Hold onto your bonnets, darlings — Netflix’s latest period drama gambit might just be their most audacious yet. In what feels like a casting director’s fever dream come true, the streaming giant has unveiled its star-studded lineup for their upcoming “Pride and Prejudice” limited series, and it’s absolutely dripping with talent.
The most delicious bit? Emma Corrin and Olivia Colman are trading their royal credentials for Regency drama. (And honestly, who better to navigate drawing room politics than two actresses who’ve mastered Windsor Castle’s corridors?) Corrin steps into Elizabeth Bennet’s practical shoes, while Colman — fresh off her triumphant turn in “Poor Things” — is set to bring her incomparable energy to Mrs. Bennet’s notorious nerves.
Rufus Sewell’s casting as Mr. Bennet feels almost too perfect… though perhaps that’s just the lingering effect of his masterful work in “The Diplomat” talking. Jack Lowden inherits the most scrutinized cravat in literature as Mr. Darcy — and let’s be real, following Colin Firth’s iconic lake scene is no small feat. But the true stroke of genius? Jamie Demetriou as Mr. Collins. Anyone who’s seen his work knows he’ll turn those painful proposal scenes into comedy gold.
Netflix hasn’t forgotten the importance of fresh blood, either. Newcomers Hollie Avery and Hopey Parish join the ensemble as Kitty and Mary Bennet, respectively. There’s something rather fitting about mixing breakthrough talent with established stars — rather like mixing new money with old in those beloved Austen ballrooms, wouldn’t you say?
Behind the camera, things get even more interesting. Euros Lyn (whose “Heartstopper” proved they know their way around both young romance and British sensibilities) takes the directorial reins. Word around Meryton — or rather, the industry — suggests this adaptation will lean heavily into Austen’s razor-sharp social commentary while keeping the swoon factor dialed up to eleven.
The first-look photos that dropped last week showcase some seriously sumptuous costume work. Those empire waistlines? Divine. The perfectly arranged ringlets? Immaculate. Though one can’t help but wonder if they’ll manage to sneak in their own “wet shirt moment” for the TikTok generation…
With filming underway across various historic British estates (and yes, some of them have actually appeared in previous Austen adaptations), this six-part series is shaping up to be either brilliantly bold or completely bonkers. But darling, isn’t that exactly what we want from our prestige television in 2025?
Between Dolly Alderton’s modern sensibilities infusing the script and this perfectly curated cast, Netflix might just have found their next “Bridgerton”-level sensation. Though really, would Jane have it any other way?
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