‘Wuthering Heights’ breakout Charlotte Mellington talks about playing young Cathy

Playing Emily Brente’s tragic heroine Cathy in Wuthering Heights is a dream movie role for many actors.

This is a first for Charlotte Mellington.

But that’s not all. In addition to playing the teenage version of the famous literary figure in the Warner Bros. feature film, she also plays the teenage Margot Robbie (who plays the older Cassie). Emerald Fennell’s film, starring Jacob Elordi, also happens to be one of the most talked about releases of the year (though it also received some flak from some critics).

But 14-year-old Merrington, who has only previously appeared in the West End musical Matilda, seems to be taking it all in her youthful stride, even if she didn’t have to take algebra classes on set.

After the rainy London premiere of Wuthering Heights, which decidedly and in some ways appropriately rained, the young man spoke to Variety about running through the Moors, watching his on-screen partner Owen Cooper pile up in the mud, the very creepy gift Fennell gave him after filming, and what he wants to do next.

How was the London premiere?

It was a lot of fun. I was obviously nervous along the way. It was a first for me. However, I think I did a good job considering it was my first time. I was a little nervous, but once I got there, it was a really great experience.

Did you get a little wet? the rain was quite heavy

I got a little wet too, but Jacob was the wettest of us. He was really embracing the rain while I was hiding under the umbrella.

Were you able to bring your family or friends?

So, in my hotel, it was the cutest thing ever. Two grandmas came and saw me getting ready. Uncle came last. My sister was there, and my mom and dad were there too. And it was a complete surprise. When I was ready and went to the lobby, my three best friends were standing right there. They will come to see me. It was a great surprise as I didn’t know anything about it. i love them very much. It was really nice to have some confidence before going.

Who was able to attend the actual premiere?

Dad and Mom. And my sister walked a little bit on the carpet and then went out to dinner with her grandparents.

So how did you decide on the role of young Cassie?

I am taking Rob Kelly’s film acting class. And the first day I walked in, at the end of the session, Rob said, “Would you like to be in Wuthering Heights?” I think you’d make a really good Cassie. ” And I said, “No.” I didn’t know anything about it. But then we had a hard time sending in materials and getting auditions, so he sent my headshot again and I took a self-tape. And then I was called back the second time. And then I had the biggest panic attack. I was on vacation for my third audition and didn’t know if I would have to fly back. But they let me stay and come back later. Then I read Chemistry with Owen and we were the final pair. And here I am!

Have you read the book yet?

I hadn’t read the book. Perhaps it should have been. I got a copy of it and I think my eyes started swimming when I started reading the first page. But it’s the emerald version of Wuthering Heights.

Have you read it yet?

Ha! no. But when I was auditioning, I tried to see some of the other versions on screen.

How was the shoot? Was it as cold and dark as it looked on the screen?

To be honest, the week we were filming in Yorkshire was the clearest blue skies ever, although it was very dark at times. But I think the more rain and stronger the wind, the more dramatic the situation will become. And it drew you more into the character. But I was really happy to be there because it was so much fun to shoot and of course drive through the Moors.

When were you filming? Was it during school holidays or did you have to avoid studying?

It was from late December to late March. When I worked at the studio, I could go to school and come back, so it wasn’t that hard. But in Yorkshire there was tutoring. Well, I’m a private tutor. Don’t even get me started! We shot the most emotionally intense scene and they were like, “Okay, we’re going to do 30 minutes of tutoring.” The algebra between scenes… it sends shivers down my spine!

Of course they didn’t appear in any scenes together, but did you get to spend time with Margot and Jacob?

I often saw them around the set and studio doing hair and makeup. But certainly, we’ll have some really nice interactions. I think at one point Jacob, the hair and makeup guy, came in and we started this play on words. We both say one word, but we have to keep getting closer and closer until we say the same word. I didn’t know the game, so I was really bad at it. And I thought, “Oh my God, Charlotte, you’re embarrassing yourself!” But yeah, they were really nice and I had a nice little chat with Margot. But they’re the best. They are natural. The greatest actors I’ve ever had the pleasure of working on a movie with. I mean, Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi… come on!

You were filming with Owen Cooper. Did you experience “adolescence” during filming?

It came out about halfway through filming, but once Wuthering Heights was over, everything started to accelerate. But he’s great – very modest! When we finished filming, me and Vi (Nguyen) were like, “Oh, we’re done,” and he was just like, “Yeah, see you later.”

I heard that Emerald made a small shrine for Margot and Jacob in their room. Did she do something similar to you?

At the end of the shoot, she gave us a little something to take home from the set. And she gave me a Kathy doll sitting on her bed, which was the creepiest thing ever. It’s so creepy that I feel like I’ll be taken to hell if I look into its eyes. Then, before my friends came over, my mom installed it in my room and we walked in and I was like, “Ah!” But yeah, I think this is the most perfect Emerald/Cathy present I’ve gotten.

Do you have a favorite memory from the whole experience?

It’s clearly running through Moorish territory. But then there’s a scene with Owen on the pike and it’s basically just raining. We went out and got caught in a storm. It was so muddy that I almost slipped on my big skirt, but Owen literally piled it in the mud. I just remember laughing hysterically. I love that moment. But we also played a lot of the ‘Makeshift Ball’ which was a source of entertainment while filming in Yorkshire. We didn’t have an actual ball, so Owen got a juice carton, wrapped it in a plastic bag, and taped it together. And he was throwing it in the field next to the trailer. We got so much joy out of it.

Sounds ridiculously low budget

Yeah! I probably could have gotten the ball, but I kind of stuck with it.

This is your first film, and you play one of the most famous figures in literary circles, playing a young Margot Robbie, and it’s directed by Emerald Fennell. Not a bad place to start. You seem to be taking everything at your own pace. Was it overwhelming at all?

Everything went well and everyone was great, so I think I absorbed it very well and had a great time.

You are still at school. So what’s the grand plan then? What do you want to do?

I don’t know. Actually, I’m about to graduate from school right now. There will be a GCSE drama performance next Tuesday.

You will be expected to achieve it. Maybe they just sent tickets to see a movie?

Yeah! Go and see it! But it was disappointing.

But is acting now definitely something you want to pursue?

I think so, yes. That’s my dream.

Is there something you really want to do? What do you like to watch?

I love romantic comedies. Like “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” or “The Notebook.” I love seeing them all. That’s amazing. And I love horror. So, if anyone is paying attention…