Natalie Portman was originally cast as Catherine Earnshaw. After her departure from the film, Lindsay Lohan campaigned for the role but Abbie Cornish was eventually cast. As filming neared, Cornish was then replaced by Gemma Arterton. When Andrea Arnold was hired to direct, she replaced Gemma Arterton with Kaya Scodelario.
Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority lent various historic items from their museum collection to be used for set dressing: stoneware jars and pottery items, child's cradle, peat barrow, peat spades, oatcake making equipment including thivel, board and cake stand, knitting stick and backcan for carrying milk from the field to the farm house. These items are usually on public display at the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes, Wensleydale.
Andrea Arnold did not allow Kaya Scodelario to shave her armpits during filming. As a result, she went three months without shaving.
Michael Fassbender was originally cast to portray Heathcliff, but as shooting drew nearer he was replaced by Ed Westwick. After Andrea Arnold was hired to direct, Ed Westwick was 'let go'.
Andrea Arnold originally wanted an actor of 'Gypsy'/Roma descent for the role of Heathcliff but the 'Gyspy' community of England wasn't very receptive and was unable to find an actor who she felt was appropriate for the role. She then opened the audition to actors between 16 and 21, from Yorkshire, of mixed race, Indian, Pakistani, Bangledeshi or Middle Eastern descent. Newcomer James Howson was eventually cast.