Wuthering Heights: 1939 film lands on HBO Max ahead of new remake

The 1939 film Wuthering Heights will stream on HBO Max from Feb. 1, and Emerald Fennell’s new remake starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi opens in theaters on Feb. 13 amid criticism over casting and marketing.

The 1939 film adaptation of Wuthering Heights is being added to HBO Max on February 1, bringing one of the most well-known screen versions back into wider circulation. That release comes shortly before Emerald Fennell’s new Wuthering Heights reaches theaters on February 13. The 1939 movie is the first sound adaptation and received eight Academy Award nominations. The upcoming remake has prompted public discussion about casting and its marketing choices. Key facts: - The 1939 Wuthering Heights stars Laurence Olivier as Heathcliff and Merle Oberon as Cathy and will stream on HBO Max starting February 1. - The 1939 film was nominated for eight Oscars and holds a reported 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 25 reviews. - Emerald Fennell’s new Wuthering Heights stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi and is scheduled to open in theaters on February 13. - The 2025 remake has been criticized for casting choices, including concerns about whitewashing of Heathcliff, and for elements seen in its trailer; the filmmaker has defended those choices. - Other recent adaptations mentioned include the 1992 version with Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche and the 2011 adaptation with Kaya Scodelario. Summary: The HBO Max release of the 1939 Wuthering Heights places a historic, widely praised adaptation back into current viewing options just before a high-profile new remake arrives in cinemas. Public conversation is focused on casting and how different adaptations interpret the novel, and those discussions are continuing as both releases approach.