the daughter Catherine’s gap. However, that is still up in the air.

Ever since the very beginning of what rolls out in the dark,murky, Yorkshire moors, the character who portrays as the narrator for a significant chunk of the plot, Nelly Dean, is played by Oscar Nominee Hong Chau. Having earned much fame in her breakout role in Downsizing, Chau won hearts in 2022’s The Whale. 

Rounding out the emotional and moral architecture of Wuthering Heights is a sharply chosen supporting cast. 

Alison Oliver steps in as Isabella Linton, a character defined by naïveté, romantic delusion, and eventual disillusionment. Having proven her aptitude for emotionally fragile roles with Normal People and the gothic thriller Saltburn, Alison is a natural fit for Isabella’s tragic arc.

As Edgar Linton, the genteel counterpoint to Heathcliff’s savagery, Shazad Latif brings a quiet intensity honed through roles in Star Trek: Discovery and the psychological thriller The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. 

Veteran actor Martin Clunes appears as Mr. Earnshaw, the patriarch whose decisions set much of the novel’s tragedy into motion. Best known for the long-running British series Doc Martin, Clunes lends the role a weathered authority and ambiguity that suits Chatherine’s father’s conflicted compassion.

In the role of Joseph, the harshly devout and judgmental servant, Ewan Mitchell continues his streak of aceing performances after House of the Dragon and The Last Kingdom. His casting signals a darker, more menacing interpretation of Joseph rather than comic relief.

Amy Morgan plays Zillah, the pragmatic housekeeper navigating the Earnshaw household’s emotional warfare. Morgan, previously seen in award-winning shows like Netflix’s The Crown and Peaky Blinders. Completing the ensemble is Jessica Knappett as Mrs. Burton, a smaller but socially telling role. Known widely for Drifters and Taskmaster, Knappett’s presence hints at a sharp edge within limited screen time.

'Wuthering Heights' Costume Designer Slams Historical Inaccuracy in the Film, Claims It's All Style

What do you think of Wuthering Heights 2026 cast ensemble? Do they sit right enough? Let us know in the comments below.