Netflix’s New ‘Pride & Prejudice’ Unveils First Look, Sparks Immediate Fan Backlash.
London, UK – Netflix has ignited a firestorm of controversy among Jane Austen enthusiasts after releasing the first official cast photo for its upcoming six-part Pride & Prejudice series. The initial glimpse of the Bennet family women on set has led to immediate and vocal criticism from fans, with some even threatening to boycott the streaming platform entirely.
The beloved 1813 novel by Jane Austen, Pride & Prejudice, tells the classic love story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Both the iconic 1995 BBC series and the critically acclaimed 2005 film adaptation are cherished by literature readers and film buffs alike, setting a high bar for any new adaptation. However, this latest recreation appears to have stumbled at its very first reveal.
Earlier today, Netflix shared the cast picture on X (formerly Twitter), accompanied by the caption: “We know you’ve been yearning for a sneak peek. Pride & Prejudice is officially in production. Here’s a first look featuring Emma Corrin, Freya Mavor, Olivia Colman, Hopey Parish, Rhea Norwood, and Hollie Avery as the Bennet women.”
Casting Choices Face Immediate Fan Disapproval
The casting announcements reveal Emma Corrin (known for The Crown, Deadpool & Wolverine) stepping into the role of the witty Elizabeth Bennet, with Jack Lowden (Dunkirk, Slow Horses) as the brooding Mr. Darcy. Academy Award winner Olivia Colman (The Favourite, The Crown) is set to play the often-nervous Mrs. Bennet.
However, the response from a significant portion of the fanbase was overwhelmingly negative. Within minutes of the photo’s release, social media was flooded with expressions of distaste. “Not to self: unsubscribe from Netflix immediately, today,” one user wrote. Another commenter exclaimed, “This casting is awful what the f**k,” while a third simply stated, “You cannot be serious.” The sentiment echoed fears of previous adaptations that fans felt missed the mark, with one individual commenting, “Oh help… praying this isn’t a cock up like Persuasion. Actually scratch that… this is a reminder to me to unsubscribe.”
All-Star Cast and Creative Team Detailed Amidst Controversy
Despite the initial backlash, the series boasts an impressive lineup of talent beyond the core Bennet family. The cast, as reported by Variety, includes Rufus Sewell (The Diplomat, The Illusionist) as Mr. Bennet, Freya Mavor (Skins, Industry) as Jane Bennet, and Jamie Demetriou (Stath Lets Flats, Fleabag) as Mr. Collins. Daryl McCormack (Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, Peaky Blinders) is cast as Mr. Bingley, while Louis Partridge (Enola Holmes) takes on the role of Mr. Wickham.
Rounding out the Bennet sisters are Rhea Norwood (Heartstopper) as Lydia Bennet, with Hopey Parish and Hollie Avery making their acting debuts as Mary Bennet and Kitty Bennet, respectively. Siena Kelly (Adult Material) will portray Caroline Bingley, and veteran actress Fiona Shaw (Harry Potter series, Killing Eve) is cast as the formidable Lady Catherine de Bourg.
The series is being helmed by a notable creative team, with Euros Lyn (Heartstopper, Doctor Who) directing and Dolly Alderton (Everything I Know About Love) serving as screenwriter. Alderton shared her enthusiasm in a statement: “Once in a generation, a group of people get to retell this wonderful story, and I feel very lucky that I get to be a part of it.” She added, “Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is the blueprint for romantic comedy – it has been a joy to delve back into its pages to find both familiar and fresh ways of bringing this beloved book to life.”
The limited series is currently filming in the UK and is expected to conclude production at the end of 2025, according to What’s On Netflix. While the production moves forward, the early public reaction signals a challenging road ahead for Netflix in satisfying the devoted fanbase of Jane Austen’s enduring masterpiece.