How Did Margot Robbie’s Skin Inspire ‘Wuthering Heights’ Set Design?
Synopsis
Emerald Fennell's unique approach to set design in 'Wuthering Heights' involves wallpaper inspired by Margot Robbie's skin. This captivating detail and other creative methods used to immerse actors in their roles are set to draw audiences into this reimagined classic.
Key Takeaways
Emerald Fennell's innovative set design features wallpaper inspired by Margot Robbie's skin.
The film reimagines Emily Bronte's classic tale with a fresh perspective.
Unique techniques enhance actor immersion in their roles.
Robbie actively pursued the role of Cathy , showcasing her enthusiasm for the project.
The film aims to challenge traditional storytelling methods.
Los Angeles, Feb 7 (NationPress) Emerald Fennell, the director of the forthcoming film “Wuthering Heights”, disclosed that one of the film's sets was adorned with wallpaper that drew inspiration from images of actress Margot Robbie’s skin.
Robbie stars as Cathy, alongside Jacob Elordi playing Heathcliff, in this new cinematic interpretation of Emily Bronte's timeless story. Fennell explained that the wallpaper visible in Cathy's bedroom was crafted from silk, featuring prints of her lead actress's “veins and freckles”.
During a screening at BFI Southbank in London, Fennell remarked: “We asked her to send us all her veins and her freckles, and then we printed it on silk and stuffed it and put latex over it so that it could sweat.”
“At first glance, you don’t see any of it, it’s just a beautiful pink room. It’s like a visual example of what it feels like to be made a wife, to be made an object of beauty, to be a collector’s item.”
Fennell also described another unconventional tactic to help her actors embody their roles, stating she created “shrines” in the performers' bedrooms, as reported by femalefirst.co.uk.
She explained: “I was like: ‘I’m going to go through the internet, I’m going to find their best photos and then I’m going to make shrines in their bedrooms for each other.'”
“So when Jacob went into his room, he had an insane shrine to worship not just Cathy, but Margot Robbie and then she had the same thing. There’s nothing more humanising than somebody’s first press photo.”
During the discussion, Fennell revealed that Robbie approached her expressing interest in portraying Cathy after the director forwarded the script to the actress's production company.
She noted: “I sent it to them to produce, and Margot luckily asked if she might play Cathy. I was very nervous to ask her, because I think we have a different relationship, and I didn’t want to put her on the spot. I was like: ‘Do I go for it?’ No, I didn’t. Of course I didn’t, because she’s braver than me. She asked me.”
Point of View
She not only brings authenticity to the characters but also challenges traditional visual storytelling. This unique approach may redefine how audiences perceive adaptations of beloved novels.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the inspiration behind the set design of 'Wuthering Heights'?
The set design was inspired by images of Margot Robbie's skin, particularly her veins and freckles, which were printed onto silk wallpaper.
Who are the main actors in 'Wuthering Heights'?
Margot Robbie stars as Cathy, with Jacob Elordi portraying Heathcliff in this adaptation.
What unique methods did Emerald Fennell use to help her actors get into character?
Fennell created personal 'shrines' in the actors' bedrooms, featuring their best photos to help them connect more deeply with their roles.
