Emerald Fennell’s divisive reimagining of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights has stormed the global box office, earning US$76.8m (£56m, A$108m) in its debut weekend and marking the year’s biggest opening so far.
Starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as Catherine and Heathcliff, the Warner Bros. romantic drama made US$34.8m in North America from 3,682 locations, with studio projections suggesting it will reach $40m by the end of the President’s Day long weekend.
Internationally, the film exceeded expectations with US$42m across 76 territories, bringing its global total to a much higher figure once the long weekend is factored in.
That means the film has already recouped its reported $80m production budget, not including marketing costs.
In Australia, where Robbie and Elordi’s “home field advantage” boosted turnout, the film earned A$6.07m (US$4.3m).
Upcoming releases in Japan, Vietnam, and China are expected to further strengthen its box office run.
Despite its commercial success, Fennell’s adaptation has divided critics.
It holds a 63% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and audiences gave it a B CinemaScore, with only 51% saying they would “definitely recommend” the film.
PostTrak polling showed women made up 76% of ticket buyers in North America, while men dominated audiences overseas.
The film’s strong debut comes as Warner Bros. faces a potential takeover bid from Paramount.
Wuthering Heights marks the studio’s ninth consecutive No. 1 opening, following hits like A Minecraft Movie, Final Destination Bloodlines, and Weapons.
