Jane Austen’s novel ‘Persuasion’ is being adapted by the streaming giant Netflix for a feature-length project, which will reportedly star Fifty Shades alum Dakota Johnson taking on the role of Anne Elliot. Helmed by British theater director Carrie Cracknell, the film will take a “modern, witty approach” to Austen’s famous work, Variety reported.
A highly respected name in British theater, Cracknell has helmed productions at both the Royal Court and the Young Vic, and recently directed Jake Gyllenhaal in Sea Wall/A Life on Broadway. Persuasion will mark her film debut.
Published in 1818, Persuasion is one of Austen’s final completed works (it debuted at the same time as Northanger Abbey) and centers on protagonist Anne Elliot, an unmarried 27-year-old woman with slim romantic prospects. That is, until Captain Frederick Wentworth, the naval officer she turned down eight years prior, returns to town, still single.
In Netflix’s version, the movie will remain true to the novel but will present a “modern, witty approach” to Austen’s final book. “Living with her snobby family on the brink of bankruptcy, Anne Elliot is an unconforming woman with modern sensibilities. When Frederick Wentworth—the dashing one she once sent away—crashes back into her life, Anne must choose between putting the past behind her or listening to her heart when it comes to second chances.”
Other stars of this forthcoming movie include Cosmo Jarvis (playing the love interest of Anne, Frederick Wentworth) and Henry Golding (Anne’s cousin Mr Elliot).
The cast also includes- Suki Waterhouse, Richard E. Grant, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Ben Bailey Smith, Izuka Hoyle, Mia McKenna-Bruce, and Nia Towle in pivotal roles. Though the book has been adapted numerous times for both the silver screen and television. The streaming giant has stated that the new adaptation is sure to entice the audience with new excitable elements.
As Persuasion has only just started filming, Netflix haven’t yet announced a start date but it’s more likely we’ll see it in 2022.
