Netflix's Pride and Prejudice Adaptation Enters Production with Stellar Cast
Netflix has officially announced a new six-part limited series based on Jane Austen's timeless romance novel, Pride and Prejudice, with production underway in the UK and an expected release in autumn 2026. The streaming giant has assembled an all-star cast, including Emma Corrin from The Crown as Elizabeth Bennet and Jack Lowden of Slow Horses fame as the brooding Mr Darcy.
Meet the Impressive Ensemble
Joining Corrin and Lowden are Olivia Colman as the flustered Mrs Bennet, Rufus Sewell as Mr Bennet, Freya Mavor as Jane Bennet, Rhea Norwood as Lydia, Fiona Shaw as Lady Catherine de Bourg, and Jamie Demetriou as the comically snooty Mr Collins. The series is written by Dolly Alderton, often called the millennial Nora Ephron, and directed by Euros Lyn, known for Heartstopper and Doctor Who.
First Trailer Drops, Hinting at Yearning and Romance
The first trailer for the highly anticipated series has just been released, offering glimpses of Corrin's pensive Elizabeth and Lowden's winsome Darcy. Filled with longing looks at dances and through door cracks, the teaser promises a fresh take on Austen's classic enemies-to-lovers story, tapping into the current cultural moment of yearning.
Essential Pride and Prejudice Adaptations to Stream Now
While waiting for Netflix's new series, fans can indulge in numerous other adaptations available on streaming platforms. Here are the key versions to watch online.
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Joe Wright's cinematic adaptation stars Keira Knightley in an Oscar-nominated role as Elizabeth and Matthew Macfadyen as Darcy. This two-hour epic is celebrated for its visual beauty, featuring windswept moors and stately mansions, and is available on Prime Video.
Pride and Prejudice (1995)
The BBC's six-part series from 1995 is widely regarded as the most faithful adaptation, with Colin Firth's portrayal of Mr Darcy becoming a cultural phenomenon. Paired with Jennifer Ehle's Elizabeth Bennet, it explores the novel's subplots in detail and can be streamed on BBC iPlayer.
Pride and Prejudice (1940)
This classic film stars Laurence Olivier as Darcy and Greer Garson as Elizabeth. While it takes some liberties with the plot and costumes, it remains a charming watch from the golden age of cinema, available on Apple TV.
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016)
A genre mash-up based on the parody novel, this film reimagines the Bennet sisters as martial artists fighting zombies. Led by Lily James, it's a ridiculous yet entertaining take, streaming on Prime Video.
Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)
Though not a direct adaptation, this beloved rom-com is inspired by Austen's novel, with Renée Zellweger as Bridget, Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver, and Colin Firth as Mark Darcy. It's available on Prime Video.
The Original Novel
For purists, Jane Austen's 1813 novel offers unmatched wit and social commentary. It remains a masterpiece of romance literature, though some modern reviews humorously critique it as "just a bunch of people going to each other's houses."
How to Access Netflix's Upcoming Series
Netflix's Pride and Prejudice series will be exclusive to the platform upon release. To watch, users need a subscription, with three main tiers available in the UK.
- Standard with ads: £5.99 per month for Full HD on two devices with advertisements.
- Standard: £12.99 per month for ad-free streaming on two devices and offline downloads.
- Premium: £18.99 per month for ad-free Ultra HD on up to four devices, including spatial audio.
Sign up now to prepare for this exciting new adaptation, which combines a dream cast with sharp scriptwriting for a potentially special viewing experience.
