‘Sense and Sensibility’ Cast Launches a New Austen Adaptation

A new Sense and Sensibility adaptation made its world-premiere entrance in London on Tuesday, with Daisy Edgar-Jones, George MacKay and their co-stars presenting a fresh version of Jane Austen’s first published novel.

The event at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square brought together Edgar-Jones, MacKay, Esmé Creed-Miles, Herbert Nordrum, Frank Dillane, Bodhi Rae Breathnach and Fiona Shaw. The film is scheduled to open in the United Kingdom on September 25 before reaching U.S. theaters on October 16.

A familiar story with a younger sister dynamic

Directed by Georgia Oakley from a screenplay by Diana Reid, the movie follows the Dashwood family after the death of Henry Dashwood leaves his wife and daughters with sharply reduced financial security. Edgar-Jones plays the restrained Elinor, while Creed-Miles plays the more impulsive Marianne. MacKay appears as Edward Ferrars, Nordrum as Colonel Brandon and Dillane as John Willoughby.

Oakley told The Hollywood Reporter that this version places particular emphasis on the sisters being closer in age. She also pointed to a different visual language and new locations, while arguing that Austen’s questions about what young women are promised and what society actually offers them remain contemporary.

George MacKay avoided the 1995 film

MacKay said he deliberately did not watch Ang Lee’s celebrated 1995 adaptation before making the new movie. That earlier film starred Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman, and earned Thompson an Academy Award for her adapted screenplay.

Rather than build his Edward in response to Hugh Grant’s performance, MacKay said he followed Reid’s script and developed his own interpretation. He described the story’s attention to people who put others first as one of its strongest qualities.

The new production comes from Focus Features, Working Title Films and November Pictures. Its premiere offered the first major public showcase for an ensemble attempting a difficult balance: honoring one of Austen’s best-known stories while giving audiences a reason to experience it again on the big screen.