Jane Austen’s romantic drama Pride and Prejudice is a timeless tale. Each generation has their own version of Elizabeth Bennet and Mark Darcy defining love and longing for them. Last year, Netflix announced its own adaptation of the classic novel and fans have been waiting patiently till now for another update. It seems like the series has found its Mr. Darcy as reports suggest Slow Horses star Jack Lowden is in talks for the iconic role.

Pride and Prejudice seamlessly blends class distinction with romance. The age-old story still resonates with fans and more book lovers discover the novel, keeping it on best-of lists. So, Everything I Know About Love scribe Dolly Alderton, who has penned the script for the upcoming series has a mighty task to adapt the story for a new generation. As for Lowden, who has credits like War and Peace on the small screen, and films including Dunkirk, Mary Queen of Scots and Benediction, will perfectly fit the period genre.

What’s So Special About ‘Pride and Prejudice’?

The story follows Elizabeth Bennet, the second child of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, who have five daughters. Much of the story is about the family’s relationships and their struggles to find good marriages for their daughters. Things take a turn when Mark Darcy is introduced. After much ado, Elizabeth and Mark Darcy eventually fall in love but must navigate various obstacles as Elizabeth’s father seeks a male heir. The classic story has relevant themes like class distinction, parental control, the pains and passions of a new love among others, which are relevant in every age.

The novel has many beloved adaptations depending on which generation you ask. Perhaps the most successful version is Joe Wright’s BBC film which stars Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen in the lead roles. The movie has 87 percent Rotten Tomatoes rating and catapulted its actors to worldwide fame. There’s also an Indian version titled, Bride and Prejudice made by Gurinder Chadha and starring Martin Henderson and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in the lead. And then there’s the 1995 BBC’s miniseries version that stars Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth which is considered a classic in itself.