On Sept. 15, Netflix announced a Dec. 3 release date for its new limited series adaptation of the classic Jane Austen novel “Pride and Prejudice.”
Netflix’s “Pride and Prejudice” was written by author Dolly Alderton. It’s interesting to see Alderton breaking into the TV industry, as she is well-known for her successful memoirs and novels. Most notably, “Everything I Know About Love.” Alderton has also made a name for herself as a columnist for The Sunday Times.
Working alongside Alderton is director Euros Lyn, who is best known for his work on “Doctor Who,” “Sherlock” and “Heartstopper.” It will be interesting to see what this experienced writing and directing duo will bring to the frequently adapted classic.
Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” is a truly beloved novel, and there is no better evidence of that than the countless film and TV adaptations that have been made. The most classic options are the popular film adaptation “Pride & Prejudice” (2005) and the BBC’s original TV miniseries “Pride and Prejudice” (1995). Though those are the most popular versions, there are numerous other more eccentric adaptations of the classic tale, including “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies,” “Bride & Prejudice” and “Austenland” — though there are so many other zany adaptations besides those few.
With such a plethora of options for Netflix’s “Pride and Prejudice” to be compared to, audiences’ expectations are set high. Aside from writing and directing, acting choices will certainly contribute to the series’ success or failure.
By far the most important characters are Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, who are set to be played by Emma Corrinand Jack Lowden, respectively.
Corrin is known for their roles in “Lady Chatterley’s Lover” (Lady Constance Chatterley), “Deadpool & Wolverine” (Cassandra Nova), “The Crown” (Princess Diana) and “Nosferatu” (Anna Harding). Corrin’s wide array of roles in period pieces should build hope in viewers for what they can bring to the role, but commenters under Netflix’s teaser trailer did not seem so excited, with one user, @MissKrisK08, writing, “I’m not feeling Emma Corrin as Elizabeth Bennett. And as someone else said, Darcy isn’t Darcying either.”
As for the Mr. Darcy who “isn’t Darcying,” Lowden is known for his roles in “Slow Horses” (River Cartwright), “Mary Queen of Scots” (Lord Henry Darnley) and “Dunkirk” (Collins). Fans do not seem to agree with his casting as Mr. Darcy, with @amberjade5493 saying, “Mr Darcy looking like a supermarket manager,” and @samyuktha_13 writing, “Are we sure that’s Mr. Darcy and not Mr. Collins?”
Despite audience critiques of Netflix’s “Pride and Prejudice” casting, it will be intriguing for viewers to see if the series is better suited to the limited series format than the movie format, as a limited series gives more room for all the details of a novel. However, with the excess of adaptations that already exist, it raises the question of whether the world could truly need more interpretations of this oft-repeated tale.
With the extreme success Netflix has seen from its Regency-era, book-adapted show “Bridgerton,” it seems possible that Netflix is looking to profit from other Regency-era, book-adapted stories; a framework that “Pride and Prejudice” fits perfectly into.
All this being said, Netflix’s “Pride and Prejudice” is equipped with a cast and crew fit to create an excellent adaptation. However, it remains to be seen whether this limited series will live up to expectations or phone it in, relying on name recognition alone to draw audiences.
Viewers eager to judge for themselves can watch “Pride and Prejudice” when it releases on Netflix on Dec. 3.
