Box Office: ‘Wuthering Heights’ Faces Unexpected Trouble, Needs Strong Valentine’s Day Bump

Hollywood Reporter

by Pamela McClintock

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

"Wuthering Heights," the bold adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, is facing unexpected challenges at the box office despite strong expectations. Directed by Emerald Fennell, the film, which received a B CinemaScore from audiences and mixed reviews, is projected to fall short of its $50 million pre-weekend tracking estimate. While Warner Bros. predicts a four-day domestic opening of $40 million during the Valentine’s Day/Presidents Day weekend, rival studios anticipate a lower figure between $33 million and $35 million. Although the movie is likely to top the holiday chart, its performance has been underwhelming compared to initial forecasts. The film, which was acquired by Warner Bros. and MRC for $80 million, had strong presales but struggled with walk-up business. The studio targeted older female audiences while also attempting to attract Gen Zers and younger Millennials through its marketing campaign. Despite this, the movie’s R-rated content and divisive reviews have contributed to its underperformance. While critics are split (Rotten Tomatoes score: 63%), audience exit surveys indicate a stronger approval rate of 84%. The film’s overseas performance remains solid, with Warners projecting a $40 million international opening, contributing to an estimated global start of $80 million. The challenges facing "Wuthering Heights" highlight the risks of unconventional adaptations and the importance of audience reception in determining box office success. While Warner Bros. has a track record of betting on risky projects that ultimately succeed, such as "One Battle After Another" and "Sinners," this film’s mixed response underscores the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry. The outcome of its Valentine’s Day weekend will be crucial for assessing whether the studio’s bold gamble pays off or if it faces significant setbacks in its theatrical strategy. For readers interested in entertainment, the story offers insights into the complexities of box office forecasting and the impact of audience perception on a film’s success. It also raises questions about the viability of reimagining classic literature for modern audiences and the challenges of balancing artistic vision with commercial appeal. With "Wuthering Heights" aiming to set a romantic tone

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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/14/2026