Page to Screen: Book to movie / series adaptation discussions - Page 15

Originally posted by: LizzieBennet

So a new Wuthering Heights adaptation is in the works with Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi and the reaction on X has been nasty. Apart from the obvious race argument, I haven't seen anything Jacob Elordi has been in other than The kissing booth so I'm not certain he has the acting chops to pull off someone like Heathcliff who's such a complex character.

https://x.com/andorlorians/status/1838305370709856648

https://x.com/echoessm/status/1838551519362269622

https://x.com/andorlorians/status/1838305374039871799

I've watched some of his scenes from Euphoria and he's a decent actor, but a lot of people have also been turned off by him as a person in recent based on interviews and an alledged cheating scandal, so I'm not expecting anyone other than maybe die-hard fans of his to defend this casting.

Also, I've been more active on Twitter recently, so I've seen all these tweets and so many more - I don't know if it'll actually have any sort of effect, but I'd re-think my casting choices if I saw the majority of the internet react this violently to casting announcement.

Originally posted by: Viswasruti

Comparisons are inevitable!

These two actors have a great deal of talent, but more importantly, if the theme is strong, even mediocre actors will shine under the guidance of skilled directors.

I’m not contesting their talent. Or maybe I am in case of Elordi. Grant you, I haven’t seen much of him but I still have my doubts as to whether he can showcase someone with the kind of layers that Heathcliff has. I’m also wondering about the age-gap between these actors- is that deliberate? Wonder why they didn’t go for a more experienced / older actor for Heathclifr.

No- but all these issues aside, let’s talk about the core issue which is the production choosing to go with the bankable, “pretty” faces instead of what the book describes Heathcliff to be- which is a non-Caucasian guy. I just find the casting choice bewildering especially in these days where more people are making racially aware, diverse and more inclusive choices.