This is not a drill, people!
Two Irish stars have officially joined the cast of the upcoming Sense & Sensibility remake, which is being developed by Focus Features and Working Title Films.
While Esmé Creed-Miles was previously announced as Marianne and Daisy Edgar-Jones as Elinor Dashwood, it’s now been confirmed that Caitríona Balfe and Fiona Shaw will also star in the adaptation.
Yes, according to Deadline, Outlander star Caitríona Balfe will play Mrs Dashwood, the mother of Elinor and Marianne, while Killing Eve’s Fiona Shaw takes on the role of Mrs Jennings, the lively socialite who hosts the sisters during their time in London.
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Best known for Outlander, Caitríona has also earned acclaim for her BAFTA-nominated performance in Belfast and a recent role in The Amateur, while Fiona Shaw, widely recognised from Killing Eve, the Harry Potter series, and Andor, has more recently appeared in Hot Milk, Echo Valley, True Detective: Night Country, and Bad Sisters.
Other notable names joining the production include Frank Dillane as Marianne’s initial love interest, John Willoughby and George MacKay as Elinor’s love interest, Edward Ferrars.
Herbert Nordrum (The Worst Person in the World) will also star as Marianne’s later suitor Colonel Brandon and Bodhi Rae Breathnach (The Capture) is the youngest Dashwood sister, Margaret.
What a cast!
Of course, this isn’t the first time Jane Austen’s beloved novel has been adapted, with the most iconic version being the 1995 film starring Kate Winslet and Emma Thompson, who also penned the screenplay.
This time, best-selling author Diana Reid takes on screenwriting duties, with BAFTA-nominated director Georgia Oakley set to helm the film.
The story tells the tale of two sisters, Elinor (Edgar-Jones) and Marianne (Creed-Miles), as they navigate love, loss and expectations of them following the death of their father, which leaves them in financial uncertainty.
Although a release date hasn’t been announced yet, production is now underway in the UK, so expect plenty of exciting updates to follow.
