Poldark producers to adapt a new 'darker' version of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice for ITV

Because we can never have too many TV adaptations of Jane Austen's beloved PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, can't we? For those of you who love all things P&P or open-minded to any adaptation of P&P, then...you'll probably be interested in watching this one (if and when this get made, of course). According to Radio Times, Poldark producers Mammoth Screen are developing a new adaptation of Pride and Prejudice for ITV.

Read more info. via RT below...

There have been five UK television adaptations of Jane Austen's much-loved book about the Bennet sisters' search for love so far. Until now, all have been made by the BBC.

The producer, which also makes ITV smash hit Victoria starring Jenna Coleman, has commissioned acclaimed playwright Nina Raine – author of 2017 hit National Theatre play Consent – to adapt the classic novel, in a version that will aim to tease out the story’s “darker tones” according to Mammoth Screen. This will be Raine's first TV adaptation.

"Pride and Prejudice is actually a very adult book, much less bonnet-y than people assume," Raine said of the project. "I hope I do justice to Austen’s dark intelligence – sparkling, yes, but sparkling like granite.”

The dates and cast for the production and broadcast are still to be confirmed, but there is a chance the new version could air in 2020, 25 years since Colin Firth's Darcy emerged dripping from that lake in Pemberley and sent hearts fluttering across Britain.

Whatever the timing, the producers are intent on making this the definitive adaptation for the 21st century.

Mammoth managing director Damien Timmer said, “In this age of the box set – with audiences loving to binge on complex, serialised dramas – it feels absolutely right to reassess the great classics. Every generation needs its own adaptation of this perfect novel.

“Nina Raine is one of the most gifted writers working today, and her wit and emotional intelligence make her the perfect match for Jane Austen. She’s a devoted fan of the book, but she’s never seen any previous adaptations – so pleasingly the novel only exists in her imagination”.

Mammoth Screen is hoping Pride and Prejudice will follow in the footsteps of Vanity Fair, which it starts filming for ITV next month in Hungary and locations throughout England. The cast includes Oldham born rising Hollywood star Olivia Cooke as Becky Sharp and Tom Bateman as Rawdon Crawley. Read full article here.