Opinion | The Problem With Hot, White Heathcliff in ‘Wuthering Heights’

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by Naveen Kumar

February 20, 2026

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The article critiques Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of *Wuthering Heights*, particularly her casting choices that prioritize white leads over the novel’s racial complexities. Emily Brontë’s original text describes Heathcliff as a “dark-skinned gipsy,” a “Lascar,” and possibly a slave, suggesting his nonwhite identity. By casting Jacob Elordi as a white Heathcliff, Fennell ignores this ambiguity, reducing the story’s rich racial tension to mere passion and revenge. This approach aligns with a long history of whitewashing in adaptations, from Laurence Olivier to Ralph Fiennes, which erases the novel’s critique of imperialism and racialOtherness. The film also features Hong Chau as Nelly Dean, a nonwhite character caught in the chaos of the story. While her presence adds much-needed diversity, it contrasts sharply with the white-centric focus on Heathcliff and Cathy Earnshaw (played by Margot Robbie). The article highlights how this casting choice flattens the novel’s themes, turning a nuanced exploration of race and identity into a simpler tale of forbidden love. This matters because it reflects broader issues in Hollywood’s approach to classic literature. By whitewashing characters like Heathcliff, media continues to erase marginalized voices and ignores the historical context of the text. The article argues that such adaptations not only misrepresent the source material but also perpetuate harmful stereotypes about race and belonging. Understanding Heathcliff’s possible nonwhite identity could deepen audiences’ appreciation for the novel’s critique of colonialism and racialOtherness, making it a more inclusive and thought-provoking work. Ultimately, the article calls for greater attention to literary characters’ racial complexities in modern adaptations. By prioritizing diversity and authenticity, filmmakers can create richer, more meaningful stories that resonate with a wider audience. This shift is not just about political correctness but about honoring the depth of classic literature and its relevance to contemporary issues of race and identity.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/20/2026