“Sign Me Up”: Controversial ‘Wuthering Heights’ Adaptation Stuns Viewers With Severe Adult Scene

Fans are calling for casting director, Kharmel Cochrane to be “shot” after a test viewing of the latest adaptation of the 1847 classic Wuthering Heights.

The menacing behavior is part of a general pattern of dissent surrounding English producer Emerald Fennell’s foray into old literature after her 2023 dark comedy, Saltburn—which is known for its adult themes. 

According to those who saw the preview in Dallas on August 4, Fennell’s proclivity for X-rated content has spilled over into the new production.

People who have seen the sneak preview have slammed the film for being “tonally abrasive”

Actors in a dramatic scene from the controversial Wuthering Heights adaptation known for its severe adult content.

Image credits: Plex

World of Reel, a platform covering the film industry, reported that the audience displayed a “visible restlessness” during the viewing.

It quoted a critic describing it (the film) as “aggressively provocative and tonally abrasive,” claiming that it leans “hard into Fennell’s now-familiar brand of stylized depravity.”

“It’s a deliberately unromantic take on (Emily) Brontë’s novel,” the critic complained, “of emotional nuance and full of salacious detours that serve shock value. 

Woman in a black top holding a microphone, discussing the controversial Wuthering Heights adaptation at an event panel.

Image credits: Samir Hussein/Getty

“[It is] far more explicit than any previous adaptation of this material,” they said of the film that allegedly starts “with a public hanging,” and “quickly descends into grotesque absurdity.”

Fans threatened the producer for casting Margot Robbie in the film

Actor posing in navy outfit against a red rose wall backdrop at event for controversial Wuthering Heights adaptation.

The verbal thrashing extended to the producer’s choice of actors, with another attendee pointing out that while Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie played Heathcliff and Cathy earnestly and have “great chemistry,” their characters were “so cold and unlikable that even strong acting can’t create a point of connection.”

Image credits: Brendon Thorne/Getty

Three actors in period costumes from a Wuthering Heights adaptation portraying tense and dramatic scenes outdoors.

Image credits: Prime Video

“You can read anything into a book and make it your interpretation. 

“And it’s really easy to sit online and say things, but just wait until you’ve watched it, and then you can say – maybe not that I deserve to be shot – but you can say what you want!’” Cochrane suggested.

Fundis in the industry are suggesting that this is just the reaction that Fennell was aiming for 

Two actors in period clothing on a foggy moorland setting, from the controversial Wuthering Heights adaptation.

Image credits: Oscilloscope Pictures

The World of Reel critique observed that the screenplay steps away from the original plot in a manner that is typical of Fennell, and that it was the “most unusual Wuthering Heights to date.”

But this “might not be a bad thing,” it conceded.

“The last thing anyone wants is another by-the-numbers adaptation.

“What the next film version called for was a jolt of fresh energy, something bold and unexpected.”

Hardcover edition of Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë with ornate silver detailing and tree illustration on the cover.

Image credits: Once Upon a Book Club

“Ooohh now then …you got me interest[ed] in watch[ing] this one,” wrote a fan in response to a Facebook update.

“That’s what happens when Emerald Fennell is involved,” observed another.

Blonde woman wearing black leather jacket and white turtleneck, posing against light wooden wall for Wuthering Heights adaptation.

Image credits: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty

A focal point for netizens was the adaptation’s adult themes, and one person, opting for the middle ground, wrote: “So showing the depths of human depravity hasn’t changed much in a few hundred years.”

Some people see a flop coming

Commenter Jan Pogonowski questions a film adaptation, suggesting Running Up That Hill as a more interesting option.

Comment by David Pallett stating he thought Heathcliff was black, related to controversial Wuthering Heights adaptation discussion.

Comment saying Sign me up and asking where to watch, reacting with laughing emojis on a social media post about Wuthering Heights adaptation.

Comment by Elena De Lisi - Barker criticizing a controversial Wuthering Heights adaptation for using a severe adult scene to boost ratings.

Text message about a controversial adult scene in a Wuthering Heights adaptation revealing unexpected filming details.

User comment reading I predict a flop, related to controversial Wuthering Heights adaptation with a severe adult scene.

Graham Davies commenting on setting up a stall early, shown in a social media post with a blue like icon.

Facebook comment from Amber Luna Skae expressing interest in a controversial Wuthering Heights adaptation with a severe adult scene.

Comment by user Richard Ayton, labeled as Top Fan, stating he doesn't remember that scene in the book.

Facebook comment by Sarah Sutherland discussing the controversial Wuthering Heights adaptation and its severe adult scene.

Comment by Michelle Husband, top fan, expressing frustration about spoiling a classic in a controversial Wuthering Heights adaptation.

Screenshot of a social media comment by Ceri Jones reacting to a controversial Wuthering Heights adaptation scene.

Comment by Carrie Bennett referencing Emerald Fennell’s involvement in the controversial Wuthering Heights adaptation.

Comment by R.F. Schulthies suggesting to just read the book, discussing the controversial Wuthering Heights adaptation.

User comment by Rennie Calisto, labeled Top Fan, expressing excitement with the phrase sounds brilliant already.

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