You knew it was coming. After the recent new film adaptations for all manner of Jane Austen-penned classics — the 2020 “Emma,” the 2022 “Persuasion,” and a recently announced limited series version of “Pride and Prejudice,” to say nothing of an extremely successful recent re-release of Joe Wright’s film version of the iconic novel — it was only a matter of time before Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility” was teed up for its own new spin.
And it’s arrived! Focus Features and Working Title Films announced Wednesday morning, as first shared on soon-to-be star Daisy Edgar-Jones’ Instagram, that “Sense and Sensibility” is getting a brand-new film adaptation. Edgar-Jones will star in the film as Elinor Dashwood, the eldest sister of three (and most iconically portrayed by Emma Thompson in Ang Lee’s luminous 1995 film, which Thompson also wrote), with “Blue Jean” filmmaker Georgia Oakley set to direct from a script by bestselling author Diana Reid.
Related Stories
Per today’s announcement, “Originally published anonymously with the byline reading ‘By A Lady,’ Austen’s ‘Sense and Sensibility’ established her as a literary force and remains a cornerstone of English literature. The timeless exploration of restraint and passion follows sisters Elinor (Edgar-Jones) and Marianne Dashwood, opposites in their emotional approach, as they navigate love, loss, and financial uncertainty amid the societal expectations of 18th-century England. Celebrated for its wit, deep social insights, and enduring cultural relevance, the novel launched the bright career of one of history’s greatest authors.”
There is no word yet on other casting picks, but the film will surely provide excellent roles for a variety of stars, including Marianne, and a trio of male suitors the sisters come to know, including Edward Ferrars, Colonel Brandon, and John Willoughby.
Focus and Working Title make a fitting home for the film, as they’ve previously collaborated on both Wright’s 2005 adaptation of “Pride & Prejudice” and Autumn de Wilde’s 2020 take on “Emma.”
Oakley is known for both writing and directing her debut feature “Blue Jean,” which earned Oakley a BAFTA Award nomination for Outstanding Debut. Her debut, the bestseller “Love & Virtue,” won several book prizes, including the ABIA Book of the Year Award. Her second novel, “Seeing Other People,” was also a bestseller and was shortlisted for the Indie Award for Best Fiction. Her third book, “Signs of Damage,” was released to critical acclaim in March 2025.
Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner of Working Title Films will produce alongside India Flint of November Pictures and Jo Wallett.
There is no word yet on when the film will start production or when it’s expected to release, but we will keep our dance cards open for 2026.
