Netflix has unveiled the first tantalising glimpse of its highly anticipated television adaptation of Jane Austen's timeless novel, Pride and Prejudice. The streaming giant released a teaser showcasing Emma Corrin in the lead role of Elizabeth Bennet, perched thoughtfully on a rooftop, gazing into the distance, setting the tone for what the platform is calling a 'yearn-aissance'.
A Stellar Cast for a Classic Tale
The six-part series, scheduled for release this autumn, features an impressive ensemble cast. Alongside Corrin's Elizabeth Bennet, the adaptation stars Jack Lowden as the enigmatic Mr Darcy. The supporting cast includes acclaimed actors Olivia Colman, Rufus Sewell, Louis Partridge, and Fiona Shaw, promising a rich and nuanced portrayal of Austen's beloved characters.
First Look Teaser Details
The newly released teaser offers several evocative scenes. It shows Corrin, who previously captivated audiences as Princess Diana in The Crown, sitting atop a roof in a moment of quiet contemplation. Mr Darcy, portrayed by Lowden, is glimpsed briefly from a departing carriage, through a doorway, and riding his horse. The teaser, set to birdsong, also intersperses shots of Corrin's hand holding a pebble, a figure running along a path, and a brief scene of Elizabeth and Mr Darcy dancing together.
Emma Corrin, who uses they/them pronouns, is celebrated for their role in The Crown and the Netflix film adaptation of Lady Chatterley's Lover. Jack Lowden, a Scottish actor, gained recognition for his role in the BBC's 2016 War and Peace adaptation and more recently for his Golden Globe and Emmy-nominated performance in the Apple TV series Slow Horses.
Joining the 'Yearn-aissance'
Netflix has stated that the series aims to 'faithfully bring Jane Austen's iconic story back to life for audiences that cherish it, while inspiring a new generation to fall in love with it for the first time'. This new adaptation joins a long lineage of screen versions, following the acclaimed 1995 BBC television drama starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, and the 2005 film featuring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen.
Creative Team and Vision
The series has been written and executive produced by Dolly Alderton, author of the bestselling book Everything I Know About Love. Alderton expressed her enthusiasm, stating, 'Once in a generation, a group of people get to retell this wonderful story and I feel very lucky that I get to be a part of it.'
She added, 'Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is the blueprint for romantic comedy — it has been a joy to delve back into its pages to find both familiar and fresh ways of bringing this beloved book to life.' The series is directed by Euros Lyn, known for his work on Doctor Who and Happy Valley.
Promotion and Release
Fans attending screenings of Emerald Fennell's new cinema adaptation of Wuthering Heights may have already spotted this teaser, as it was shown before the main feature at select venues. While an exact release date for the Netflix series remains unannounced, the anticipation is building for this autumn premiere. The project represents a significant addition to the canon of Austen adaptations, aiming to capture the wit, romance, and social commentary of the original 1813 novel for a contemporary audience.
