Dolly Alderton is taking on Pride and Prejudice. Here’s what we know about the Netflix adaptation.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen fans crave fresh content. Well, this one does.

And in ecstatic news for Austen fans, Netflix has decided it's time for another fresh take on Pride and Prejudice!

That's right, a new adaptation of Jane Austen's beloved classic is on the horizon, and we're already buzzing because, this time, bestselling author Dolly Alderton is taking a stab at it. 

Austen's timeless tales of love have captured our hearts for generations, and I personally will never get enough of the many iterations that have come before.

From the iconic 1995 BBC miniseries that gave us THAT Colin Firth moment, to the beloved (and superior) 2005 film version starring Keira Knightley, these adaptations have a special place in our hearts. Each version brings something unique to the table, whether it's a fresh take on the characters, stunning new settings, or a reimagined soundtrack. 

Watch the trailer for 2005's Pride and Prejudice. Article continues after video.

And with this new adaptation in the works, our fingers are crossed that Jane Austen's sharp commentary on love and society will cut through, no matter the era.

Here's everything we know so far about the highly-anticipated Dolly Alderton Pride and Prejudice adaptation, and who we think should star in it.

Who will be in the cast of the new Pride and Prejudice?

We have yet to receive any official casting updates for the upcoming series but we can certainly speculate at this point. And Pride and Prejudice fans have already jumped online to share their dream castings. 

One name that has been circulating is Emma Corrin, best known for their performance as Princess Diana in The Crown. The Sun reported that Alderton was considering Corrin for the role of Elizabeth Bennet. And given they are no stranger to playing iconic figures, I don't see why not.

Daisy Edgar-Jones is another famous actress who has been thrown in the mix for the series' leading lady, and we would love to see her in a period role.

When it comes to Mr. Darcy, while there have been no official reports, online mavens have been tossing around the prospect of Dev Patel. And as an avid Pride and Prejudice fan myself, I would love nothing more than to see him fill those big shoes.

Some other internet boyfriends who have joined the discussion include Jonathon Bailey (if Bridgerton taught us anything, it's that he wears the regency era incredibly well), Paul Mescal, and Henry Cavill. All fine choices, in my opinion. 

If you were a fan of Netflix's Shadow and Bone or The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, you'll agree that Ben Barnes is another intriguing choice for the role. Mysterious, dark, but loveable — he'd be perfect.

Fans would love to see Dev Patel as Mr. Darcy. Image: Getty

What is Pride and Prejudice about? 

I mean, what isn't it about? Pride and Prejudice is a classic novel by Jane Austen that delves into the intricacies of love, class, and personal growth.

The story is set in the early 19th century and centres around a romance between Elizabeth Bennet, an intelligent and independent young woman who is determined not to settle for a marriage based solely on wealth or social expectations, and Mr. Darcy, a wealthy but seemingly arrogant man. 

When the two initially meet, they despise each other. It is the OG enemies to lovers trope, and it is delicious. Over time, both Elizabeth and Darcy start to confront their own assumptions and biases, learning that true love can really flourish from the most unexpected places. 

Who is Dolly Alderton?  

Dolly Alderton is set to write the new Pride and Prejudice adaptation. Image: Getty

Dolly Alderton is a British writer, journalist, and author, best known for her memoir 'Everything I Know About Love', which became a bestseller in 2018. The memoir candidly explores friendship, relationships, and growing up with humour and heart. She is also the author of 2021's 'Ghosts', a poignant story about modern dating and self-discovery, and 2023's 'Good Material' which is told from the perspective of a man.

Aside from writing, Alderton previously co-hosted the popular podcast The High Low with Pandora Sykes, where they discussed everything from pop culture to current events. Known for her wit and honesty, Alderton has become a leading voice in contemporary British writing. 

Who better to bring P&P to the screen once again?

Has Pride and Prejudice been adapted before? 

Indeed, it has. As we spoke briefly about earlier, there have been a number of Pride and Prejudice adaptations to date.

The most famous is, of course, the BBC miniseries starring Mr. Darcy incarnate, Colin Firth, and Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennett. You can stream that version on BritBox and Stan.

It's followed closely by the film adaptation with Kiera Knightley and Mathew MacFadyen (the same one that has had us in a chokehold since its 2005 release). You can stream that one on Paramount+ and Binge.

While both those versions are more traditional adaptations, being set in the same regency era as the novel and following the book's plot points quite closely, there have also been several more subversive takes on Pride and Prejudice throughout the years. 

The iconic 1995 BBC Pride and Prejudice. Image: BBC

Famously, Bridget Jones's Diary is a modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice. I mean, the film's male lead (also played by Colin Firth) is called Mark Darcy, if that wasn't a massive hint.

Another less by-the-book adaptation is 2016's Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. And it's exactly what it sounds like: Pride and Prejudice… if it were set in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. It's romantic, it's gory, and it's strangely entertaining. 

From 2004's Bride and Prejudice to 2013's Austenland, Jane Austen's words are just the gift that keeps on giving. 

When will the new Pride and Prejudice be released? 

Given it seems we are still in the early stages of this project (we've yet to receive news of a cast), there is no official release date for this project. However, since the script is currently in development, as per Deadline, we are keeping our fingers crossed for a 2026 release. 

Feature image: Universal Pictures.