Netflix Developing Pride and Prejudice Series with Dolly Alderton

As a devoted fan of Austen’s timeless works and a connoisseur of romantic period dramas, I couldn’t be more thrilled about Netflix’s upcoming adaptation of Pride and Prejudice! Having grown up watching the 1995 BBC miniseries and the 2005 film, it’s fascinating to see how modern storytellers like Dolly Alderton will breathe new life into this classic tale. I can only imagine what fresh perspectives she’ll bring to Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy’s love story, given her knack for exploring the complexities of relationships in her own works like Everything I Know About Love.


As a passionate movie reviewer, I’m thrilled to share that Netflix is delving into the world of Jane Austen, this time adapting one of her most cherished novels for a captivating new series. The pen behind this project is none other than the esteemed author Dolly Alderton, who’s known for her masterful storytelling and deep insights into the complexities of love and society.

Austen’s novel has been reimagined multiple times for the big screen, with notable adaptations like the 2005 film “Pride and Prejudice” starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, as well as the BBC’s 1995 miniseries featuring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. The timeless narrative revolves around Elizabeth Bennet, a young woman from a country gentry family, and Fitzwilliam Darcy, a wealthy aristocratic landowner. Initially, their feelings lean towards disdain, but as Elizabeth challenges her preconceived notions and Mr. Darcy sets aside his arrogance, their mutual respect transforms into love. Reminiscent of these themes, Daisy Alderton’s 2018 memoir “Everything I Know About Love” delivers a personal account of the trials and tribulations faced by a young woman while forging friendships, dealing with missteps, and navigating relationships.

The cast for Netflix’s Pride and Prejudice series, classified as a romantic period drama, hasn’t been confirmed yet, and neither has there been an official green light from Netflix. However, the success of their historical romantic drama Bridgerton has sparked renewed interest in this project. In a 2020 interview with Variety, Ted Sarandos, one of Netflix’s co-chiefs, expressed his enthusiasm for producing new content and nurturing storytellers on their platform.

If I could establish a setting that allows individuals to share significant stories, stories that resonate deeply and are passed down through generations, prioritizing creativity above all else, I believe such a legacy would be truly remarkable.

A Milestone Week for Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice

Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” has inspired numerous books, such as Helen Fielding’s “Bridget Jones’s Diary” (1996), which was turned into a popular film franchise featuring Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, and Hugh Grant. The BBC has now announced a ten-episode series titled “The Other Bennet Sister,” focusing on Mary Bennet, one of Austen’s secondary characters from “Pride and Prejudice.” This new series is based on a novel by Janice Hadlow. Sarah Quintrell, the screenwriter for the BBC series, commented on the upcoming production.

I’m excited to share the tale of Mary, the Bennet sister who stands apart, delving into the experience of growing up as an outsider. It’s a privilege to collaborate with Janice Hadlow and the team at Bad Wolf in reimagining this cherished classic. Furthermore, it’s gratifying to establish our production here at the BBC, a place where I spent my youth watching their exceptional Austen adaptations. As a writer, this opportunity has long been a dream, and I can hardly wait to bring this heartwarming narrative to life, especially for those who share Mary’s spirit.

Information about the storyline, actors, and premiere date for “The Other Bennet Sister” (produced by Bad Wolf), have not been disclosed yet. Lindsay Salt, Head of BBC Drama, expressed her enthusiasm: “BBC’s Pride and Prejudice remains an iconic moment in television history, and it’s thrilling to revisit Jane Austen’s captivating universe once more – this time delving into the lesser-known story of The Other Bennet Sister, Mary.

Most notably, Alderton gained prominence through her co-hosting stint on the celebrated and former podcast, “The High Low,” alongside her close friend Pandora Sykes. She is also an accomplished author, having penned the novels “Ghosts” (2020) and “Good Material” (2023). The latter narrative revolves around a comedian navigating the aftermath of a difficult breakup, and according to British GQ, she is currently working on adapting this book into a screenplay.

The 2005 movie Pride & Prejudice is available on STARZ. The BBC miniseries is streaming on BritBox.

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2024-10-13 01:33