Key Takeaways
• Margot Robbie declined Netflix’s whopping $150 million offer for Wuthering Heights to make sure it had a big screen release.
• Warner Bros. emerged as the winner in a tough bidding war, despite offering half of Netflix’s price.
• Robbie’s decision highlights the ongoing tussle between Netflix and the traditional model of theatrical releases.
• Robbie continues to strengthen her relationship with Warner Bros., having worked on many successful projects together.
Stars Choose Big Screen over Streaming
Hollywood star Margot Robbie and director Emerald Fennell turned down an impressive $150 million offer from Netflix for their next blockbuster movie, Wuthering Heights. Despite the hefty offer, the duo chose Warner Bros. agencies instead, which was keenly interested in achieving a global theatrical release for the film. Netflix has a preference for streaming-first, which wasn’t compatible with Robbins’s and Fennell’s vision for Wuthering Heights.
Joining Forces with Warner Bros.
Warner Bros. snatched the distribution rights for Wuthering Heights, at almost half the price Netflix offered. But what clinched the deal wasn’t the money, but Warner Bros. commitment to global theatrical distribution and a solid marketing budget. Thus, Warner Bros.’ bond with Margot Robbie, who’s been at the helm of some of their biggest hits, continues to strengthen.
Robbie’s Connection with Warner Bros.
Margot Robbie’s success with Warner Bros. studios isn’t new. She played the role of Harley Quinn in three DC Expanded Universe films. She also starred in 2023’s massive hit – Barbie, which became the most successful film in Warner Bros. history, when not adjusted for inflation. With the actress also set to star in an Ocean’s 11 prequel titled Oceans, it seems Margot Robbie will continue to be part of the Warner Bros. family for a while longer.
The Great Netflix Vs. Theatrical Release Debate
Margot Robbie’s decision to go with Warner Bros. over Netflix shines a spotlight on the lingering tussle between Netflix and traditional theatrical releases. This isn’t the first time that filmmakers have preferred the big screen over the online giant. Warner Bros. had earlier outsmarted Netflix by winning the rights to Crazy Rich Asians, despite Netflix’s seven-figure deal and a guaranteed trilogy. In that case too, the producers chose the cinematic impact of a big-screen release over a hefty paycheck.
What’s Next for Wuthering Heights?
The latest rendition of Emily Brontë’s 1847 literary classic, Wuthering Heights, will feature Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in leading roles. This marks the fourth collaboration for Robbie and Fennell. Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group’s Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy expressed their excitement to pair up with the team, highlighting the incredible cast and Emerald Fennell’s vision for the film. The success of their previous projects together has definitely upped the anticipation for Wuthering Heights.
In conclusion, while streaming services like Netflix continue to revolutionize entertainment, the lure of the big screen seems far from diminishing. The choice made by Margot Robbie and Emerald Fennell underscores the significance and enduring charm of the cinema and the value artists place on theatrically released films. Only time will tell if this choice will pay off, but one thing’s for sure – movie-goers around the world are eagerly awaiting the release of Wuthering Heights.
