Praise the adaptation gods: Pride and Prejudice is the latest icon to receive a modern reboot. First penned by Jane Austen in the 19th century, the classic novel charts issues of class, inequality and, of course, love. The beloved story has received the on-screen treatment many times in recent decades, including Keira Knightly and Mathew Mcfadyen’s turn as Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy back in 2005, and the 1995 BBC miniseries which starred Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle.
Naturally, when a story is so adored, fans might feel a sense of apprehension at a new interpretation. But according to Deadline, the modern take is in more than capable hands. The outlet reported that Dolly Alderton, who penned Everything I Know About Love, has been charged with writing the script. As for casting, we finally have word on who will play Elizabeth Bennet, Mr Darcy, and Mrs Bennet, with the roles going to Emma Corrin, Jack Lowden, and Olivia Coleman respectively.
If you're already dreaming of this iconic world coming to life, you've come to the right place. Read on for the latest on the Pride and Prejudice adaptation.
Who is cast in the Pride and Prejudice adaptation?
As mentioned, after a lot of speculation, we now know that Corrin will play Elizabeth Bennet, while Scottish actor Lowden will play Mr Darcy.
Having already proved their deftness in period dramas like The Crown and the West End productions of Virginia Wolf's Orlando, sources have long speculated that Corrin is be Dolly Alderton's pick for Elizabeth Bennet. Speaking to The Sun, a source said: "Dolly [...] thinks Emma would be perfect to play Elizabeth. The Good Material author is said to be a ‘big fan’ of Emma’s work, specifically their turn as Princess Diana in The Crown, for which the actor won a Golden Globe award."
As for Lowden, the actor is best known for his role in Apple TV+'s Slow Horses, which earned him Emmy and Golden Globes nominations, and has also appeared in Dunkirk, War and Peace, Mary Queen of Scots, and Benediction. The role of Mr Darcy will mark his first foray into the world of period romance.
Joining the pair is Coleman as Mrs Bennet, Elizabeth's overbearing mother who wants nothing more than to see her five daughters married. Sound familiar? Coleman is a master at complicated matriarch characters, having already made us cry with laughter at her portrayal of Matrigna in Fleabag. Here's hoping she brings some of that comedic touch to her latest role.
As for the other roles in this ensemble cast, they're all yet to be announced. But that hasn't stopped us -- or the internet -- from speculating. Below, our top picks for the remaining Pride and Prejudice cast members.
Jane Bennet
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The eldest of the Bennet sisters, Jane is Elizabeth's closest friend and confidant. In contrast to Elizabeth's cynical realism when it comes to love and marriage, Jane is decidedly more of a romantic. Who better to play this key role than Phoebe Dynevor? The actress has already cut her teeth in a period drama, as Daphne in Bridgerton — a character who is similarly iedalistic about relationships.
Charles Bingley
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Charles Bingley is the son of a wealthy tradesman and friend of Mr Darcy, who falls in love with Jane Bennet. While their romance is marred by a fleeting misunderstanding, the two eventually work out their differences and are married happily by the novel's end. We'd love to see Harris Dickinson break into the world of period romances with this role. It might be slightly different to his most recent part in A24's steamy Babygirl, but at least we know he's got the leading love interest thing down pat.
Catherine 'Kitty' Bennet
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Another Bridgerton alum, we've got our eye on Florence Hunt for the role of Kitty Bennet. The youngest of the five sisters, Kitty is the archetypal youngest child, feeling her emotions deeply and often. Of course, it's the kind of character Hunt has had plenty of practice for, having portrayed the youngest Bridgerton child for three seasons (and counting).
Lady Catherine de Bourgh
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If you ask us, Lady Catherine de Bourgh was practically written for Rosamund Pike. While the actress was actually cast as Jane Bennet in the 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice, we'd love to see her return to the franchise as the haughty Lady Catherine. After all, she did such a good job as Saltburn's Elspeth Catton...
