Long Before Margot Robbie’s ‘Wuthering Heights,’ MTV Aired This Forgotten Rock Opera Version

WUTHERING HEIGHTS (aka WUTHERING HEIGHTS, CA), Johnny Whitworth, Christopher Masterson, Erika Christensen, Mike Vogel, Katherine Heigl, Aimee Osbourne, 2003 — MTV/Everett Collection

What To Know

MTV’s 2003 adaptation of Wuthering Heights reimagined the classic novel as a rock opera set in a California high school, featuring a young Katherine Heigl and original songs by Jim Steinman.
The film received mixed reviews, with critics questioning the choice to swap the English moors for sunny California, but it has since gained a cult following among early-2000s pop culture fans.
This unique version is currently available to stream for free on Hoopla with a library card, and can also be rented or purchased on Apple TV.

As we’re deluged with commercials hyping the 2026 Wuthering Heights remake starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, the classic book’s many previous adaptations probably come to mind. The first cinematic version of Wuthering Heights appeared in 1920, and through the century, dozens of other adaptations have appeared, including ones with Laurence Olivier, Richard Burton, Timothy Dalton, Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche. What you’re probably not remembering is MTV’s 2003 version of the 19th century British romance, which moved the story to a California high school, turned it into a rock musical, and starred a pre-fame Katherine Heigl, just a few years before her debut on Grey’s Anatomy.

What was the plot of the 2003 Wuthering Heights?

The film, shot in Puerto Rico, re-imagined the Earnshaw family living in a lighthouse called “The Heights.” Heathcliff became Heath, a brooding outsider with a musical gift, played by Mike Vogel. Erika Christensen took on the Cathy role as Cate, while Katherine Heigl played Isabel Linton and Johnny Whitworth played Hendrix, the story’s equivalent of Hindley Earnshaw. Another interesting casting choice was Aimee Osbourne, who declined to appear in her family’s MTV reality show The Osbournes but appeared in this movie as Raquelle. Surprisingly, for a film trying to reach a youthful audience, the film’s songs were created by Jim Steinman, the man behind Meat Loaf‘s iconic Bat Out of Hell album.

WUTHERING HEIGHTS (aka WUTHERING HEIGHTS, CA), Christopher Masterson, Erika Christensen, 2003

MTV/Everett Collection

What made this version especially unique was Steinman’s involvement; he executive-produced the film and contributed original songs. Some of those tracks were later reworked and appeared on other projects tied to him and Meat Loaf, such as Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose in 2006.

What did viewers think about the 2003 Wuthering Heights?

Critics were mixed, with many questioning the decision to trade in Brontë’s gloomy English moors for bright California coastlines. PopMatters said at the time, “It’s worth wondering what possessed MTV to move this most famous tale of brooding to sunny California.” Yet for a certain generation, the film has taken on cult status. Viewers who caught it during its first run often remember it fondly as an odd but unforgettable experiment in early-2000s pop culture.

Where to Watch MTV’s Wuthering Heights

The 2003 Wuthering Heights is currently available to stream for free on Hoopla with a library card. It can also be rented or purchased digitally on Apple TV.

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