"Stand-up comedian Chris Fleming recently joked that while other people are worried about the Olympics coming to Los Angeles in 2028, he's more concerned about the imminent release of Emerald Fennell's "Wuthering Heights" - in theaters from Warner Bros. on February 13. "I don't think the infrastructure we have in place can withstand the release of ' Wuthering Heights,' Fleming deadpanned in a viral clip, suggesting the box office would soon collapse under the weight of "pent-up erotic readers" demanding a twisted take on a classic period piece."
"It's a timely joke (with a regrettably short shelf life for Fleming) that nevertheless feels like a strong thesis amid growing excitement and even brewing resentment for Fennell's bold film adaptation of Emily Brontë's historic novel. A revisionist reframing of the tragic 1847 romance, the new "Wuthering Heights" has been a lightning rod for controversy from the start. Allegations of racism emerged months ago when Fennell chose Jacob Elordi (a white actor) as her Heathcliff (an explicitly dark-skinned character). Now, amid an increasingly messy global press tour, that debate and several others are being hashed out - on and off the red carpet. Between Fennell, Elordi, and star/producer Margot Robbie, the result is a stunning media frenzy caught somewhere between a U.K. royal engagement and the "It Ends with Us" PR crisis."
"That clash could be the point. After making her fiery feature debut with the rape-revenge thriller "Promising Young Woman," Fennell sharpened her public reputation as a provocateur during the promotion of her sophomore feature, "Saltburn." The writer/director had a notoriously nonchalant interview style that made some fans question Fennell's core understanding of the script she wrote, while others pointed out that paradox as proof her buzz-building had worked."
Chris Fleming joked that the release of Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights could overwhelm infrastructure more than the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, invoking "pent-up erotic readers" in a viral clip. The film is a revisionist reframing of Emily Brontë's 1847 novel and opens February 13 from Warner Bros. The adaptation has provoked controversy, including allegations of racism after casting Jacob Elordi, a white actor, as Heathcliff, a character described as dark-skinned. A messy global press tour intensified debate and produced a media frenzy around Fennell, Elordi, and Margot Robbie. Fennell's provocative reputation from Promising Young Woman and Saltburn amplifies polarized reactions.
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