Netflix's New 'Pride and Prejudice' Series: Release Date, Cast and What to Know

The beloved Austen classic is getting a fresh, star-studded retelling on Netflix this December, with Emma Corrin and Jack Lowden stepping into the roles of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.

A new adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” is set to premiere on Netflix on December 3, according to the streaming giant.

The six-episode series stars Emma Corrin as Elizabeth Bennet, Jack Lowden as Mr. Darcy, and Olivia Colman and Rufus Sewell as Mr. and Mrs. Bennet.

The rest of the Bennet sisters are played by Freya Mavor as Jane, Rhea Norwood as Lydia, and newcomers Hollie Avery and Hopey Parish, who make their screen debuts as Kitty and Mary, respectively.

The story revolves around the Bennet sisters, and their quest for love in the midst of society’s expectations. While Jane falls for Mr. Bingley, carefree Elizabeth finds herself at odds with his friend, Mr. Darcy, until events unfold that forces her to reconsider her feelings.

Jack Lowden, who plays Mr. Darcy ,and Emma Corrin, who plays Elizabeth Bennet | Source: instagram/britishvoigue

The series is written by Dolly Alderton, known for her memoir, “Everything I Know About Love.” Reflecting on the opportunity to adapt Austen's classic for a new generation, she said, "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." She added, "The book is a gift to adapt — packed with drama and depth as well as comedy and charm."

Olivia Colman and Rufus Sewell as Mr. and Mrs. Bennet | Source: instagram/britishvogue

Corrin, who also embarks on their first foray as executive producer on the show, described playing Elizabeth as “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” adding, “To be able to bring this iconic character to life, alongside Olivia and Jack, with Dolly's phenomenal scripts, is truly the greatest honor."

Corrin’s role was previously played by Keira Knightley in the 2005 film, which also starred Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy, and Rosamund Pike as Jane Bennet.

Emma Corrin ibehind-the-scenes of "Pride and Prejudice" | Source: instagram/britishvogue

In April last year, Lowden joked about being a “ginger Darcy” during an interview on “BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg,” saying, "I quite like the idea of being a ginger Darcy. I think that is really breaking down barriers — one of the great last barriers to be broken down." Lowden also praised Macfadyen as “one of the best actors on the planet,” suggesting he would rather just “copy him” and “change it up” by being ginger.

The cast of the Netflix series also includes Daryl McCormack as Mr. Bingley, Siena Kelly as Caroline Bingley, Louis Partridge as Mr. Wickham, and Jamie Demetriou as Mr. Collins. Playing Lady Catherine is Fiona Shaw, who’s also set to appear in a separate, upcoming Focus Features adaptation of Sense and Sensibility.

When the project was first announced, Netflix executive Mona Qureshi described "Pride and Prejudice” as the “ultimate romantic comedy.” She also noted, "The caliber of a cast led by Emma, Jack, and Olivia is a testament to this precious story being in the best possible hands with Euros Lyn (the series director) and the team at Lookout Point at the helm."

A teaser trailer for the series was released in February, giving viewers a glimpse of Corrin and Lowden in character.