Focus Features and Working Title Films have officially commenced production on a new adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel, Sense and Sensibility. The project has expanded its cast with the addition of six prominent actors: Caitríona Balfe, Frank Dillane, George MacKay, Herbert Nordrum, Bodhi Rae Breathnach, and Fiona Shaw, joining leads Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esme Creed-Miles in the roles of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood.
Georgia Oakley, a BAFTA Award nominee, is directing the film, with the screenplay adaptation crafted by Diana Reid. Producers for the film include Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner from Working Title Films, alongside India Flint of November Pictures and Jo Wallett. This ambitious project aims to bring a fresh perspective to Austen’s timeless story.
The casting of Caitríona Balfe, known for her roles in Belfast and Outlander, adds significant star power to the film. Balfe has received multiple accolades, including five Golden Globe nominations and a BAFTA nomination for her performance in Belfast. Her previous film work includes Ford v Ferrari and Super 8, and she is set to appear alongside Willem Dafoe and Tom Hiddleston in the upcoming film Tenzing.
Frank Dillane, recognized for his portrayal of Tom Riddle in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, recently garnered acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival, where he won the Best Actor award in the Un Certain Regard section for his role in Urchin. Dillane has also appeared in popular series such as Fear the Walking Dead and Sense8.
Meanwhile, George MacKay has made a name for himself with his lead role in the 2019 war film 1917, alongside performances in Pride and Captain Fantastic. His addition to the cast signifies a strong commitment to delivering a compelling adaptation of Austen’s work.
The Norwegian actor Herbert Nordrum brings a fresh international perspective, having starred in the Oscar-nominated film The Worst Person in the World. His recent projects, including The Royal Hotel and The Hypnosis, highlight his rising profile in the film industry.
Newcomer Bodhi Rae Breathnach is set to make a significant impact with her upcoming roles in Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet and an untitled Jason Statham thriller, while also starring in the ongoing series So Awkward Academy.
Finally, Fiona Shaw, a BAFTA winner and three-time Emmy nominee, is well known for her roles in Killing Eve and Fleabag. Shaw’s extensive filmography includes parts in the Harry Potter franchise and her upcoming role in Netflix’s Ladies First alongside Sacha Baron Cohen.
As production progresses in the U.K., audiences eagerly anticipate how this talented ensemble will interpret Austen’s enduring themes of love, family, and societal expectations in a contemporary context. The film is expected to attract both fans of the original novel and new viewers alike, as it seeks to resonate with today’s audiences.
With a talented cast and a dedicated production team, this adaptation of Sense and Sensibility promises to be an engaging exploration of one of literature’s most cherished narratives.
