
Jane Austen’s novels, especially Pride and Prejudice, still connect with readers even centuries after it was originally published. Its incisive social commentary combined with a love story makes readers fall for Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet every time.
There have been multiple adaptations of this classic tale, including the 2005 film starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, as well as the 1995 TV series starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth as the two titular characters.
Now, a new version is coming soon starring Emma Corrin and Jack Lowden as Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. But it looks like hardcore fans of the book are not too impressed with this new limited series. In this article, we will discuss the upcoming series and what fans are saying about it.
The Netflix adaptation of Pride and Prejudice is going to be a six-part limited series from best-selling author Dolly Alderton and director Euros Lyn (Heartstopper). As per Netflix, “The adaptation will hew closely to the original text, reuniting existing fans with the timeless novel, while also introducing a new generation to Austen.” The series will begin production in the UK in 2025.
Alderton said to Netflix, “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. The book is a gift to adapt — packed with drama and depth as well as comedy and charm.”
She also added, “In it lies the opportunity to examine the complexities of love, family, friendship and society, while aspiring to Austen’s delightfully observational voice.”
Alderton, Corrin, and Lyn are executive producing alongside Laura Lankester, Will Johnston, and Louise Mutter for Lookout Point. Lisa Osborne (Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light) is joining as a producer as well.
The confirmed cast for now is:
Corrin said to Netflix, “Playing Elizabeth Bennet is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity… I can’t wait for a new generation to fall in love with this story all over again.”
On the Period Drama subreddit, Redditors are having a lukewarm response to this announcement and cast. One user expressed their feelings about Emma Corrin as Elizabeth Bennet:
“I….I’m not really convinced. I don’t think Emma is a good choice for Elizabeth. And I would rather Olivia was playing Lady Catherine. I haven’t seen Jack Lowden in anything, so I can’t judge. I feel they picked actors based more on name recognition.”
Another user agreed and said, “I agree. Emma is not going to be a good Elizabeth in my opinion either. A huge yikes here.”
Fans are also unsure about Jack Lowden’s casting, with one saying, “Jack Lowden is one of those actors that has a modern face to me, but then he'll get into a role and I don't see it anymore. So he's a solid maybe for me.”
Another user said that they don’t trust Netflix to put out a good adaptation, “I love pride and prejudice, I really like the actors, but I’m not sure I trust Netflix to do this well. I did not care for their version of persuasion.”
A redditor agreed with the above user’s sentiments and wrote, “I know nothing about this production but just seeing Dolly Alderton, the cast, and Netflix - I feel like I know where this is going …”
But one user loved Olivia Colman’s casting, saying, “Olivia has perfect comic timing (see Peep Show) and will be an amazing Mrs Bennett.”
What do you think about the casting? Let us know.