Every Jane Austen Adaptation in the Works and Where to Watch

It’s the year 2025 and we are blessed with not one, and dare we say not even two, but three new Jane Austen adaptations. Ms. Austen herself turns 250 years old this year, and it’s not a moment too soon to celebrate the life and works of the iconic author.

Now, exactly two decades after Joe Wright’s “Pride & Prejudice” made cinematic history with the Darcy (Mathew Macfadyen) hand flex seen ’round the world, there are a number of modern adaptations in the works, not to mention other recent works inspired by her life and most beloved novels, from the film “Jane Austen Wrecked My Life” to the series “Miss Austen.”

And “Pride & Prejudice” is hardly the only Austen book getting new life in two (!!) formats, as Austen seems to suddenly be everywhere, all over again. Ahead, we break down the upcoming adaptations, and provide some guidance on earlier entries you can enjoy right now.

“Pride and Prejudice” (Netflix)

Format: Limited TV series

Cast: Emma Corrin, Jack Lowden, and Olivia Colman

Creator(s): Dolly Alderton writing, Euros Lyn directing

“Pride and Prejudice” (note: no ampersand) is in the works at Netflix as a limited series. “The Crown” alum Emma Corrin returns to the streamer as an executive producer on the series; they will also star as lead Elizabeth Bennet. “Slow Horses” actor (and Mr. Saoirse Ronan) Jack Lowden has been cast as Mr. Darcy. The iconic Olivia Colman, who also is already a Netflix staple with “Heartstopper,” will be Mrs. Bennet.

The six-part series is billed as a “faithful, classic adaptation” of the novel, with author Dolly Alderton (“Everything I Know About Love”) writing the script. “Heartstopper” helmer Euros Lyn will direct. “Pride and Prejudice” will be going into production in the UK in 2025.

Previous versions to watch now: Joe Wright’s “Pride & Prejudice” (2005) is a must-see for any Austen-phile. The feature starred Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen in the lead roles, with Rosamund Pike, Judi Dench, Donald Sutherland, Brenda Blethyn, and Carey Mulligan (in her film debut) co-starring.

And if you really want more “P&P,” the Colin Firth-led 1995 BBC miniseries is worth all eight or so hours.

“Pride and Prejudice” (Audible)

Format: Audiobook

Cast: Harris Dickinson, Marisa Abela, Bill Nighy, Jessie Buckley, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Glenn Close, Sophie Wilde, Will Poulter, and David Gyasi

Creator(s): Lulu Raczka writing, Dionne Edwards directing

And the buzzy “Pride and Prejudice” adaptations aren’t just limited to the screen: Audible is launching an audiobook retelling of the literary classic with a star-studded cast. “Babygirl” star Harris Dickinson, who just made his directorial debut with Cannes stunner “Urchin,” will play Mr. Darcy, with Marisa Abela as Elizabeth Bennet. Bill Nighy, Jessie Buckley, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Glenn Close, Sophie Wilde, Will Poulter, and David Gyasi also lend their voices to the project.

“Pride and Prejudice” was adapted from Austen’s novel by Lulu Raczka (“Women,” “Beware the Devil”), with Dionne Edwards (“Pretty Red Dress,” “A Thousand Blows”) directing. The audio drama “Pride and Prejudice” will be released worldwide in English on September 9.

Previous versions to watch now: While this is the first of its kind for the platform, we can recommend the UK-released Audible dramatized production the “Northanger Abbey” which is narrated by Emma Thompson, who also happened to write and star in the beloved 1995 “Sense and Sensibility” film.

“Sense and Sensibility” (Focus Features)

Format: Film

Cast: Daisy Edgar-Jones (more to be announced soon)

Creator(s): Georgia Oakley directing, Diane Reid writing

Focus Features is getting back in the Austen game: The studio just re-released its 2005 “Pride & Prejudice” in theaters, and also greenlit a “Sense and Sensibility” adaptation with Daisy Edgar-Jones in the lead as Elinor Dashwood, the eldest of three sisters. “Blue Jean” director Georgia Oakley will helm the feature from a script by bestselling author Diana Reid.

Focus and Working Title both collaborated on “Pride & Prejudice” and Autumn de Wilde’s 2020 version of “Emma.” There is no word yet on when the film will start production, but the project was announced in June 2025.

Previous versions to watch now: The 1995 Ang Lee version is required viewing. Emma Thompson won the Academy Award for the screenplay for the film, and also led the feature as Elinor Dashwood. The character is secretly in love with Edward Ferrars (Hugh Grant), who is engaged to someone else. Plus, it’s the 30th anniversary of this masterpiece.

The Austen Era

But don’t worry, there is always more Austen. Recent years have seen iterations of “Emma” and “Persuasion,” among others. Check out which else to binge from our favorite 21st century Austen adaptations here.

“Persuasion” (Netflix, 2022)

Format: Film

Cast: Dakota Johnson, Cosmo Jarvis, Harry Golding, and Richard E. Grant

Creator: Ron Bass and Alice Victoria Winslow writing, Carrie Cracknell directing

Star Dakota Johnson made her period piece debut with the critically acclaimed adaptation of “Persuasion,” which was theater director Carrie Cracknell’s feature directorial debut. Johnson’s Anne Elliot (Johnson) is famously a non-conforming woman with modern sensibilities. Yet all logic flees after Frederick Wentworth (Cosmo Jarvis) returns back into her life.

“Rain Man” Oscar winner Ron Bass co-wrote the “Persuasion” script with Alice Victoria Winslow; “Persuasion” was Austen’s final completed novel before her 1817 death.

“Emma.” (Focus Features, 2020)

Format: Film

Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Josh O’Connor, Mia Goth, Callum Turner, and Bill Nighy

Creator: Eleanor Catton writing, Autumn de Wilde directing

Anya Taylor-Joy transformed into beloved matchmaker (or meddler, based on who you ask) Emma Woodhouse for Autumn de Wilde’s directorial debut. The Focus Features release is a who’s who of rising stars, including Josh O’Connor, Mia Goth, and Callum Turner. Austen staple Bill Nighy and Gemma Whelan co-star.

“Sanditon” (PBS, 2020)

Format: TV series

Cast: Theo James, Rose Williams, Kris Marshall, Anne Reid

Creator: Andrew Davies writing

Austen’s actual final novel was “Sanditon,” which she only wrote 11 chapters of before her death. However, Andrew Davies who also wrote the BBC limited series version of “Pride & Prejudice” in 1995 expanded upon Austen’s last written words to make this 2020 show. Rose Williams stars as Charlotte Heywood, a heroine who dreams of living in the big city instead of her family country home. She is later invited to the seaside Sanditon to stay with the Parker family, led by patriarch Tom (Kris Marshall) and his brooding brother Sidney (Theo James). Of course, a love triangle ensues. Actor James also executive produced this iteration of the would-be novel. However, the series only lasted for one season.