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Meet the Rising Star Cast as Young Heathcliff in 2026’s Highly Anticipated Wuthering Heights

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Emerald Fennell, acclaimed director of “Saltburn,” has unveiled her newest project: a fresh adaptation of the classic “Wuthering Heights.” The film, featuring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as the iconic duo Cathy and Heathcliff, has been eagerly anticipated by fans of classic literature. Joining the star-studded cast is Owen Cooper, a rising talent recognized for his role in the Netflix series “Adolescence,” who takes on the role of young Heathcliff in the film’s early scenes.

Owen Cooper’s involvement in “Wuthering Heights” was revealed just a week before “Adolescence” debuted on the streaming platform. Even before its release, critics were buzzing about Cooper’s performance in “Adolescence,” and now “Wuthering Heights” offers yet another prestigious addition to his burgeoning career. This marks his first appearance in a feature film, with another project, Tom Ford’s “Cry to Heaven,” slated for 2027, already on his horizon.

Though “Wuthering Heights” has received a mixed reception from critics, garnering a modest 59% on Rotten Tomatoes, Owen Cooper’s portrayal has been a standout. Publications such as Empire have praised his “powerful pensiveness,” highlighting his talent beyond the realms of “Adolescence.” Similarly, the New York Post commended his “conviction and passion,” describing him as an actor who defies his years. Jacob Elordi, Cooper’s co-star, echoed these sentiments, telling 10 New First (via Daily Mail) that Cooper is “brilliant” and “intimidating” on set.

In the series “Adolescence,” Cooper portrays Jamie, a teenager embroiled in turmoil after being arrested for the murder of a classmate. The storyline delves into Jamie’s complex motives, stemming from rejection and bullying, exploring themes of toxic masculinity and the influence of certain media, often referred to as being “red pilled.”

Despite “Adolescence” being Cooper’s first major on-screen endeavor, his portrayal of Jamie has earned him significant accolades. In September 2025, he was honored with the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, making history as the youngest male actor to receive an Emmy. His achievements continued into early 2026, as he claimed both the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series and the Golden Globe for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role, solidifying his status as a formidable talent in the industry.

Owen Cooper is already an award-winning actor

In “Adolescence,” Owen Cooper stars as Jamie, a teen boy arrested for murdering a young girl who was one of his classmates. His actions are rooted in her rejecting his romantic advances and the bullying he experiences in school. The narrative focuses on the toxic masculinity loop that young men find themselves in after consuming certain media, which is sometimes called being “red pilled.”

Though “Adolescence” was Cooper’s first on-screen role, the young actor already has many accolades under his belt for his performance as Jamie. In September 2025, Cooper won the Primetime Emmy award for outstanding supporting actor in a limited or anthology series or movie. The win made him the youngest male actor to win an Emmy in history. At the start of 2026, he added two more awards to his shelf: the Critics Choice award for best supporting actor in a limited series and the Golden Globe for best performance by a male actor in a supporting role.

After appearing in one of the best crime dramas on Netflix and one of the most anticipated adaptations of 2026 — with another high-profile film on the way — it’s clear Owen Cooper won’t be leaving our screens anytime soon.

If you or someone you know needs help with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.



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