LONDON, UK — Sales of Emily Brontë’s classic novel Wuthering Heights have skyrocketed in the weeks leading up to the release of a new film adaptation, highlighting renewed public interest in the 1847 gothic romance.
Data obtained by Forbes shows that the novel sold 72,400 print copies in January 2026 across all editions, a dramatic increase from roughly 8,400 copies sold in the same month last year.
The surge has been mirrored in the United Kingdom, where retailers report similar year-on-year growth ahead of the movie’s premiere.
The renewed attention coincides with the upcoming release of Wuthering Heights, directed by Emerald Fennell and starring Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff.
The film, described as a modernised take on Brontë’s classic, is set to hit theatres on February 13, 2026, just ahead of Valentine’s Day.
“The movie has reignited interest in this timeless story,” said Sofia Chierchio, reporting for Forbes.
“The combination of a high-profile cast, modern reinterpretation, and strategic marketing has brought Brontë’s work to the forefront for both longtime fans and new readers.”
Robbie has actively promoted the film worldwide, highlighting its emotional intensity and enduring love story.
Media analysts note that adaptations like this often drive sales of original literary works, introducing classic stories to new generations and sparking cultural discussions around them.
Yorkshire, where Brontë lived and set much of her novel, is also preparing for heightened interest from tourists and literary enthusiasts eager to experience the landscapes immortalised in the book.
Residents report that prior film adaptations of classic novels often translate into noticeable tourism boosts.
Early box-office projections indicate that Wuthering Heights could perform strongly during Valentine’s weekend, a key period for romantic dramas.
Observers expect that the spike in book sales may also convert into theatre attendance, creating a dual cultural and commercial impact.
The surge demonstrates how cinematic adaptations continue to play a crucial role in reviving literary classics.
In this case, Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, long considered a staple of English literature, is finding new relevance and readership nearly two centuries after it was first published.
