‘Miss Austen’ Trailer Stars Keeley Hawes as Jane Austen’s Sister Cassandra in the BBC, PBS Drama

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On Tuesday, the BBC revealed a trailer for their upcoming drama series titled “Miss Austen“. In this series, Keeley Hawes, known for her roles in “Bodyguard”, “Line of Duty”, and “It’s A Sin”, portrays Jane Austen’s sister Cassandra. They also announced that the series will debut on Sunday, February 2nd.

In the U.S., the series will air on Masterpiece on PBS from Sunday, May 4.

Starting at 6 a.m. London time, all four episodes will be accessible on BBC iPlayer’s streaming service. Later that day, the series will commence airing weekly episodes on BBC One. Based on Gill Hornby’s hit novel of the same name, this drama is produced by Bonnie Productions for Masterpiece and in collaboration with the BBC.

Andrea Gibb, a BAFTA award-winning writer known for ‘Elizabeth Is Missing’ and ‘Mayflies’, has reworked the life of Jane Austen for television. As per a summary, this new interpretation delves into a literary enigma – the burning of Jane’s letters by her sister Cassandra – and transforms it into an enthralling, witty, and poignant tale about sibling affection. The narrative also aims to make Cassandra as captivating as any Austen heroine.

The latest trailer showcases Hawes portraying Cassandra “Cassy” Austen, highlighting her strong ties with her sister, Jane. Additionally, it includes brief glimpses of Young Cassy (Synnøve Karlsen) and Jane Austen (Patsy Ferran) in a flashback sequence. As per the BBC, this scene portrays their journey through romantic entanglements, enduring female friendships, and shattered dreams that eventually inspired the timeless tales penned by Jane.

The story unfolds in 1830, decades after Jane’s passing. Cassandra urgently goes to see Isabella (played by Rose Leslie), the late fiancé’s niece who faces homelessness due to her father’s demise. According to the summary, while Cassandra claims she’s there to assist Isabella, her actual intent is to locate a secret trove of personal letters that she fears could tarnish Jane’s name if they fall into the wrong hands. Upon finding them, Cassandra is moved as she’s taken back to her younger days.

The cast of Miss Austen features Phyllis Logan, known for her roles in Downton Abbey and Shetland, Max Irons from Condor and The Wife, Alfred Enoch best recognized from How to Get Away with Murder and Foundation, Jessica Hynes who has been in Life After Life and Years and Years, Mirren Mack, seen in The Witcher: Blood Origin and The Nest, Kevin McNally famous for his work in The Crown and Ten Percent, Calam Lynch known from Bridgerton and Sweetpea, and Liv Hill, who has been in The Serpent Queen and Elizabeth Is Missing.

The series is helmed by BAFTA-winning director Aisling Walsh (notably known for “Maudie” and “Elizabeth Is Missing”) and is being produced by Stella Merz, who has previously worked on shows like “Gentleman Jack” and “Renegade Nell”.

This series is a collaboration between Bonnie Productions, Masterpiece, BBC, and Federation Stories. Executive production roles are held by Christine Langan (Bonnie Productions), Susanne Simpson (Masterpiece), Polly Williams (Federation Stories), along with Hawes, Andrea Gibb, and Walsh. Federation Studios will handle the distribution of this series worldwide.

This year signifies the 250th birthday anniversary of Jane Austen. Take a look at the Miss Austen trailer displayed below.

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2025-01-21 12:24