It’s been 20 years since Keira Knightley and Matthew MacFadyen appeared on-screen as Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy. Therefore, a new adaptation of Pride and Prejudice was only a matter of time. For this series, Netflix decided to get on board, planning to create a six-episode series based on the classic novel.
The script for the new adaptation will be written by Dolly Alderton, British author, screenwriter and columnist for The Sunday Times. Euros Lyn, who has worked on well-known series such as Doctor Who, Black Mirror, Sherlock, Black Mirror, His Dark Materials, Heartstopper and Daredevil, will direct the show.
As Alderton put it (via Tudum):
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. 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. The book is a gift to adapt – packed with drama and depth as well as comedy and charm. In it lies the opportunity to examine the complexities of love, family, friendship and society, while aspiring to Austen’s delightfully observational voice.
Let’s have a look at this new adaptation of Austen’s famous tale.
When could the Pride and Prejudice series be released?
Filming for Pride and Prejudice will kick off later this year, and it appears likely to premiere in 2026. The series will consist of six episodes.
What will be the plot of the Pride and Prejudice series?
The Netflix series will be based on Jane Austen’s novel, published in 1813. The story is told from the point of view of Elizabeth ‘Lizzie’ Bennet, the second of the five daughters of Mr and Mrs Bennet, living in the English countryside. As their property can only be inherited by a male heir, Mrs Bennet’s primary concern is finding husbands for her daughters to secure their future.
The peaceful existence of the locals is disrupted by the appearance of the handsome and wealthy Mr Bingley, who decides to rent the nearby mansion. Bingley arrives at the estate with his two sisters, brother-in-law, and his best friend, the arrogant aristocrat Mr Darcy. Elizabeth and her sister Jane become involved in an acquaintance with the two gentlemen.
Whether the series will be a faithful adaptation of the novel or more like the fairytale Bridgerton remains unknown. However, it’s worth recalling that three years ago, Netflix created a film version of Persuasion, Jane Austen’s last novel. However, the film was poorly received by critics, ending up with a 30% Tomatometer score. Therefore, whatever Netflix plans to do with Pride and Prejudice, it had better not resemble the infamous 2022 film.
Who will star in the Pride and Prejudice series?
For now, Netflix has revealed three names from the cast.
Mr Darcy will be played by Jack Lowden, best known as River Cartwright, a charming but unlucky spy from the Slow Horses espionage series. No doubt the bar for Lowden is set high, since the most iconic portrayal of Darcy belongs to Colin Firth, who famously played him in the 1995 TV series (soaking white wet shirt and all).
Smart and lively Elizabeth Bennet will be portrayed by Emma Corrin, who already has quite a lot of experience in period dramas. Corrin starred as Princess Diana in The Crown, Lady Constance in Lady Chatterley’s Lover, and Anna Harding in Nosferatu.
Emma Corrin stated (via Tudum):
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 honor. I can’t wait for a new generation to fall in love with this story all over again.
Lizzie’s mother, Mrs Bennet, will be played by Olivia Colman herself, who has an accomplished and diverse acting portfolio. She portayed Queen Elisabeth II in The Crown, Godmother in Fleabag, Queen Anne in The Favourite, and Detective Ellie Miller in Broadchurch, among others.
