Sales of Wuthering Heights soar as new film adaptation sparks global interest

The surge comes ahead of the film’s global premiere on 13 February, which stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi

Sales of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights have surged dramatically in the United Kingdom as audiences prepare for the highly anticipated new film adaptation directed by Emerald Fennell.

Figures from Penguin Classics UK show that the number of copies sold in January 2026 jumped nearly five‑fold compared with the same month last year, rising from around 1,875 to over 10,600 — a 469% increase fueled by excitement around the upcoming release.

Publishers also reported a significant sales boost following the release of the first teaser trailer last September, with an increase of more than 130% through the end of 2025.

Penguin Classics’ publishing director remarked that the novel’s dark intensity and tragic love story seem to resonate with a contemporary appetite for deeply emotional, angsty literature, making it stand out even among other classic titles experiencing renewed interest.

The surge comes ahead of the film’s global premiere on 13 February, which stars Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff. Fennell’s adaptation — described as a bold and visceral reimagining of the gothic romance — has sparked lively discussion online, with early reactions praising its emotional sweep and cinematic ambition while also drawing scrutiny from some fans for its modern stylistic choices and departures from strict textual fidelity.

As anticipation builds toward Valentine’s Day weekend — a key box‑office moment — the boost in book sales reflects how adaptations continue to drive renewed engagement with classic literature, connecting new audiences with Brontë’s haunting tale of passion, revenge, and the enduring power of love.