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 our next internet boyfriend is getting a new project, 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, we can't help but wonder who else will be cast.
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.
With that said and done, we're wondering who will play Elinor's two love interests, Willoughby and Edward, and her quick-to-fall-in-love sister, Marianne. Below, we’ve rounded up eight actors that could play alongside Daisy Edgar-Jones in Sense and Sensibility.
Edward Ferrars
Josh O'Connor
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The kind-hearted and thoughtful older brother of Fanny Dashwood and Robert Ferrars, Edward forms a quiet yet meaningful bond with Elinor during his stay at Norland. With his reserved nature and gentle charm, Edward is both sincere and endearing. Josh O’Connor would be an ideal choice to portray him, capturing the character’s subtle shyness and polite charisma perfectly.
Colonel Brandon
Dev Patel
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A retired officer and close friend of Sir John Middleton, Colonel Brandon develops deep feelings for Marianne Dashwood. Dev Patel would be a perfect fit for the role, bringing warmth, charisma, and quiet strength to this beloved character.
Marianne Dashwood
Mia Mckenna-Bruce
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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. We've already seen McKenna-Bruce shine in a similar Regency role in Persuasion, and we believe she would make a wonderful Marianne, capturing both her passion and vulnerability.
John Willoughby
Callum Turner
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A handsome yet duplicitous young man, this character’s charm masks a more self-serving nature. Turner, with his striking looks and ability of playing subtly deceptive roles, like in Fantastic Beasts and Emma, would bring just the right mix of allure and hidden motives to the part.
Fanny Dashwood
Florence Pugh
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The selfish, snobbish, and calculating wife of John Dashwood, Fanny is a master of manipulation cloaked in civility. While we haven’t yet seen Florence Pugh in an overtly unlikeable role, we think it would be good to watch her take it on. As a powerhouse performer, she would undoubtedly bring sharp wit and bold presence to the character with ease.
John Dashwood
Robert Pattison
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The weak-willed and money-driven heir to the Norland estate, John Dashwood is easily swayed and morally complacent. With his impressive range and nuanced performances, that include more timid roles like in Mickey 17. Robert Pattinson would bring an intriguing depth to John.
Mrs Dashwood
Kate Winslet
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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. Having played Marianne in the 1995 adaptation, it would be a full-circle moment to see Kate Winslet return in the remake as the charming and compassionate matriarch.
Lucy Steele
Millie Bobby Brown
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Mrs. Jennings' cousin, she is sly, self-serving, and outwardly affectionate. Though her charm often masks deep insecurity. Casting Millie Bobby Brown in this role would be an exciting step into more mature territory, offering her the chance to explore a character with hidden motives.
