Great news for fans who crave classic vintage romance! BBC is expanding thePride and PrejudiceUniverse with a spin-off series titledThe Other Bennet Sister, focusing on Lizzy Bennet’s younger sister, Mary Bennet,Varietyreports. The series will be based on authorJanice Hadlow’s novel of the same name, which will be produced byDoctor Whoproducer Bad Wolf.
While no casting or top talents have been announced yet, the 10-part series is written bySarah Quintrell. The synopsis gives us some insight asMary is described as not your “typical period drama heroine.”The synopsis reads: “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.”
What’s ‘The Other Bennet Sisters’ About?
Fans are quite familiar with the Bennet household; each sister has a unique personality and temperament. In Hadlow’s books, the overlooked middle daughter,Mary, finally gets to experience an epic love story of her own. As Mary travels from the safety and claustrophobia of her family home in Meryton to the Regency London and the charm of the Lake District, “she searches for independence, romance, and acceptance.”
It’ll be fascinating to see how the makers distinguish the spin-off fromhighly sought-after shows likeBridgerton,The Gilded Ageand such. Nonetheless, fans of the original show would love to go back to thePride and Prejudiceuniverse. “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. She further shared her excitement saying,
“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.”
Quintrell is a BAFTA-nominated writer. She is perhaps best known for her work onThe PowerandHis Dark Materials, multi-award-winning single dramaEllen,and the five-part crime dramaThe Trial: A Murder In The Family.If you’re missing the Bennet family, you’re able to watch the 2005 Pride and Prejudice starring Keira Knightley now on Hulu. Stay tuned to Collider for further updates.
Pride and Prejudice
Sparks fly when spirited Elizabeth Bennet meets single, rich, and proud Mr. Darcy. But Mr. Darcy reluctantly finds himself falling in love with a woman beneath his class. Can each overcome their own pride and prejudice?
Watch on Hulu
