Throughout its run,The Crownwas a huge success for Netflix, and now the streaming service is set to release another great period drama that will appeal to the same audience.The Crown’s 2023 finalemay have left a hole for fans of British period dramas, but this upcoming project could be just as good.
Romantic period dramas, especiallyBridgerton, have proved to be a huge success for Netflix, so, unsurprisingly, the streamer is already gearing up for the next addition. Though it will still be a while before the series hits screens,Netflix’sPride and Prejudiceshow has entered production, and it’s already shaping up to be a hit.
Netflix’s Pride & Prejudice Show Looks Like The Perfect Follow-Up To The Crown
Pride & Prejudice Is The Quintessential British Period Piece
BeforeBridgertonbecame Netflix’s biggest period drama,The Crownwas the streamer’s first high-profile period show. It was, of course, based on true events, focusing on the royal family. AfterThe Crown’s ending nearly two years ago, Netflix is now replacing it with another quintessentially British story.
Pride and Prejudicetakes place in a notably different period, the Regency period to be precise, butlikeThe Crown,it is baked into British history. Jane Austen’s novel is one of the most well-known books of all time, and there are numerousPride and Prejudiceadaptationsto show for it.
Though Netflix’s newPride and Prejudiceseries may not initially seem like the perfectThe Crownreplacement, the two shows are actually perfect for the same audiences.
Now, Netflix has finally released the first photo from the upcoming adaptation series, and it already looks like a great replacement for fans ofThe Crown.The series will adapt the classic novel into six episodes, allowing Netflix to delve deeply into Elizabeth Bennet and her family’s stories.
Though Netflix’s newPride and Prejudiceseries may not initially seem like an exactThe Crownreplacement, the two shows are actually perfect for the same audiences. Neither story is action-packed, but the narratives ofPride and PrejudiceandThe Crowncontain similar types of drama, as the characters largely deal with interpersonal problems.
In addition to the shows dealing with a similar type of drama (and hopefully having similar pacing), the shows should also appeal to the same audiences thanks to a strong commitment to period accuracy. Based on the image released byNetflix,the costuming already looks fairly impressive, and I hope the set pieces follow suit.
Throughout its run,The Crownwas nominated for numerous costuming awards, and its sets were crucial to making the show feel real. Netflix’s newPride and Prejudiceshould take the same approach, with adjustments to achieve its correct period. Additionally,Pride and Prejudicehas some even more concrete connections toThe Crownthat bode well for the series.
Pride & Prejudice’s TV Remake Shares Some Major The Crown Actors
The Series Will Also Include Actors From Other Netflix Shows
The Crownwas notable for having a great cast, replacing actors as their characters got older throughout the seasons. As a result, the series got to showcase some incredibly talented British performers, from seasoned veterans to relatively new actors. Nowtwo ofThe Crown’s actors will be joining the cast ofPride and Prejudice.
Emma Corrin, who played Princess Diana in season 4 ofThe Crown,will take the lead role of Elizabeth Bennetin the upcomingPride and Prejudice. Joining them will be Olivia Colman, who appeared as Queen Elizabeth II in seasons 3 and 4, in the role of Mrs. Bennet, Elizabeth’s nosy mother.
In addition to two former stars fromThe Crown,Netflix’s period drama has also cast several other recognizable faces. Taking on the role of Mr. Bennet will be Rufus Sewell, who currently plays Hal Wyler in Netflix’sThe Diplomat. The romantic lead, Mr. Darcy, will be played bySlow Horses' Jack Lowden.
Mr. Bingley will be played by Daryl McCormack (Peaky Blinders, Bad Sisters), and his judgmental sister, Caroline Bingley, will be played by Siena Kelly. Louis Partridge of Netflix’sEnola Holmeswill play Mr. Wickham, while Jamie Demetriou (Barbie, Back in Action) will play Mr. Collins.
Along with the newly released photo,Netflix has also confirmed the rest of the Bennet family sisters, including two newcomers. Freya Mavor will play Elizabeth’s sister and closest confidant, Jane Bennet. Rhea Norwood (Heartstopper) will play Lydia Bennet. Finally, newcomers Hopey Parish and Hollie Avery will star as Mary and Kitty Bennet, respectively.
Netflix’s Pride & Prejudice Show Is Only A Miniseries, But It Could Expand Further
There Are Numerous Potential Spinoffs
Currently, Netflix’s newPride and Prejudiceadaptation is slated to be a six-episode miniseries. This makes complete sense, given thatpast adaptations of the novel have either been similarly contained miniseries or feature-length films. However, there is always the possibility of Netflix choosing to expand the project.
There are numerousexamples of streaming services choosing to renew showsthat were originally conceived as limited series. While audiences may be skeptical of changing such a classic work asPride and Prejudice,there have been other spinoffs of Jane Austen works previously, including forPride and Prejudiceitself.
Works likeDeath Comes to Pemberleyby P.D. James,The Other Bennet Sisterby Janice Hadlow, orLongbournby Jo Baker are all examples of different spinoffs that Netflix could choose to pursue in the future. From focusing on another Bennet’s story to retelling the events of the novel from another point of view, there are plenty of options.
While no release date has been set yet, Netflix has announced thatPride and Prejudice’s production is currently underway in the UK.
Ultimately, the decision of whether Netflix’sPride and Prejudicewill warrant a spinoff depends on how it is received by audiences upon release. If the miniseries ends up takingThe Crown’s period drama spot, then another season may be in order, and given how popular Jane Austen’s best-known work is, there is a strong chance it will perform well.
