The new adaptation of Wuthering Heights, a classic novel by Emily Brontë, is being promoted with references to pop culture, including Charli xcx. The first teaser released for the adaptation, directed by Emerald Fennell, features Charli xcx’s “Everything Is Romantic,” featuring Caroline Polachek, from the remixed Brat album.
The remix album was released about four months after the original Brat album. The song plays over clips of the film’s main characters, portrayed by Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff.
Since the teaser’s release, it has sparked widespread discussion. Some viewers argue that Charli xcx’s musical style does not fit the film’s gothic romance tone, particularly when compared to the sound of her Brat album.
In 2024, Charli xcx experienced a career peak during what fans dubbed “Brat Summer.” The album increased her popularity, especially among electronic and club music listeners. While she had previously appeared on well-known songs such as “I Love It” by Icona Pop and “Fancy” by Iggy Azalea, her solo work had not always reached mainstream audiences.
These moments gave Charli xcx the opportunity to create and produce songs for this upcoming movie. Although another reason she was chosen is Emerald Fennell’s directing style, as her past work Saltburn in 2023 has shown a liking towards dark, surreal, and provocative storytelling. Some think that with her style there will be a loose, boundary-pushing element used in this adaptation which might be a reason why Emerald Fennell might be using a modern pop musician for the movie.
Along with the film, Charli xcx is releasing an album titled Wuthering Heights, featuring 12 original songs she produced. Originally, she planned to contribute only one song at the request of Fennell, but the project eventually expanded into a full album. Both the film and the album are scheduled for release Feb. 13, 2026, the day before Valentine’s Day.
On November 10, Charli xcx released a single from the album titled “House,” featuring John Cale. The song has a gothic, industrial sound while remaining elegant, marking a shift away from her hyperpop era. Reactions were mixed, with some listeners criticizing Cale’s spoken verse and others praising it as artistic. Three days later, on Nov. 13, she released “Chains of Love.” The song was later featured in the film’s official trailer and accompanied by a music video starring Charli xcx.
Charli xcx’s role as music producer also serves as a promotional strategy for the adaptation, helping it reach a wider audience. Bringing a pop culture icon into a classic novel movie can influence people to check out the original book to see what it is about. The collaboration could open her fans up to the book as well as introduce Brontë fans to new music.
The pairing of Fennell’s cinematic vision with Charli xcx’s genre-bending music is perhaps the most compelling promotional stunt of the year and could create a cultural moment where literature meets the modern pop world. As the film and album approach their release, the real question is how it will redefine classic literature for modern audiences — and whether Charli xcx will be seen not only as a hyperpop icon, but as a serious musical auteur.
