Nothing excites us more than hearing a Sense and Sensibility re-make is in the works. Why, you might ask? Perhaps it's the knowledge that we're (likely) on the cusp of a new internet boyfriend, or perhaps, as Jane Austen fans, the enduring appeal of her romantic stories coming to life again is just too much to resist.
And while we know Georgia Oakley is directing, Australian author Diana Reid is adapting the screenplay, and Daisy Edgar-Jones is leading the charge as Elinor, the small question of who will be cast has, until recently, been a mystery.
First published in 1811 (under the pseudonym 'By a Lady'), Austen’s debut novel is a portrait of sisterhood, duty, and desire told with her sharp wit. The story charts Elinor and Marianne Dashwood as they navigate the territory of love and loss, tethered always to society’s expectations, and the need for financial survival. It’s a classic for a reason, and in the right hands, it will be just as resonant in 2025 as it was in the Regency era.
Director Oakley, is known for her tender yet unflinching direction in Blue Jean, is an inspiring choice to bring fresh intimacy to Austen’s world. And Reid has already proven she can write about complex women and female relationships with emotional depth and biting insight, via her novels Love & Virtue, Seeing Other People, and Signs of Damage. Together, they might just give Sense and Sensibility the modern heartbeat it deserves. And of course there's Edgar-Jones who, if her enchanting performance in Normal People is anything to go by, will treat Elinor with care.
So, who will play Elinor's two love interests, Willoughby and Edward, and her quick-to-fall-in-love sister, Marianne? Now, we finally have the answers. Below, meet the cast of the Sense and Sensibility reboot, including where you might have seen them before.
Edward Ferrars
George MacKay
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The kind-hearted and thoughtful older brother of Fanny Dashwood and Robert Ferrars, Edward forms a meaningful relationship with Elinor during his stay at Norland. With his reserved nature and gentle charm, Edward is both sincere and endearing.
The role has officially gone to George MacKay, a 33-year-old actor who got his start as a child in Peter Pan. Since then, he's gone on to prove his range with roles in the likes of 1917, How I Live Now, The End, and Femme.
Colonel Brandon
Herbert Nordrum
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A retired officer and close friend of Sir John Middleton, Colonel Brandon develops deep feelings for Marianne Dashwood.
This role has gone to Herbert Nordrum, a 38-year-old Norwegian actor best known for his parts in The Worst Person In The World, Promising Young Woman, and The Culture. An impeccable choice, if we do say so ourselves.
Marianne Dashwood
Esmé Creed-Miles
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The seventeen-year-old second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dashwood, Marianne is spirited, impulsive, and deeply romantic, but guided more by emotion than reason. 25-year-old English actress Esmé Creed-Miles will bring this part to life, having proven previously she can capture passion and vulnerability with roles in Hanna and The Doll Factory.
John Willoughby
Frank Dillane
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A handsome yet duplicitous young man, this character’s charm masks a more self-serving nature.
Frank Dillane might be relatively new to acting, but if his breakout role in Harris Dickinson's Urchin is anything to go by, he's more than up to the task of this part. The 34-year-old actor also played a young Tom Riddle in the film Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and Nick Clark onFear the Walking Dead.
Mrs Dashwood
Catriona Balfe
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The warm-hearted and devoted mother of Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret, and the second wife of Henry Dashwood. Mrs. Dashwood embodies grace and quiet resilience.
It feels fitting that this part has gone to Irish actress Catriona Balfe, who we know can master similar time periods, thanks to her critically acclaimed role in Outlander.
Mrs Jennings
Fiona Shaw
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Mrs. Jennings is the well-meaning older woman who can't help but meddle in the love lives of the young people around her. She's also who the Dashwood sisters stay with when they visit London.
This layered role will be played by Irish actress Fiona Shaw, whose illustrious career is hard to distill in just a few roles. Most recently, you might have seen her in Killing Eve, Bad Sisters, and Hot Milk.
Margaret Dashwood
Bodhi Rae Breathnach
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Margaret is the youngest sister of Elinor and Marianne, and is just 12 at the start of the book. This role has gone to child actress, Bodhi Rae Breathnach.
