Jacob Elordi Drenched at Wuthering Heights UK Premiere in London
Hailing from a nation famed for its sunnier climate, actor Jacob Elordi might have been expected to shy away from the notoriously unpredictable British weather. However, the 28-year-old star fully embraced the elements during the UK premiere of Wuthering Heights in London on Thursday, receiving a thorough soaking from the pouring rain.
A Soggy Red Carpet Arrival
Elordi arrived on the red carpet sporting a smart, all-green suit, but quickly found himself struggling to stay dry as he posed for photographs alongside his co-star, Margot Robbie, and other members of the film's cast. As the ensemble gathered for a group photo, Robbie was visibly amused, struggling to contain her laughter at Elordi's sodden state.
Ever the gentleman, Elordi promptly assisted Robbie with an umbrella, ensuring she remained dry as they continued posing for pictures together in the downpour. This chivalrous act underscored the palpable chemistry the pair have displayed throughout their promotional tour for the film.
On-Screen Chemistry Sparks Fan Commentary
Ahead of the film's release, Robbie and Elordi have showcased their sizzling dynamic during a string of red carpet appearances, with the London premiere being no exception. Their visible rapport has even led to some fan complaints, suggesting the duo might be taking inspiration from what has been termed Sydney Sweeney's 'PR playbook.' This refers to Sweeney's similarly cosy promotional displays with co-star Glen Powell for their 2023 film, Anyone But You.
Elordi himself recently raised eyebrows during a press interview with Fandango, declaring he and Robbie shared a 'mutual obsession' while filming. With Robbie seated nearby, he revealed, 'If you have the opportunity to share a film set with Margot Robbie, you're going to make sure you're within five to ten metres at all times.' He added, 'Watching how she drinks tea, how she eats her food. When is it going to slip? And it never comes undone.'
Director Emerald Fennell on Filming and Cast
The new movie is written and directed by Emerald Fennell, who previously directed Elordi in Saltburn. The 40-year-old filmmaker emphasised that 'safety and trust and love' were paramount when helming the film's intimate scenes.
'It's always just about making sure everyone feels super comfortable and we all are, really,' Fennell explained. 'We trust each other and so we try to kind of make it funny and laugh everything off. But love scenes are just the same as any other scene, really. And so we just approach it from an emotional point of view.'
Fennell also expressed immense admiration for working with Margot Robbie on this project. 'Do you know what? She's an inspiration. She's an extraordinary woman,' she said. 'She's a mother, she's a producer, she's an unbelievably talented actress and she also always has time to be generous to the people around her. And so she's the best.'
Strong Pre-Sales Hint at Box Office Success
Although Wuthering Heights does not open until February 13, early indicators are highly promising. Pre-sales are already robust, with industry projections hinting at a domestic opening weekend in the range of $30 million to $35 million.
Should these figures materialise, the film would become the biggest box office opener of Jacob Elordi's career to date. For Margot Robbie, it would mark her first major hit since the phenomenal success of 2023's Barbie, in which she played the titular role and Fennell had a small part as Midge.
Notably, the marketing campaign for Barbie was a juggernaut, with a budget of $150 million allocated for marketing alone. That effort spanned a real-life Malibu Barbie DreamHouse Airbnb, a four-part HGTV special, and collaborations with over 100 clothing and lifestyle brands.
Wuthering Heights is scheduled for general release from February 13, with anticipation building for its debut.
