Miss Austen unveils new look at Keeley Hawes and Rose Leslie

As an avid movie lover with a penchant for period dramas and a soft spot for Jane Austen’s timeless tales, I am beyond thrilled about the upcoming series, Miss Austen. The combination of a stellar cast, a captivating storyline, and the intrigue surrounding the mysterious burning of Jane Austen’s letters has me eagerly awaiting its release in 2025.


As a captivated cinephile, I’ve just had the pleasure of catching a glimpse into the world of Miss Austen through some tantalizing new images released by the BBC. In these enchanting stills, Keeley Hawes and Rose Leslie grace us with their presence, offering a tantalizing sneak peek at the upcoming period drama that promises to captivate audiences worldwide.

The four-part television series, based on Gill Hornby’s popular book with the same title, will be written by Andrea Gibb (screenwriter of “Elizabeth is Missing” and “Mayflies”) and will air on BBC One and iPlayer in 2025, to celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday.

Based on the announcement, it recasts one of English literature’s most intriguing enigmas – Cassandra Austen destroying her renowned sister Jane’s letters – into an “engrossing, humorous, and poignant tale of sibling affection.

In a new role, Line of Duty and Bodyguard actor Hawes steps into the lead part of Cassandra, who is likened to an enchanting heroine from Austen’s novels. Meanwhile, Leslie (Game of Thrones, Vigil) assumes the role of Isabella Fowle, the late fiancé’s niece of Cassandra.

A fuller synopsis teases: “The drama begins in 1830, many years after Jane has died.

“Cassandra rushes to visit Isabella, who is about to lose her home following her father’s death.

As a film critic, I found myself intrigued by Cassandra’s presence in the movie. While she appears to be assisting Isabella, it quickly becomes evident that her true intention is to uncover a secret cache of private letters belonging to Jane. These letters, if falling into the wrong hands, could potentially shatter Jane’s hard-earned reputation.

Upon finding them, Cassandra is flooded with memories from her past as she is taken back to her younger years.

As I delve into the memories of my past, I find myself back in time with a younger version of Cassy and Jane. We were navigating the complexities of young love, dealing with family squabbles, and facing heartaches that would ultimately mold our lives. It was during these formative years that the seeds for Jane’s captivating tales were sown.

After contemplating her past, Cassandra ultimately helps direct Isabella toward the route that promises genuine joy.

In addition to Synnøve Karlsen, who starred in Last Night in Soho and Clique, playing the younger version of Cassandra, and Patsy Ferran, known for Living and Hot Milk, portraying young Jane, other notable actors spotted in the latest photos include Phyllis Logan from Downton Abbey, Max Irons from Condor, Alfred Enoch from How to Get Away with Murder, Calam Lynch from Bridgerton, and Liv Hill from The Serpent Queen.

In addition, Jessica Hynes (from Life After Life), Mirren Mack (known for The Witcher), and Kevin McNally (recognized from The Crown) are also part of the cast in this series. This production is helmed by BAFTA-winning director Aisling Walsh (of Maudie and Elizabeth is Missing), with Stella Merz (behind Gentleman Jack and Renegade Nell) serving as producer.

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2024-11-14 19:34