The anticipation surrounding the new Sense and Sensibility adaptation grows more palpable with the announcement of its second female lead. Rooted in Jane Austen’s iconic novel, this rendition promises to offer a fresh take on the beloved story of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, as they navigate the challenges of life and love after their father’s passing.
This classic has been adapted multiple times, most famously by Ang Lee in the Oscar-winning 1995 film featuring Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet. Now, the story is set to return to the big screen under the direction of Georgia Oakley, with fan-favorite Daisy Edgar-Jones from Normal People cast as Elinor.
Recently, Edgar-Jones welcomed her onscreen sister into the fold. Focus Features has announced that Esmé Creed-Miles—known for her roles in Hanna and The Sandman—will portray Marianne Dashwood in this upcoming film. Creed-Miles joyfully shared the news on social media, showing herself diving into the pages of Austen’s novel.
In a celebratory nod, Focus Features introduced Creed-Miles to the production by sharing a photo of her script alongside Edgar-Jones’, captioning it: “The Marianne to our Elinor.”
Why This Casting Matters
The Heart of Sisterhood
While Austen’s romantic entanglements often steal the spotlight, the deep familial bonds in her narratives are equally vital. This holds particularly true for Sense and Sensibility; the title itself denotes the contrasting personalities of Elinor and Marianne.
Elinor symbolizes “sense,” while Marianne embodies “sensibility.” This duality makes the casting of Marianne just as critical as that of the leading men, generating excitement about how the filmmakers will portray their sisterly connection. It’s promising to see Edgar-Jones and Creed-Miles already forming a supportive bond, as observed in Edgar-Jones’ affectionate comments on Creed-Miles’ posts.
The contrast in their scripts visually parallels their characters: Edgar-Jones’ is pristine and neatly organized, reflecting Elinor’s composed demeanor, while Creed-Miles’ appears well-loved and slightly crumpled, echoing Marianne’s passionate and free-spirited nature.
Exciting Developments in Production
Anticipation Builds
Focus Features appears to be committed to making the most of the Sense and Sensibility development, which suggests they are confident about this adaptation’s potential success. Given the enduring appeal of Austen’s literature, it’s not surprising to see a surge of interest akin to what surrounded the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, which garnered a devoted following.
It seems that the focus will remain centered on Elinor and Marianne’s relationship—a decision that is thrilling for many fans. Ang Lee’s version is often hailed as one of the finest adaptations of Austen’s work, setting the bar high for Oakley’s take. Nevertheless, there’s a prevailing sense of hope that this new rendition will offer a sweet yet modern interpretation of a timeless narrative.
Source: Focus Features, Esmé Creed-Miles