Takeaways for Entertainment Professionals:
- Rising star Owen Cooper, just 15, impresses industry veteran Jacob Elordi on set.
- Wuthering Heights is the third collaboration between Emerald Fennell and Margot Robbie’s LuckyChap.
- Big names like Margot Robbie, Shazad Latif, and Hong Chau round out a stellar cast.
- The film is set to release in February 2026, promising a fresh, psychological take on the classic novel.
Rising Talent Meets Seasoned Star: Owen Cooper Leaves a Mark on Wuthering Heights Set
On the set of Netflix’s upcoming adaptation of Wuthering Heights, it wasn’t seasoned actor Jacob Elordi who stole the spotlight—it was 15-year-old rising star Owen Cooper. Known for his breakout role in Netflix’s Adolescence, Cooper is already making waves in the entertainment world, and according to Elordi, he’s not just talented—he’s “intimidating.”
Elordi, fresh off the success of Saltburn, takes on the role of Heathcliff in the psychological drama directed by Emerald Fennell. Cooper plays the younger version of the iconic character, and their dynamic has quickly become a highlight of the film’s production.
“He’s a rock star. He’s brilliant and he’s intimidating,” Elordi shared in a recent interview with 10 News First in Australia. “I asked him if he was nervous, and he just said, ‘No.’ I thought, ‘Cool… me neither.’ But seriously, he is a tremendous actor.”
From Adolescence to Wuthering Heights: Owen Cooper’s Meteoric Rise
Owen Cooper’s chilling performance as a teen accused of murder in Adolescence turned heads across the industry. His ability to channel complex emotions has now landed him one of literature’s most psychologically rich characters. And while many young actors might feel overwhelmed working with a director like Fennell and a cast of A-listers, Cooper seems unfazed—and that’s exactly what impresses his peers.
His confidence and depth bring a fresh perspective to Heathcliff’s tortured beginnings, setting the stage for Elordi’s brooding adult portrayal.
A Star-Studded Ensemble: Bringing the Moors to Life
Director Emerald Fennell—known for Promising Young Woman and Saltburn—returns with a bold reimagining of Emily Brontë’s 1847 classic. With the support of Margot Robbie’s LuckyChap Entertainment, this adaptation promises a darker, more psychologically intense version of Wuthering Heights.
Here’s the powerhouse lineup joining Elordi and Cooper:
- Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw
- Shazad Latif as Edgar Linton
- Hong Chau as Nelly Dean
- Alison Oliver (Elordi’s Saltburn co-star) as Isabella Linton
Robbie is also producing the film, continuing her successful collaboration with Fennell. The pair previously teamed up on Promising Young Woman and Saltburn, both of which garnered critical acclaim and awards buzz.
Emerald Fennell’s Vision: Grit, Passion, and Psychological Depth
Fennell, known for her dark and complex storytelling, teased fans with a quote from the novel last year:
“Be with me always – take any form – drive me mad.”
This line foreshadows the emotionally charged tone fans can expect from the adaptation. Fennell’s unique ability to merge stylized storytelling with raw emotion ensures this version of Wuthering Heights will resonate far beyond traditional period dramas.
Margot Robbie herself praised Fennell’s distinctive voice:
“Emerald immerses you into a world so quickly. She’s so masterful at tone and plot… She taps into the most depraved parts of your brain, so that you’re complicit in the story.”
What This Means for Aspiring Entertainment Professionals
If you’re an aspiring actor, filmmaker, or creative in the entertainment space, this project is a prime example of how fresh talent can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with industry heavyweights when backed by passion, professionalism, and bold direction. Owen Cooper’s rise is proof that age is no barrier when you bring genuine skill and confidence to the set.
Jacob Elordi’s praise isn’t just a compliment—it’s a signal to casting directors and filmmakers that Cooper is one to watch.
Final Thoughts: Anticipation Builds for 2026 Release
With an A-list cast, a visionary director, and an emotionally rich source material, Netflix’s Wuthering Heights is shaping up to be a standout release in early 2026. The anticipation around Owen Cooper’s performance adds another layer of intrigue to a film already brimming with star power and artistic ambition.
