Pride and Prejudice spin-off The Other Bennet Sister announced by BBC

Pride and Prejudice spin-off The Other Bennet Sister announced by BBC

As a lifelong fan of period dramas who has spent countless hours lost in the romantic intrigues, witty dialogues, and exquisite costumes of Jane Austen’s world, I can hardly contain my excitement about the upcoming BBC series, The Other Bennet Sister!


If you’re a fan of period dramas, here’s some good news! The BBC has recently greenlit a 10-episode series titled “The Other Bennet Sister”.

The upcoming series, as suggested by its title, concentrates primarily on Mary Bennet, the frequently underestimated middle Bennet sister who is a character from Jane Austen’s novel, Pride and Prejudice.

The fresh take on the ballroom, as depicted in the new show, is based on the idea that, although we may aspire to be Elizabeth, most of us share similarities with Mary instead.

The official summary goes on: “Unlike other heroines in historical dramas, Mary stands out as she’s not your usual character. She’s clumsy, nervous, overly zealous, knowledgeable beyond her years, a poor singer… often ignored by her mother and seemingly doomed to an unoccupied dance schedule for the remainder of her life… until Mary takes control of her own fate.

In an unexpected turn of events, The Other Bennet Sister presents Mary Bennet with a profound romantic tale that none had foreseen. This journey takes her away from her family’s home in Meryton to the grand social events of Regency London and picturesque landscapes of the Lake District. Along this path, she seeks independence, love, and perhaps most challenging, self-love and acceptance.

Pride and Prejudice spin-off The Other Bennet Sister announced by BBC

Sarah Quintrell, renowned for “The Power” and previously associated with Bad Wolf Productions behind projects like “His Dark Materials” and “Industry,” is set to debut her first solo television drama series. This series will be penned by her.

The upcoming BBC show is adapted from Janice Hadlow’s bestselling book with the same title, featuring ten episodes in total. At this point, neither a launch date nor the cast members have been disclosed.

Of course, the Pride and Prejudice series remains a firm favourite among period drama lovers, but it was released back in 1995.

Indeed, the highly anticipated character spin-off has been a long-awaited delight for Austen enthusiasts. In this series, Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle grace our screens, portraying the iconic characters Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet.

In a 2005 movie version, the classic story of Pride and Prejudice starred Matthew Macfadyen and Keira Knightley.

In response to the unveiling of the series, screenwriter Quintrell expressed his excitement, stating: “I’m delighted to delve into the tale of Mary – the Bennet sister who stands apart – examining what it means to grow up feeling like an outsider.

I’m thrilled to work alongside the team at Bad Wolf as we reinterpret Janice Hadlow’s exceptional interpretation of this cherished classic. It’s also delightful to establish our base at the BBC.

As a teenager who often felt uncomfortable and made mistakes, I spent my childhood years captivated by the enchanting Austen adaptations on BBC. Every aspiring author yearns for such inspiration, and I eagerly look forward to sharing this stunning tale on screen, not just for myself but also for all the young Marys out there.

In a similar vein, Jane Tranter from Bad Wolf expresses: “Bad Wolf feels honored to work with characters as intelligent, quietly rebellious, and pioneering as those created by Jane Austen.

Sarah’s captivating scriptwriting delves into the depths hidden beneath the seemingly ordinary Bennett sister, making her leap off the screen and become vividly real for TV viewers.

Our association with Jane Austen, which spans over time, is exceptional. It’s especially significant that we are collaborating with them once more as we bring her story to the screen in this upcoming adaptation.

Lindsay Salt, the head of BBC Drama, who was responsible for airing the series on BBC One and iPlayer, commented: “The BBC’s version of Pride and Prejudice will always be a memorable milestone in television history. It’s thrilling to venture back into Jane Austen’s enchanting universe once more, exploring this time the story of Mary Bennet, another one of her fascinating sisters.

We grew fond of Sarah’s interpretation due to its authentic underdog narrative filled with warmth, cleverness, and endearment. It also offered an engaging opportunity to delve into Austen’s world with fresh, creative, and sincere perspectives.

The Other Bennet Sister will be coming to BBC One and iPlayer.

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2024-10-10 17:03