Full Breakdown
Emerald Fennell's “Wuthering Heights” Streams on HBO Max
4/26/2026, 12:34:46 AM
Streaming Release and ASL Accessibility
Warner Bros. announced that Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of *Wuthering Heights* will stream exclusively on HBO Max beginning Friday, May 1, 2026. It will air on HBO linear Saturday, May 2, at 8 p.m. ET. An American Sign Language version performed by Leila Hanaumi and Giovanni Maucere will also be available on May 1.
Production Context and Creative Team
The film opened theatrically on February 13, 2026, after a worldwide Warner Bros. release. Emerald Fennell directed, wrote, and co-produced with Margot Robbie and Josey McNamara. LuckyChap and MRC co-produced; Tom Ackerley and Sara Desmond are executive producers.
Cast and Supporting Talent
Margot Robbie plays Catherine Earnshaw; Jacob Elordi is Heathcliff. Supporting cast includes Hong Chau (Nelly Dean), Shazad Latif (Edgar Linton), Alison Oliver (Isabella Linton), Martin Clunes (Mr. Earnshaw) and Ewan Mitchell (Joseph). The ASL dub is directed by Justin Jackerson.
Box Office Results and Budget
The film grossed about $241 million worldwide—$84 million domestic and $157 million international—against an $80 million budget, ranking fifth in 2026 box-office earnings.
Official Statements
Warner Bros. called the streaming debut “a bold and original interpretation of one of the greatest love stories of all time.” HBO Max said it is “the first romance title available to stream in ASL on the platform with two dubbers.” Both emphasize accessibility.
Critical Reception
Reviews were mixed. *Variety* called the adaptation “a carnal reinvention,” highlighting its focus on unexpressed desire. The Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney praised the visuals but noted the film “teeters on the verge between silly and clever,” appealing to a younger audience.
Verbatim Quotes
- “a carnal reinvention,” amplifying the unspoken desire that has gone largely unexpressed in previous adaptations. — *Variety* Review
- “arguably the writer-director’s most purely entertaining film — pulpy, provocative, drenched in blazing color and opulent design, laced with anachronistic flourishes, sexy, pervy, irreverent and resonantly tragic.” — David Rooney, Chief Film Critic, *The Hollywood Reporter*
- “It marks the first romance title available to stream in ASL on HBO Max with two dubbers.” — Warner Bros. Press Release
- “Pictures’ “WUTHERING HEIGHTS” will make its global streaming debut on FRIDAY, MAY 1 exclusively on HBO Max.” — Warner Bros. Press Release
- “Often teetering on the verge between silly and clever, it’s Wuthering Heights for the Bridgerton generation, guaranteed to moisten tear ducts and inflame young hearts.” — David Rooney, *The Hollywood Reporter*
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Box-office totals vary across sources, ranging from $240 million to $241.3 million. Additionally, one source lists the ASL director as “Justin Jackson,” while the majority identify him as “Justin Jackerson.” These inconsistencies remain unresolved.
What’s Next
The film and its ASL version stream on HBO Max on May 1, 2026; linear broadcast follows May 2. Jacob Elordi also appears in *Euphoria* season 3, debuting on HBO Max later in 2026.
