Director Emerald Fennell revealed at the Hay Festival that Margot Robbie committed to a bold historical detail for the 2026 adaptation of 'Wuthering Heights' that audiences never saw: she grew out her armpit hair for a specific scene. The scene, intended to challenge the unrealistic grooming standards often depicted in period dramas, was cut from the final version of the film.

Fennell's Commitment to Historical Authenticity

Speaking at the literary festival in Wales, Fennell explained that Robbie's character, Catherine 'Cathy' Earnshaw, had 'extremely hairy armpits' in her version of the story. 'Unfortunately, the scene where we see them didn't make it in,' Fennell said. The director noted that the decision was driven by a desire to push back against the 'hairless, like eels' look common in costume dramas, questioning how women in Regency-era England could maintain such smoothness. 'Where are the razors these women were using whenever I watch Jane Austen? They're all hairless, like eels. What's going on?' Fennell asked.

The detail was part of Fennell's broader effort to inject historical texture into the adaptation. Grooming practices in the early 19th century were vastly different from modern standards; body hair removal was not the norm, and the absence of it in most period films has been a point of criticism among historians and viewers. Fennell wanted to reflect that reality, even if the scene ultimately did not survive the editing room.

A Modern Twist on a Classic

While the body hair choice was historically motivated, Fennell's 'Wuthering Heights' was far from a traditional adaptation. The film incorporated modern elements, including a wedding dress made from plastic and cellophane-like materials, and added mature scenes not present in Emily Brontë's original novel. The soundtrack featured music by Charli XCX, a choice Fennell defended by saying she understood the emotional reasoning behind the artist's inclusion.

Robbie's performance as Cathy was intensely physical, reflecting the raw, passionate relationship between her character and Heathcliff, played by Jacob Elordi. In interviews before the film's release, Robbie described the role as one that 'swings from one wild emotion to the other in an instant,' which she enjoyed portraying. The production aimed to capture the novel's dark, romantic, and tumultuous essence while also making it relevant to contemporary audiences.

Critical Reception and Box Office Success

Upon release, 'Wuthering Heights' received mixed to negative reviews from critics. Many criticized the film for being too stylized, melodramatic, and for deviating from Brontë's text. Performances by Robbie and Elordi were also under scrutiny, with some reviewers arguing that the actors lacked the depth required for the iconic roles. Fennell's directorial choices, including the modern aesthetic and added explicit content, polarized audiences and critics alike.

However, the film found considerable commercial success. It grossed over $242 million worldwide against a production budget of $80 million, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 2026. Additionally, it debuted at number one on HBO Max globally and topped streaming charts in more than 32 countries within 24 hours of its release, demonstrating strong audience interest despite critical reservations.

Robbie's Dedication to the Role

Robbie's commitment to authenticity extended beyond body hair. Known for her immersive preparation, she reportedly engaged in extensive research into the period and emotions of her character. This included studying the novel's themes of clashing social classes, love, obsession, and revenge. Her portrayal aimed to bring a heightened sensory experience to the screen, blending raw emotion with the physicality of the harsh Yorkshire moors setting.

Fennell's approach to the material has been described as daring, incorporating elements that challenge traditional storytelling. While the cut armpit hair scene remains a matter of trivia, it highlights the director's and lead actor's dedication to challenging norms in period filmmaking. The scene's omission, though unfortunate, does not diminish the intention behind it.

Background on 'Wuthering Heights' Adaptations

Emily Brontë's only novel, first published in 1847 under the pseudonym Ellis Bell, has been adapted numerous times for film, television, and theater. The story of Heathcliff and Cathy's destructive love has captivated audiences for generations. However, many adaptations have been criticized for sanitizing the novel's darker elements and over-romanticizing the relationship. Fennell's version aimed to restore some of that raw, uncomfortable power, even through controversial choices.

The film industry has seen a growing trend of reexamining period dramas through a modern lens, questioning the typical polished aesthetic. Films such as 'The Favourite' and 'Portrait of a Lady on Fire' have similarly incorporated anachronistic elements or unconventional lighting and costuming to subvert audience expectations. Fennell's work on 'Wuthering Heights' continues this trend, blending historical accuracy with contemporary storytelling techniques.

Margot Robbie's Career Evolution

Since her breakout role in 'The Wolf of Wall Street' (2013), Margot Robbie has established herself as one of Hollywood's most versatile leading ladies. She has earned Academy Award nominations for her performances in 'I, Tonya' (2017) and 'Bombshell' (2019), and has produced several films through her company LuckyChap Entertainment, including 'Promising Young Woman' (2020) and the 'Barbie' (2023) blockbuster. Her willingness to take on challenging roles and work with innovative directors aligns with her decision to grow out armpit hair for artistic integrity.

Robbie's involvement in 'Wuthering Heights' marks her first major foray into classic literary adaptation, though she has a history of tackling complex characters. The film's commercial success, despite critical backlash, reinforces her drawing power and the audience's interest in bold reimaginings.

Director Emerald Fennell's Vision

Fennell, known for her Academy Award-winning screenplay for 'Promising Young Woman' and her role as showrunner for the second season of 'Killing Eve,' brought a unique perspective to 'Wuthering Heights.' Her directorial debut, 'Promising Young Woman,' was a critical and commercial hit known for its stylized approach to dark themes. With 'Wuthering Heights,' Fennell continued that trend, infusing the gothic novel with modern sensibilities while preserving its essential conflict.

The decision to include contemporary elements, such as Charli XCX's music and modern costume pieces, sparked debate among purists. However, Fennell has consistently argued that emotional truth is more important than strict period accuracy. The cut armpit hair scene exemplifies that tension: historically accurate but ultimately deemed unnecessary for the narrative flow.

Impact on Future Period Dramas

The revelation of Robbie's committed detail may influence future productions. It highlights a growing demand for more historically accurate representations of grooming, costuming, and behavior in period settings. Some viewers and critics have praised Fennell's willingness to question norms, even if the scene was never seen. The conversation around body hair and realism in period dramas is likely to continue, with more filmmakers considering such details in their work.

While the cut scene is now a piece of trivia, it underscores the lengths to which actors and directors go to achieve authenticity. Robbie's choice to grow her hair and Fennell's intention to include it reflect a broader push in the film industry to challenge and dismantle unrealistic beauty standards, especially those placed on women in historical settings.

Source: MSN News