US Box Office 2026: Wuthering Heights Leads
In a February 2026 movie landscape still shaking off post-holiday slowdowns, one film has stormed to the top: Emerald Fennell’s bold, sensual reimagining of Wuthering Heights. Starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in the iconic roles of Catherine and Heathcliff, the Warner Bros. release opened strong over Presidents’ Day weekend, claiming the No. 1 spot with an estimated $34.8 million (3-day) to $40 million (4-day including Monday) domestically—making it the biggest debut of the year so far and a bright spot for theatrical cinema.
Globally, the film has already crossed $83 million, recouping much of its reported $80 million budget in mere days. For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in the US—many of whom juggle demanding jobs in tech or healthcare while staying connected to family traditions—this passionate period drama feels surprisingly relatable. Themes of intense, doomed love, class divides, revenge, and family turmoil echo the emotional stakes in many Indian epics and modern Bollywood tales of forbidden romance (think Devdas or Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham). It’s no wonder desi audiences are turning out, blending American theater popcorn with chai-fueled post-movie debates.
Why This Remake Succeeds Now
Adaptations of literary classics aren’t new—Wuthering Heights has seen versions from Laurence Olivier (1939) to Andrea Arnold (2011)—but Fennell’s take stands out for its steamy, modern edge. Robbie and Elordi deliver raw chemistry that critics call “electric” and “unapologetically sensual,” pushing boundaries in a post-#MeToo era. The film leans into the novel’s gothic passion without shying from controversy: some purists decry liberties with Brontë’s text (e.g., heightened eroticism, stylized visuals), while others praise its fresh energy and visual flair (moody Yorkshire moors shot with sweeping cinematography).
Box office data shows strength across demographics: strong female turnout (powered by Robbie’s star power post-Barbie), young adult appeal via Elordi (from Euphoria and Saltburn), and solid international performance (especially in Australia, thanks to the leads’ heritage). Domestically, it outperformed expectations—projections hovered around $30–$35 million 3-day—beating holdovers like Send Help ($8.9–$10 million weekend) and newcomers GOAT ($26–$27 million) and Crime 101 ($15 million+). This haul helps Hollywood rebound from recent flops, proving mid-budget prestige dramas with A-list stars can still draw crowds in a streaming-dominated world.
For NRIs, the timing is perfect: Presidents’ Day weekend means extra family time, and many Indian American households treat theater visits as cultural outings—similar to Diwali movie marathons back home. The film’s exploration of outsider status (Heathcliff as a marginalized figure) resonates deeply with immigrant stories of belonging, sacrifice, and generational conflict.
Box Office Breakdown and Comparisons
- Opening Weekend (Feb 13–15/16, 2026): $34.8M (3-day), ~$40M (4-day incl. Presidents’ Day Monday).
- Theaters: Wide release in 3,682 locations, averaging strong per-theater grosses.
- Global Total (as of Feb 16): $83M+ ($38–$40M domestic, $43–$45M international).
- Budget: ~$80M—likely profitable soon with ancillaries.
- Comparisons: Beats many recent literary adaptations; edges close to records for classic remakes (though not topping The Great Gatsby‘s inflation-adjusted highs). In context, it’s a win amid 2026’s uneven slate—stronger than January holdovers like Iron Lung or Send Help.
Critics are split (Rotten Tomatoes hovering mid-range): praise for performances and direction, critique for deviating from source material. Audience scores lean higher—word-of-mouth drives legs, especially for Valentine’s-adjacent romance.
NRI Lens: Cultural Resonance and Viewing Tips
Indian diaspora viewers often draw parallels: Catherine’s defiance mirrors strong female leads in Bollywood (e.g., Deepika in Padmaavat), while Heathcliff’s outsider rage echoes immigrant struggles. Family viewing sparks discussions—NRIs in suburbs host small gatherings, comparing it to regional cinema retellings.
Practical tips for NRIs:
- Theater vs. Streaming: Catch it now in IMAX/ Dolby for visuals; streaming likely later 2026.
- Where to Watch: AMC, Regal, or local chains; check Fandango for desi-friendly showtimes in hubs like Dallas, Chicago, or NYC.
- Family-Friendly? Rated R for intensity/ sensuality—discuss with kids.
- Related Picks: Pair with Pride & Prejudice adaptations or Bollywood classics for contrast.
This success signals hope for thoughtful cinema. As one Bay Area NRI shared: “It’s passionate like our stories—makes you feel the immigrant heartaches and joys.”
Share your thoughts: Have you seen it? How does it compare to Indian adaptations? Root for more hits like this!
Sreekanth NRI Globe Contributor
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