Heathcliff’s ethnicity has long been a topic of discussion, with many interpretations suggesting he is not white, especially given Brontë’s description of him as a “dark-skinned gipsy” and his backstory as a child abandoned at the slave port of Liverpool. Michael Stewart, director of the Brontë Writing Centre, noted in The Daily Telegraph that previous portrayals have often been by white actors. He emphasized that contemporary representation in art carries new responsibilities compared to the past.
Past adaptations of Wuthering Heights have seen a range of casting choices, with Tom Hardy portraying Heathcliff in a 2009 ITV adaptation, while James Howson played the role in a 2011 film by Andrea Arnold. Dr. Claire O’Callaghan, editor of the Brontë Society’s journal, expressed concern that casting a white actor might ignore the character's ethnic ambiguity, particularly in today’s cultural climate.
Social media has seen significant backlash against Elordi's casting. One user on X (formerly Twitter) highlighted that the book describes Heathcliff as a dark-skinned man who faces racism from his adoptive family, questioning the decision to cast Elordi. Film critic Clarisse Loughrey also criticized the casting, questioning whether anyone involved actually read the novel.
The original Wuthering Heights is widely regarded as a literary classic, exploring the intense and tumultuous relationships between the Earnshaw and Linton families and their connection to Heathcliff. Fennell's team has been approached for further comment.