Netflix has started production on its highly anticipated six-episode miniseries, Pride and Prejudice, based on Jane Austen’s classic novel, in the United Kingdom. Featuring a stellar cast led by Emma Corrin as Elizabeth Bennet, Jack Lowden as Mr. Darcy, and Olivia Colman as Mrs. Bennet, the adaptation promises a faithful take on the 1813 work. The production, written by Dolly Alderton and directed by Euros Lyn, also stars Rufus Sewell as Mr. Bennet and Freya Mavor as Jane Bennet, alongside newcomers Hopey Parish and Hollie Avery. To mark the start of filming, Netflix released the first official image, showcasing Mrs. Bennet and her five daughters, sparking excitement among fans of the author and the romantic genre. The series, exploring themes like love, social class, and reputation, aims to captivate both loyal readers and new audiences with a fresh and engaging narrative.
Filming began in July 2025, with locations across the UK, and Netflix is banking on a renowned creative team to retell this timeless story. The project blends experienced names with rising stars, promising a balance between fidelity to the original text and a modern vision for a global audience.
- Key cast members: Emma Corrin, Jack Lowden, Olivia Colman, Rufus Sewell, Freya Mavor.
- Direction and script: Euros Lyn directs, while Dolly Alderton pens the script, bringing her expertise in romantic comedies.
- Production: Lookout Point, with Laura Lankester, Will Johnston, and Louise Mutter as executive producers.
- Expectations: The series aims to honor Austen’s legacy and attract a new generation of viewers.
Stellar cast for a timeless story
The casting is one of the production’s major highlights. Emma Corrin, known for her role as Princess Diana in The Crown, takes on Elizabeth Bennet, the witty and independent protagonist. Jack Lowden, who shone in Slow Horses, plays the reserved and enigmatic Mr. Darcy, while Olivia Colman, an Oscar winner for The Favourite, brings to life the eccentric Mrs. Bennet, a mother obsessed with marrying off her daughters.
Rufus Sewell, cast as the patriarch Mr. Bennet, brings his experience from standout roles in The Diplomat to the project. Freya Mavor, from Industry, portrays Jane Bennet, the gentle eldest sister. The younger sisters, Lydia, Mary, and Kitty, are played by Rhea Norwood (Heartstopper), Hopey Parish, and Hollie Avery, the latter two making their debut roles, promising to bring freshness to the family dynamic.
- Emma Corrin: Elizabeth Bennet, the clever and defiant heroine.
- Jack Lowden: Mr. Darcy, the reserved aristocrat who wins Elizabeth’s heart.
- Olivia Colman: Mrs. Bennet, the mother anxious for advantageous marriages.
- Rufus Sewell: Mr. Bennet, the sarcastic and observant father.
- Freya Mavor: Jane Bennet, the delicate and romantic sister.
The supporting cast also impresses, with names like Louis Partridge as the charming Mr. Wickham, Jamie Demetriou as the comical Mr. Collins, and Fiona Shaw as the formidable Lady Catherine de Bourgh. This blend of talents solidifies the series as one of the most anticipated of the year.
A faithful adaptation with a modern touch
Written by Dolly Alderton, author of Everything I Know About Love, the miniseries is described as a faithful adaptation of the novel but with an approach that resonates with today’s audience. Alderton, known for her skill in crafting romantic narratives with humor and depth, worked to preserve the essence of Austen’s characters while adding nuances that connect with modern viewers.
Euros Lyn, who directed episodes of Heartstopper and Doctor Who, helms the project, bringing his experience in visually captivating storytelling. The production by Lookout Point, known for projects like Happy Valley and Gentleman Jack, reinforces the expected quality.
The first released image, showing Mrs. Bennet and her five daughters in period costumes, suggests meticulous attention to historical detail, with outfits reflecting early 19th-century England. The photograph, captured by Ludo Robert, highlights the family dynamic, with Olivia Colman at the center, surrounded by the young actresses playing the Bennet sisters.
Classic characters with new faces
The story of Pride and Prejudice centers on Elizabeth Bennet, a young woman who defies her era’s social conventions, and her relationship with Mr. Darcy, a man initially seen as arrogant but who reveals deeper layers. The narrative explores tensions between love, pride, prejudice, and the social pressures of rural 19th-century England.
The supporting cast brings iconic characters to life:
- Mr. Wickham (Louis Partridge): A charming officer with hidden motives.
- Mr. Collins (Jamie Demetriou): The comical and awkward cousin of the Bennet family.
- Lady Catherine de Bourgh (Fiona Shaw): The domineering and intimidating aristocrat.
- Mr. Bingley (Daryl McCormack): Darcy’s affable friend and Jane’s love interest.
- Caroline Bingley (Siena Kelly): Bingley’s ambitious sister with her own agenda.
Other names, like Anjana Vasan (Mrs. Gardiner), Sebastian Armesto (Mr. Gardiner), and Eloise Webb (Harriet Forster), complete the cast, ensuring a rich portrayal of the secondary characters that enrich the plot.
Production and audience expectations
The six-episode miniseries is being filmed in UK locations, with settings that promise to capture the beauty of Georgian England. The choice of authentic locations, paired with Euros Lyn’s direction, suggests a visually striking production, focusing on natural landscapes and elegant interiors that reflect the era’s society.
Netflix has been investing in adaptations of literary classics, and Pride and Prejudice comes at a celebratory moment: 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth. The series is seen as an opportunity to introduce the work to a new generation while meeting the expectations of loyal fans.
- Location: Filming in the UK, with settings recreating 19th-century England.
- Production: Lookout Point, with executive producers like Laura Lankester and Louise Mutter.
- Script: Dolly Alderton, blending fidelity with a modern touch.
- Direction: Euros Lyn, known for his work on Heartstopper and Doctor Who.
Initial reactions and cultural impact
The release of the first image and full cast generated significant buzz on social media. Jane Austen fans expressed excitement over the casting of Emma Corrin and Olivia Colman, while others highlighted Jack Lowden’s choice as Mr. Darcy, comparing him to the iconic Colin Firth from the 1995 BBC adaptation.
The series also promises to reignite interest in Austen’s work, which continues to inspire film and TV adaptations. With universal themes like love, class, and reputation, Pride and Prejudice remains relevant, and Netflix is betting on a stellar cast and creative team to deliver a memorable production.
Jane Austen’s legacy
Jane Austen’s work, published in 1813, is considered a cornerstone of world literature, laying the foundation for the modern romantic comedy genre. Netflix’s new adaptation joins a long list of versions of the story, including the 2005 film with Keira Knightley and the 1995 BBC miniseries with Colin Firth.
What sets this production apart is its balance of fidelity to the text and a contemporary approach, with a diverse cast and a creative team that understands the importance of updating the narrative without losing its essence. Dolly Alderton’s writing reinforces this vision, known for capturing complex emotions with humor and sensitivity.
- Story: Published in 1813, the work is a landmark of romantic comedy.
- Previous adaptations: Include the 1995 BBC miniseries and the 2005 film.
- Relevance: Themes like love and class continue to resonate with today’s audience.
- Creative team: Dolly Alderton and Euros Lyn bring a fresh vision to the story.
A milestone for new talent
The inclusion of debut actresses like Hopey Parish and Hollie Avery, who play Mary and Kitty Bennet, is another highlight. Parish, recently graduated from the Manchester School of Acting, and Avery, a 2024 LAMDA graduate, bring new energy to the production. Their roles underscore Netflix’s commitment to nurturing new talent alongside established names like Fiona Shaw and Rufus Sewell.
The miniseries also marks Emma Corrin’s debut as an executive producer, a significant step in her career. Her collaboration with Olivia Colman, with whom she worked on The Crown, adds a layer of chemistry to the project, especially in family scenes.
