BBC Revisits ‘Pride and Prejudice’ With Mary Spinoff Titled ‘The Other Bennet Sister’
Jane Austen fans rejoice: the BBC is returning to the “Pride and Prejudice” universe with a new spinoff drama about Lizzy Bennet’s sister.
Titled “The Other Bennet Sister” and based on Janice Hadlow’s novel of the same name, the series will focus on Mary Bennet, Lizzy’s unassuming and oft-overlooked middle sibling.
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“Doctor Who” producer Bad Wolf are set to make the 10-part show, which is written by Sarah Quintrell (“The Power”).
“Unlike her sisters, Mary isn’t your typical period drama heroine,” reads the synopsis. “She is awkward, anxious, preachy, full of facts, a terrible singer… overlooked by her mother and seemingly destined to an empty dance card for the rest of her life… until Mary takes matters into her own hands.”
In “The Other Bennet Sister” Mary finally gets to experience an epic love story of her own, as she travels from the safety and claustrophobia of her family home in Meryton to the glitz of Regency London and the pastoral charm of the Lake Distric as she searches for independence, romance and acceptance.
Casting has yet to be announced.
“I’m thrilled to be telling the story of Mary – the other Bennet sister – exploring what it is to come of age when you’re the odd one out,” said Quintrell. “It’s a joy to be adapting Janice Hadlow’s brilliant take on such a beloved classic with the team at Bad Wolf, and to have found our home at the BBC. I grew up (an awkward, anxious teen, getting everything wrong…) watching the BBC’s wonderful Austen adaptations. It’s the stuff every writer dreams of and I can’t wait to bring this beautiful story to screen – not least, for all the Marys out there.”
The BBC’s 1995 adaptation of Austen’s original novel, starring Jennifer Ehle as Lizzy and Colin Firth as Mr Darcy, was an instant hit, both in the U.K. and abroad. A 2005 feature adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice,” directed by Joe Wright and starring Keira Knightley and Matthew MacFadyen in the lead roles, was also successful.
Kate Crowther, Becca Kinder and Jane Tranter executive produce “The Other Bennet Sister” for Bad Wolf while Rebecca Ferguson exec produces for the BBC. Sarah Quintrell, and Janice Hadlow are also EPs. Bad Wolf’s director of content, Dan McCulloch developed and oversees the series. Sony Pictures Television will rep global rights.
Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, commissioned the show for BBC iPlayer and BBC One.
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