Why I wanted to adapt Wuthering Heights with Emerald Fennell

Why I wanted to adapt Wuthering Heights with Emerald Fennell

From Ask Penguin by Penguin Books UK

February 13, 2026 · 1h 8m

About this episode

Emerald Fennell discusses her adaptation of Wuthering Heights and explores themes of love and villainy in literature.

Is Wuthering Heights the perfect novel or the perfect work of art? Why do we fall in love with villains? Is all love doomed? And if Emerald Fennell could adapt another book to film, what would she choose?   In this special episode of Ask Penguin , we speak to the director of Wuthering Heights ' latest adaptation, Emerald Fennell, about her relationship to Emily Brontë's novel, how she went about interpreting such a complex classic, and what she wants audiences to take away from her vision.   Also joining us in the studio are authors Henry Eliott and Harriet Evans, as we deep-dive into the book, the film, and the life of the Brontës.  Discover more about this episode and all the books by clicking here Watch Emerald Fennell's interview on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Guest: Emerald Fennell

Topics covered

  • Wuthering Heights
  • adaptation
  • villains in literature
  • love
  • Brontë sisters
  • film interpretation

Keywords

  • Wuthering Heights
  • Emerald Fennell
  • adaptation
  • Emily Brontë
  • villains
  • love
  • Brontë sisters
  • film

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Wuthering Heights

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