Once again, a grand classic of literature captivates the worlds of cinema and television: after the new film adaptation of Wuthering Heights, and the fourth season of Bridgerton, at the end of 2026—specifically on December 3—the Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen will be brought to the small screen by Netflix.
Written by Dolly Alderton and directed by Euros Lyn (also behind Heartstopper), the six-episode miniseries will offer a faithful adaptation of the novel (first published in 1813), and will also aim at a younger audience, to tell the intrigues and vicissitudes of the Bennet family. In the cast, Emma Corrin and Jack Lowden, respectively as Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy.
The Plot of the Novel
Five sisters in search of husbands lay the foundations of Pride and Prejudice, set in the rural England of the late 18th century. In the absence of a male heir, Mrs. Bennet wishes to see each of her daughters married, in order to secure the survival of the Longbourn estate in Hertfordshire and guarantee the family’s future. When the wealthy and amiable Mr. Bingley moves to Netherfield and falls for his eldest daughter Jane, Mrs. Bennet begins to nurture ambitious hopes for what lies ahead. A more negative view is held by Mr. Darcy, wealthier than his friend Bingley but with a haughty and distant temperament, who at a ball addresses Elizabeth with a snobbish and disdainful air. However, everything will change in the end when a selfless gesture on his part to help the heroine’s sister gradually alters her opinion of him. The core of the story revolves around the love that blossoms between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy: a relationship initially marked by disputes and misunderstandings, a man emotionally complex and tormented, who later develops into a strong and passionate love that culminates in marriage.
The Comparison with Mr. Darcy from the 2005 Film
Of course, this is not the first screen adaptation of one of the most-read novels in history, a work beloved by generations of readers, and which was much discussed last year, on the occasion of the author’s 250th birthday. Indeed, following the success of the 2005 film (directed by Joe Wright, with Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen), an unavoidable comparison with the new series arises. The comparison largely centers on the figure of Mr. Darcy: the film’s lead, played by Matthew Macfadyen, has over the years become the emblem of a timid romanticism. The new Darcy, portrayed by Jack Lowden, might be more modern and less idolized; or perhaps even more nostalgic and reflective than his predecessors?
The Cast of the Pride and Prejudice Series
As announced at the outset, the miniseries, set in the Regency era, is arriving on December 3 and will boast a star-studded cast: Emma Corrin, known for her portrayal of Lady Diana (in The Crown, another Netflix series), will stand beside the British actor Jack Lowden; Mrs. Bennet will be portrayed by Olivia Colman, while Rufus Sewell will play Mr. Bennet; and further, Freya Mavor will take on the role of Jane Bennet, and Jamie Demetriou will play Mr. Collins, while Daryl McCormack will be Mr. Bringley.
Orgoglio e pregiudizio
La tenerezza del cuore
I capolavori – Cofanetto
Persuasione
“Once in a generation, a group of people gets the chance to tell this wonderful story again, and I feel very lucky to be a part of it,” explained the adaptation’s writer, Dolly Alderton, who added: “With Euros Lyn directing our star-studded cast, I can’t wait to bring these funny and complex characters to life for those who consider Pride and Prejudice their favorite book, and for those who have yet to meet their own Lizzie and their own Mr. Darcy.” The same Alderton, interviewed by Elle, stressed: “I took great joy in diving into the pages of the novel to find familiar and fresh ways to bring this book back to life. It gave me the opportunity to explore the complexity of love, life, family, friendship, and society as told by Austen.”
