ITV’s novel approach to Darcy’s dark side
IT’S been a hit for the BBC a few times, now ITV are making their first adaption of Pride And Prejudice – with the producers of Poldark.
Acclaimed playwright Nina Raine is adapting the classic novel, in a version that will aim to tease out its “darker tones”.
“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 bearing in mind there is a lot of work to be done before filming starts, there is a strong chance the new version may air in 2020.
That would be 25 years since Colin Firth’s Darcy emerged dripping from that lake in Pemberley and sent hearts fluttering across Britain.
As well as making this new version darker, producers are intent on creating the definitive adaptation for the 21st century.
Mammoth Screen managing director Damien Timmer told The Radio Times: “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 Oldhamborn rising Hollywood star Olivia Cooke as Becky Sharp and Tom Bateman as Rawdon Crawley.
The big question is which man is going to be hitting the gym when they land the role of Mr Darcy?