In a surprising move, Margot Robbie has chosen Warner Bros. over Netflix for the highly anticipated Wuthering Heights adaptation, despite the streaming giant offering a staggering $150 million for the project. The film, directed by Promising Young Woman’s Emerald Fennell, will star Robbie alongside Jacob Elordi, and has generated significant buzz even before cameras start rolling.
The decision to go with Warner Bros. marks a pivotal moment in Robbie’s career and underscores her growing influence as a producer and industry leader. Robbie, who is producing the film alongside Fennell, opted for Warner Bros. after the studio promised a wide theatrical release and a full-scale marketing push—a stark contrast to Netflix’s preference for direct-to-streaming premieres. Sources close to the production say that Robbie was particularly drawn to Warner Bros.’ commitment to a traditional big-screen experience, which aligns with her belief in the power of theatrical releases.
While Netflix had been the dominant force in securing big-budget film packages, the outcome of the Wuthering Heights bidding war has raised questions about the future of streaming versus traditional studios. Despite offering the highest bid, Netflix was left reeling by the decision, as sources report the streamer was “shocked” by the outcome. It’s believed that Amazon also placed a strong bid, offering a major theatrical push, but Warner Bros. ultimately won the race.
For Robbie, this marks yet another strategic step in her burgeoning producing career, following her success as a key player behind Barbie’s box office smash. With Wuthering Heights, she’s aligning herself with a studio that promises maximum exposure in cinemas, while continuing to build her reputation as a producer with a keen eye for projects that blend artistic integrity and commercial success.
The Wuthering Heights adaptation is set to begin production in early 2025, even though the timing presents a logistical challenge for Elordi, who is scheduled to begin filming Euphoria Season 3 around the same time. But for Robbie, the excitement of bringing the classic novel to the big screen outweighs any potential scheduling conflicts.
As one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars and now an influential producer, Robbie’s decision to bypass Netflix is yet another sign that the industry’s dynamics are shifting, with filmmakers increasingly seeking the broad visibility and creative freedom offered by traditional studios.
With Wuthering Heights on the horizon, all eyes will be on Robbie as she continues to carve out a new path for herself, balancing her acting career with a growing role as a producer shaping the future of film.