Emerald Fennell's latest romantic drama, "Wuthering Heights," featuring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, has ignited the Valentine's Day box office, accumulating an impressive $3 million from its Thursday preview screenings. This R-rated rendition of Emily Brontë's classic novel is poised for a significant opening weekend, with projections estimating domestic earnings between $50 million and $55 million over the extended President's Day holiday. Globally, the film is anticipated to add another $30 million to $40 million, marking a strong debut for the $80 million Warner Bros. production and indicating a potential resurgence in the typically quiet winter box office.

“Wuthering Heights” Captures Early Box Office Success, Outshining Competitors

The highly anticipated film "Wuthering Heights," directed by Emerald Fennell, known for "Saltburn" and "Promising Young Woman," debuted on Thursday, February 13, 2026, with an impressive $3 million from preview screenings. This contemporary, more provocative adaptation of Emily Brontë's 1847 novel stars Margot Robbie as the fiery Catherine "Cathy" Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as the brooding Heathcliff. Their on-screen chemistry portrays a passionate, R-rated romance that has already captivated early audiences.

Industry analysts forecast a robust President's Day weekend for the film, with domestic gross revenues expected to land between $50 million and $55 million. International markets are also showing strong interest, with an estimated $30 million to $40 million addition to the global tally. This strong performance is particularly noteworthy given the film's $80 million budget and a period of relatively sluggish winter box office activity.

"Wuthering Heights" is set to claim the top spot, easily surpassing its fellow newcomers. Sony Pictures Animation's "Goat," a family-friendly animated feature about a basketball-playing goat, secured $1 million in previews and is projected to earn $20 million to $25 million for second place. Amazon MGM's star-studded heist thriller "Crime 101," featuring Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry, Mark Ruffalo, and Barry Keoghan, also garnered $1 million in previews and is on track for a $15 million to $17 million opening, placing it in third. The diverse cast of "Wuthering Heights" also includes Hong Chau, Owen Cooper, Shazad Latif, Ewan Mitchell, Alison Oliver, and Martin Clunes, enriching the film's compelling narrative.

This impressive box office start for "Wuthering Heights" highlights the enduring appeal of classic romantic narratives when reimagined with fresh perspectives and strong performances. The film's early success underscores the power of a compelling story, a talented cast, and a director with a distinct vision to draw audiences back to cinemas, even during traditionally slower periods. It also suggests that a bold, R-rated approach to beloved literature can resonate deeply with contemporary viewers, offering a captivating and emotionally charged cinematic experience.