Netflix’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ Limited Series Is in Production

When you think about the most passionate fandoms out there today, you might think of Star Wars or Taylor Swift, or K-Pop fandoms. If the Jane Austen fandom isn’t on your list, then let me tell you…you are missing something. Jane Austen – and Pride and Prejudice fans – are die-hard. And they have every right to be. It is inarguably one of the most beloved stories ever told.

Which is why Pride and Prejudice fans have been waiting with a mixture of anticipation and dread for the upcoming adaptation on Netflix.

It’s a story that can certainly be told well. Just look at the 1995 mini-series starring Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy and Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennett. That series is so iconic that even Firth acknowledges that his epitaph will one day read, “Mr. Darcy has passed away,” regardless of whatever else he achieves in his lifetime. Many also love the 2005 Pride & Prejudice film starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. I am not one of those people. But I’m not joking that the P&P fandom is well aware of the Great Divide. It’s not uncommon to take sides between these two adaptations.

It’s not a surprise that fervent Pride and Prejudice fans are a bit trepidatious about the upcoming Netflix project. In large part because Netflix doesn’t have a flawless track record when it comes to adapting Austen.

That said, I’m always eager to see retellings of my favorite stories. Even if it’s not a retelling that resonates with me. If it brings my favorite authors and stories new fans, I’m willing to give it a chance. So, yes, Netflix, when you release it, I’ll be first in line to check it out.

And there’s cause for optimism that the miniseries may be worth the wait already. The full cast includes some very solid names in its number. Emma Corrin (Deadpool & Wolverine, The Crown) will star as Elizabeth Bennett, opposite Jack Lowden (The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power, Dunkirk) as Fitzwilliam Darcy. The always fantastic Olivia Coleman (The Crown, The Favourite) and Rufus Sewell (The Man in the High Castle, A Knight’s Tale) will play Mrs. and Mr. Bennett.

Rounding out the cast, we have Fiona Shaw (who was in the best adaptation of Persuasion to date) as Lady Catherine; Louis Partridge (Enola Holmes, Argylle) as Mr. Wickham; Daryl McCormack (Twisters) and Siena Kelly (Black Mirror) as Charles and Caroline Bingley; Jamie Demetriou (Fleabag) as Mr. Collins; Freya Mavor (The ABC Murders) as Jane Bennett; and Rhea Norwood (Heartstopper) as Lydia Bennett. Hopey Parish and Hollie Avery will make their screen debuts as Mary and Kitty Bennett, respectively.

All in all, whatever one makes of Netflix’s upcoming Pride and Prejudice, it won’t be for lack of talent. Of course, with production only now underway in the UK, it’ll be some time before we get to see the iconic love story between Elizabeth Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy play out on our screens. I, for one, cannot wait.

Will you be watching?