Step aside, “Bridgerton”: Netflix is returning to the classics. Jane Austen’s iconic novel “Pride and Prejudice” will be adapted into a Netflix limited series, with Emma Corrin, Jack Lowden, and Olivia Colman starring.
Corrin will play Elizabeth Bennet and also executive produce, with “Slow Horses” actor Lowden cast as Mr. Darcy. Colman, who already is a Netflix staple with “Heartstopper,” will be Mrs. Bennet. The six-part series will be a “faithful, classic adaptation” of the novel, with author Dolly Alderton (“Everything I Know About Love”) writing the script. “Heartstopper” helmer Euros Lyn will direct. “Pride and Prejudice” will be going into production in the UK in 2025.
“We are delighted to be sharing this beloved British classic with our global audience,” Netflix’s Mona Qureshi said in a press statement. “‘Pride and Prejudice’ is the ultimate romantic comedy. Dolly’s fierce intelligence and enormous heart, twinned with her genuine love of the Austen novel means she is able to bring new insights, whilst celebrating all that the generations of fans hold so dear. The calibre of a cast led by Emma, Jack, and Olivia is testament to this precious story being in the best possible hands with Euros Lyn and the team at Lookout Point at the helm.”
Writer and executive producer Alderton added, “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. 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. With Euros Lyn directing our stellar cast, I am so excited to reintroduce these hilarious and complicated characters to those who count Pride and Prejudice as their favourite book, and those who are yet to meet their Lizzie and Mr. Darcy.”
Corrin continued that bringing their take on Elizabeth Bennet is a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for any actor. “To be able to bring this iconic character to life, alongside Olivia and Jack, with Dolly’s phenomenal scripts, is truly the greatest honor. I can’t wait for a new generation to fall in love with this story all over again,” they said.
The “Pride and Prejudice” 2005 feature (notably titled “Pride & Prejudice” instead) is being re-released in theaters from Focus Features starting April 20, with the special theatrical event taking place both on April 20 and April 23 nationwide. There also will be limited edition merchandise to further immortalize the beloved film from director Joe Wright, which starred Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet and Mathew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy.
