Martin Clunes Beams at Star-Studded Wuthering Heights Premiere in London
British actor Martin Clunes seized the opportunity to rub shoulders with Hollywood's elite at the glittering UK premiere of his latest film, Wuthering Heights, on Thursday evening. The event, held in London, saw Clunes joining a prestigious cast that includes global superstars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in this fresh adaptation of Emily Bronte's timeless literary classic.
Red Carpet Radiance and Cast Camaraderie
While assembled with the film's ensemble on the iconic red carpet, Martin Clunes could not conceal his radiant smile as he posed for photographs alongside pop sensation Charli XCX, who has composed the movie's original soundtrack. Clunes, best known to British audiences for his beloved roles in Men Behaving Badly and Doc Martin, is poised to captivate a worldwide viewership with this cinematic venture, scheduled for theatrical release on February 13.
In the film, Clunes portrays Mr. Earnshaw, while Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi take on the legendary roles of the star-crossed lovers Catherine and Heathcliff. The premiere not only highlighted the film's artistic merits but also underscored the strong chemistry among its cast members.
Controversial Upcoming Role as Huw Edwards
Beyond the premiere's glamour, Martin Clunes is preparing for a markedly different and highly contentious role. Last month, it was confirmed that Clunes will star as disgraced former BBC newsreader Huw Edwards in a two-part drama series for Channel 5. The production delves into how Edwards, once a respected figure earning £475,000 annually at the BBC, led a double life while secretly grooming a vulnerable 17-year-old boy.
Edwards, aged 64, was suspended by the BBC in July 2023 and later convicted in September 2024 for making indecent images of children, receiving a six-month suspended sentence. Filming for the controversial drama has wrapped, and it is currently in post-production. Channel 5 executives reportedly informed the BBC about the project prior to its public announcement.
A photograph from the set depicts a suited Martin Clunes posing with his elbow on the News At 10 desk within the BBC newsroom. A BBC insider commented, 'The timing couldn't be worse for the BBC. After all the recent scandals, the last thing the corporation needs is a new drama about the darkest chapter in our history. Everyone wants to forget about that awful man and move on.'
Outgoing BBC director-general Tim Davie, who resigned in November following the fallout over doctored Panorama footage of Donald Trump, previously described Edwards's crimes as 'appalling.'
Strong Box Office Projections and Director's Insights
While Wuthering Heights does not open until February 13, pre-sales are already robust, suggesting a domestic opening weekend revenue between $30 million and $35 million. This would mark the film as the largest box office opener in Jacob Elordi's career and Margot Robbie's first major hit since 2023's blockbuster Barbie.
The new movie is written and directed by Emerald Fennell, the acclaimed filmmaker behind 2023's Saltburn, which also featured Jacob Elordi. Fennell, aged 40, emphasized that 'safety and trust and love' were paramount in her mind when directing the film's intimate scenes.
'It's always just about making sure everyone feels super comfortable and we all are, really. We trust each other and so we try to kind of make it funny and laugh everything off,' Fennell shared. '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 admiration for working with Margot Robbie, stating, 'Do you know what? She's an inspiration. She's an extraordinary woman. 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.'
At the premiere, Martin Clunes was accompanied by his wife, Philippa Braithwaite, adding a personal touch to the evening's festivities. The event seamlessly blended cinematic celebration with the underlying buzz surrounding Clunes's forthcoming dramatic portrayal, highlighting a pivotal moment in his diverse acting career.
