Netflix has set a new 6-part limited series based on the Jane Austen novel Pride and Prejudice with Emma Corrin (Nosferatu, Black Mirror), Jack Lowden (Slow Horses, Benediction), and Olivia Colman (The Favourite, The Crown) to take on the beloved literary characters of Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy and Mrs. Bennet, respectively. Production will take place in the U.K. later this year.
The streamer’s Pride and Prejudice is written by Dolly Alderton (Everything I Know About Love) and directed by Euros Lyn (Heartstopper), who also executive produces with Corrin, making their EP debut, Laura Lankester, Will Johnston and Louise Mutter for Lookout Point. Lisa Osborne produces.
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Austen’s second novel follows Elizabeth Bennet, an unmarried woman and the second of five daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet from Hertfordshire, near London. Their home can only be inherited by males in the family, so the pressure is on for the daughters to marry well or risk losing everything. While out in society, Elizabeth interacts with single men like Mr. Darcy, an outwardly curmudgeon who is misunderstood. The novel tackled the issues of manners, upbringing, morality, education, and marriage in the society of the landed gentry of the British Regency.
Netflix touts that the limited series “will be a faithful, classic adaptation of the novel” from Alderton, who hopes audiences will cherish it “whilst inspiring a new generation to fall in love with Austen for the first time.”
“Once in a generation, a group of people get to retell this wonderful story, and I feel very lucky that I get to be a part of it,” shared Alderton in a statement. “Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is the blueprint for romantic comedy – it has been a joy to delve back into its pages to find both familiar and fresh ways of bringing this beloved book to life. With Euros Lyn directing our stellar cast, I am so excited to reintroduce these hilarious and complicated characters to those who count Pride and Prejudice as their favourite book, and those who are yet to meet their Lizzie and Mr Darcy,” she continued.
Added Corrin, “Playing Elizabeth Bennet is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. To be able to bring this iconic character to life, alongside Olivia and Jack, with Dolly’s phenomenal scripts, is truly the greatest honour. I can’t wait for a new generation to fall in love with this story all over again.”
There have been multiple adaptations made of Pride and Prejudice, a beloved 200-year-old tale, throughout the years. Most famously, Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle portrayed Elizabeth and Darcy in the 1995 TV drama from BBC and A&E Networks, and the Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen film, which celebrates its 20th anniversary with a theater re-release set for April 20.
Netflix adapted the Austen novel Persuasion in 2022, starring Dakota Johnson.
“We are delighted to be sharing this beloved British classic with our global audience. Pride and Prejudice is the ultimate romantic comedy. Dolly’s fierce intelligence and enormous heart, twinned with her genuine love of the Austen novel means she is able to bring new insights, whilst celebrating all that the generations of fans hold so dear. The calibre of a cast led by Emma, Jack and Olivia is testament to this precious story being in the best possible hands with Euros Lyn and the team at Lookout Point at the helm,” the streamer’s Mona Qureshi said.