Wuthering Heights Breakout Charlotte Mellington on Playing Young Cathy

Playing Emily Brönte’s tragic heroine Cathy in “Wuthering Heights” is, for many actors, the dream screen role.

For Charlotte Mellington, it’s the first.

But that’s not all. Alongside playing the teenage version of the famed literary figure in the Warner Bros. feature, she’s playing the teenage Margot Robbie (who plays the older Cathy), and in a film directed by Emerald Fennell also starring Jacob Elordi that happens to be one of the buzziest releases of the year (one that also seems to gotten a few critics hot under the collar).

But 14-year-old Mellington — whose only previous performance was the “Matilda” West End stage musical — appears to be taking it all in her youthful stride, even if she could have done without the algebra lessons on set.

Speaking to Variety after “Wuthering Heights’” decidedly — and somewhat aptly — rainy London premiere, the youngster discusses the running through the Moors, watching her on-screen partner Owen Cooper stack it in the mud, the exceptionally creepy gift given to her by Fennell after the shoot and what she’d like to do next.

How was the London premiere?

I had so much fun. Obviously there were some nerves on the way. It was my first one. But I think I did pretty well for my first. So a couple of nerves, but once I was there it was just an amazing experience.

Did you get a bit wet? The rain was pretty extreme

I did get a bit wet, but out of all us Jacob got the most wet. He was really embracing the rain while I was hiding under my umbrella.

Did you manage to bring any family and friends along?

So at my hotel, it was the cutest thing ever. My two grannies came and saw me getting ready. My uncle came towards the end. My sister was there, my mum and my dad were there. And then it was a complete surprise, because I went down to the lobby once I was ready and my three best friends were standing right there. They’d come to see me. I had no idea and it was best surprise. I love them so much. It was really great to have that little confidence boost before I went.

Who did you manage to get inside the actual premiere?

My dad and my mum. And my little sister had a little walk down the carpet and then went out for dinner with my grandparents.

So how did the role of a young Cathy come your way?

I do Rob Kelly screen acting classes. And on my first day, I walked in and at the end of the session, Rob was like, ‘Are you up for ‘Wuthering Heights’? I think you’d make a really good Cathy.’ And I was like, ‘No.’ I didn’t know anything about it. But then we struggled to send in stuff and get an audition, so he sent through my headshots again and I did a self-tape. And then got called back for the second one. And I had the biggest panic attack, because I was on holiday for the third audition and didn’t know whether I’d have to fly back. But they let me stay and come back later. And then I did my chemistry read with Owen and we were the last pair. And here I am!

Had you read the book already?

I had not read the book. I probably should’ve. I got a copy of it but I think I started the first page and my eyes started to swim. But it’s Emerald’s version of “Wuthering Heights.”

Have you read it now?

Ha! No. But when I was auditioning I did try to watch some of the other on-screen versions!

How was the shoot? Was it as cold and bleak as it looks on screen?

To be honest, the week we were shooting in Yorkshire, which can be quite bleak, it was the sunniest, bluest sky ever. But the more rain and the more wind, the better — I think it just made it all more dramatic. And it got you into character more. But I was just so happy to be there because it was exciting filming it and, of course, running through the Moors.

When were you filming? Was it in school holidays or did you have to work around studies?

It was late December to late March. When we were working at the studio it wasn’t so bad, because I could go and then come back to school. But in Yorkshire, we had tutoring. Oh my god, tutoring. Don’t get me started! We’d film the most emotionally intense scene and then they’d be like “ok guys, just going to pop you in for half an hour of tutoring.” Algebra in between scenes… sends shivers down my spine!

You’re obviously not in scenes together, but did you get to spend any time with Margot and Jacob?

I’d see them in hair and makeup and around set and around the studio. But yeah, we’d have really lovely interactions. I think one time, in hair and makeup, Jacob came and we started playing this word game. We would both say a word and then you’d have to keep getting closer and closer until you get the same word. I didn’t know the game so was really awful at it. And I was like, gosh, Charlotte, you’re embarrassing yourself! But yeah, they were really lovely and I’d have lovely little chats with Margot. But they’re the best. They’re naturals. The most incredible actors I could ever have been in a movie with. I mean, it’s Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi… come on!

You were shooting with Owen Cooper. Did ‘Adolescence’ erupt while you were shooting?

It came out almost halfway into the shoot, but everything started to ramp up after ‘Wuthering Heights’finished. But he’s great — super nonchalant! At the end of filming, and me Vy (Nguyen) were like, ‘OMG, it’s done’ and he was just ‘Yeah, see ya.’

I heard that Emerald made little shrines for Margot and Jacob in their rooms. Did she do anything similar for you?

At the end of filming, she gave us little bits to take home from the set. And she gave me Cathy’s doll that sits in her bed and it the creepiest thing ever. It’s so creepy I think if I looked into its eyes I might be transported to hell. And my mum set it up in my room before my friends came over to stay the night and we walked in and were like ‘aaargh!’. But yeah, I think that’s the most perfect Emerald/Cathy present I could have got.

Do you have a particular favourite memory from the whole experience?

Obviously running through the Moors. But then there was this scene with Owen at the Pike and we’re basically just getting rained on. We’ve gone out and get caught in a storm. It was so muddy and I was slipping in my massive skirt but Owen literally stacked it into the mud. I remember just laughing hysterically. I love that moment. But we also played a lot of Makeshift Ball, which was the source of our entertainment while filming in Yorkshire. We didn’t have an actual ball, so Owen got a juice packet and wrapped it up in a plastic bag and taped it all together. And we’d chuck that around in a field next to the trailers. We got so much joy out of that.

That sounds comically low budget

Yeah! We probably could have got a ball, but just kind of stuck with that.

This is your first film, you’re playing one of the literary world’s most famous figures, you’re playing the younger Margot Robbie and you’re being directed by Emerald Fennel. It’s not a bad place to start. You seem to be taking it all in your stride. Has it been overwhelming at all?

Everything’s going on and everyone’s been amazing, so I think I’ve just been able to soak it up really well and have a great time.

You’re still at school. So what’s the grand plan for afterwards? What would you like to do?

I have no idea. I’m actually just trying to get through school right now. I have my GCSE drama performance next Tuesday.

You’d be expected to ace that. Maybe just sent them a ticket to see the film?

Yeah! Go and watch that! But fingers crossed for that.

But is acting now definitely something you want to pursue?

I would say so, yes. That’s the dream.

Is there anything you’d really like to do? What do you love to watch?

I do love rom-coms. Like “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” and “The Notebook.” I love watching all of those. So that would be amazing. And I love horror. So if anyone is taking note…