It’s a truth universally acknowledged that Pride and Prejudice is just a beloved piece of work.
The internet, as the internet does, has been divided over what adaptation is better.
BBC’s 1995 mini-series saw Colin Firth take on the role of Mr Darcy, while the 2005 film saw Matthew Macfadyen as the literary hunk.
But now we have a third production in the mix with a brand new cast.
Earlier this year it was announced that Netflix would be adapting the classic book and that Saoirse Ronan’s husband, Jack Lowden would play Mr Darcy.
The Crown’s Emma Corrin will play Elizabeth Bennet in the upcoming miniseries.
Academy Award winner Olivia Colman will play Mrs. Bennet, Elizabeth’s mother! We couldn’t think of a better woman for the role.
Now two Irish names have joined the cast, Daryl McCormack will be Mr Bingley and Fiona Shaw will play Lady Catherine de Bourg.
How exciting.
Other cast members include Rufus Sewell (The Diplomat, Scoop) as Mr Bennet, Freya Mavor (Industry, La Dame Dans L’Auto) as Jane Bennet and Jamie Demetriou (Stath Lets Flats, Barbie) as Mr Collins.
Louis Partridge (House of Guinness, Disclaimer) will be Mr Wickham, Rhea Norwood (Heartstopper, Cabaret) will be Lydia Bennet and Siena Kelly (Black Mirror, Domino Day) will be Caroline Bingley.
While Hopey Parish will make her screen debut as Mary Bennet and Hollie Avery will make her screen debut as Kitty Bennet.
Dolly Alderton, who has written books like Everything I Know About Love and Good Material, has signed on to write this new series.
Speaking earlier in the year about the new series Dolly Alderton (Writer and Executive Producer) said: “‘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.
“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.”
Production is now underway on Pride and Prejudice in the UK. We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for the release date!
