Netflix’sPride and Prejudicehas cast two major characters from the Bennet family. The upcomingJane Austen adaptationwill be a six-episode miniseries fromHeartstopperdirector Euros Lyn andEverything I Know About Lovewriter Dolly Alderton. The 1813 novel, which follows the bad first impression between the quick-witted Elizabeth Bennet and the rich and handsome Mr. Darcy eventually developing into love, has been adapted to the screen multiple times, most prominently in a 1995 miniseries starring Colin Firth and a 2005 movie starring Keira Knightley.
On their official X account,Netflixhas announced thatPride and Prejudicehas castEmma Corrin as the novel’s lead character, Elizabeth Bennet and Olivia Colman as her meddlesome mother, Mrs. Bennet. Both actors previously starred in the streamer’s historical dramaThe Crown, as Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth II respectively.Slow Horses' Jack Lowden has also been officially confirmed to be playing Mr. Darcy in the series, after it was recently revealed that he was in talks for the role. See the original post below:
Below, readcomments on this development from Corrin, Netflix’s Mona Qureshi, and AldertonviaDeadline:
Emma Corrin:Playing Elizabeth Bennet is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. To be able to bring this iconic character to life, alongside Olivia and Jack, with Dolly’s phenomenal scripts, is truly the greatest honour. I can’t wait for a new generation to fall in love with this story all over again.
Mona Qureshi:We are delighted to be sharing this beloved British classic with our global audience. 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.
Dolly Alderton: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.
What This Means For Pride And Prejudice
Both Incoming Stars Are Well-Suited To Their Roles
This casting announcement reveals thatPride and Prejudicehas added two stars with ample experienceto the growing ensemble cast. Corrin has already proven their mettle at portraying iconic characters from throughout history multiple times. In addition to playing real-life historical figure Princess Diana inThe Crownseason 4, which primarily took place in the 1980s, they played Anna Harding in 2024’sNosferatu, which is set in the early 1800s, and the title role in 2022’sLady Chatterly’s Lover, bringing another iconic literary character to life in the process.
Emma Corrin also played the villain Cassandra Nova in 2024’sDeadpool & Wolverine.
Olivia Colman also has her fair share of historical roles under her belt, including her Oscar-winning portrayal of Queen Anne in 2018’sThe Favourite.She has also long proven her ability to play the comic notes that are required of a faithful portrayal of Mrs. Bennetafter delivering humorous performances in a variety of movies and television series includingFleabag,Paddington in Peru,Wonka,Hot Fuzz, andPeep Show.
Our Take On The Pride And Prejudice Casting
The New Stars Could Help Boost The Project
The new Netflix show has big shoes to fill, considering the sheer number of well-respectedPride and Prejudiceadaptationsthat already exist, including the Oscar-winning 1940 adaptation starring Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier. The story has also been modernized multiple times over the years, in movies such as 2001’sBridget Jones' Diaryand 2022’sFire Island. However, with such talented stars taking on major roles,the show could have what it takes to stand out among the crowd.
