Netflix has released the first look at its $60 million adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, with Jack Lowden taking on the role of Mr Darcy and Emma Corrin, known for The Crown, starring as Elizabeth Bennet. The series is scheduled to premiere in December.
A Classic Reimagined
The original novel, published in 1813, has been adapted for the screen around 15 times, including a notable six-episode series in 1995 featuring Colin Firth as Mr Darcy and Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet. More than 30 years later, this new adaptation brings a fresh take to the beloved story.
In the first look, Lizzy (Emma Corrin) and Jane (Freya Mavor) appear on the roof of Longbourn. Corrin's character says, "One day, Jane, I shall be either a governess and a spinster, or a wife and a mother. And then, finally, we may talk about something else." Jane replies, "Such as what?" Mrs Bennet, played by Olivia Colman, delivers the famous line, "It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife."
Behind the Adaptation
The series has been adapted by Dolly Alderton, author of the bestselling memoir Everything I Know About Love, which was later turned into a BBC series. Alderton commented on the story's enduring appeal: "Pride and Prejudice is such a timeless story because of the emotions in the book; they are as pertinent now as they were in 1812. Embarrassment of your family, fear that you're going to get left behind, fear that the world is not going to be a safe place for your children as it was for you, mortification that you judged someone incorrectly or that you had been misjudged. We go to that book to see our hearts reflected in it."
She also explained her choice for the trailer's opening line: "I always knew that I wanted it to be the opening line of the trailer, not only because I think it's so relatable to women now who are looking to find the right partner and looking to find love, who are resentful of how much time it takes over their schedule and their brain, but also because it captures how much Lizzy is a character who's working things out as she goes along."
Story and Release
The official Netflix synopsis reads: "When wealthy bachelors arrive in their neighbourhood, the five Bennet sisters must navigate love, family, and society's expectations to secure their futures. Jane falls for the charming Mr Bingley, while Elizabeth clashes with his proud friend Mr Darcy – but unexpected encounters and family scandals force Elizabeth to reconsider her feelings and discover the true nature of love."
Pride and Prejudice arrives on Netflix on 3 December.
