It’s happening—Netflix’s Pride and Prejudice has officially found its Lizzie and Darcy. In an announcement that’s sure to send both Jane Austen purists and Dolly Alderton disciples into a spiral, The Crown’s Emma Corrin will take on the role of Elizabeth Bennet, with Scottish actor Jack Lowden (Slow Horses) set to smoulder as Mr Darcy. And just to make sure your period-drama-loving heart fully combusts, Olivia Colman is also joining the cast.
The streaming giant’s buzzy new adaptation is being penned by Dolly Alderton—yes, that Dolly—who’s giving the classic enemies-to-lovers romance a fresh, modern twist.
Whether you’re a die-hard Jane Austen fan (and can definitively rank the actors who have played Mr Darcy over the years), or poured over her novels at school, we can’t help but feel “incandescently happy” at the thought of a new series in the works.
After all, “we are all fools in love” and no one arguably more so than self-confessed Agony Aunt, Alderton, whose Millennial musings on romance, love and dating make her the perfect author to bring the iconic story of Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet back to life.
The announcement comes nearly 30 years after the iconic BBC series starring Colin Firth as Mr Darcy and Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet first aired, and nearly 20 years after the Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen remake ignited the still-burning Mr Darcy-related debate.
In light of the news, here’s everything we know so far about Pride and Prejudice on Netflix.
Dolly Alderton Pride and Prejudice TV Series Cast
No stranger to Austen adaptations, Netflix’s previous historical romance Persuasion, starring Dakota Johnson as Anne Elliot, was lauded for its relatable dialogue on unrelenting singledom, but left fans wanting when it came to comedic intent. No doubt Alderton’s adaptation will quell the Austen-shaped hole in the streaming giant’s repertoire, with her wit and astutely self-aware observations on romance and love finding familiar territory in the novel’s thematic nuances.
And now we have confirmation that our hopes and dreams are coming true, with Netflix’s Pride and Prejudice assembling a cast that’s basically a period drama dream team. Here’s who’s playing who so far:
Emma Corrin as Elizabeth Bennet– Known for their Golden Globe-winning turn as Princess Diana in The Crown, Corrin brings sharp wit and emotional depth to the iconic heroine. “Playing Elizabeth Bennet is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Corrin, who’s period drama prowess was on full display in the dreamy adaptation of D.H. Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover. “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.”
Jack Lowden as Mr Darcy – If you’ve watched Slow Horses or Benediction, you know Lowden has the brooding charisma needed to pull off Darcy’s icy-to-swoony arc. Let’s hope our new Mr Darcy can rival Firth’s sideburn game, and also pull off a soaking wet shirt, but all signs (so far) point to yes.
Olivia Colman as Mrs Bennet – The Oscar-winning actress (and The Favourite alum) is set to appear in the series as Mrs Bennet.
Dolly Alderton’s Pride & Prejudice TV Series: Plot & Release Date
Netflix’s upcoming Pride and Prejudice is shaping up to be one of the most exciting Jane Austen adaptations in years—and it’s not just the cast that has fans talking.
- It’s written by Dolly Alderton, the bestselling author behind Everything I Know About Love, who’s known for her sharp, romantic, painfully relatable take on modern relationships.
- It will be produced by Netflix and Searchlight Television, with no official release date yet—but filming is expected to begin in 2025.
- The six-episode series promised to be a period-faithful adaptation of the beloved novel.
“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,” said Alderton of the latest update. “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 book is a gift to adapt — packed with drama and depth as well as comedy and charm.”
“In it lies the opportunity to examine the complexities of love, family, friendship and society, while aspiring to Austen’s delightfully observational voice. 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.”
While plot details are being kept tightly under wraps, the combination of Alderton’s modern voice, a wildly talented cast, and one of the most beloved romances in literary history has already made the upcoming Dolly Alderton version of Pride and Prejudice a must-watch for fans of period dramas, romantic tension, and iconic female leads.
Consider this your official excuse to reread the book—and start debating your favourite Mr Darcy of all time.
Related articles:
- Austen Lovers, This Is the Ultimate Pride & Prejudice Stay
- Yes, Colin Firth Has A Favourite Mr. Darcy… But It’s Not Himself
- This Is Why We Become Obsessed With Our Romantic Partners
