Pride and Prejudice Fans Lament the “50th Adaptation” of the Story by Netflix
It is a universally acknowledged truth that there is no such thing as too many Pride and Prejudice adaptations. But even Austen fans on the internet are begging outlets to stop grave digging the books for yet another recycled adaptation.
As it stands, there are at least 17 Pride and Prejudice television and movie adaptations, not counting the upcoming 2026 television series by Netflix. The novel is also the most adapted among Austen’s works, even if the author’s other books have also been overused on screen to no end.
As one YouTube commenter writes below the 2026 Netflix trailer of Pride and Prejudice, “Oh good. I was worried we would not get the 50th adaptation of this story.” Other comments indicate a lack of excitement over the show, citing that it looks like the “Temu version” of the 2005 film.
Meanwhile, social media users on X raised eyebrows over Netflix’s claim that the series would be a “faithful adaptation.” Some believe it to be a diss to Wuthering Heights, directed by Emerald Fennell. The movie recently came out with mixed reviews.
One X user writes, “Faithful adaptation. Is this Wuthering Heights shade?” Nobody can tell for sure, but those who intend to watch Pride and Prejudice expect Netflix to stay true to their word. And it is exciting to see Emma Corrin take on Lizzie. But how will they tackle the Bennet sister?
Can Emma Corrin and Jack Lowden make a difference?
But it’s difficult to imagine how Corrin, a non-binary actor, would choose to portray the spirited, hot-blooded Elizabeth Bennett in the upcoming film. Unlike Princess Diana, Elizabeth Bennet isn’t a real person—and many performances had already come before Corrin’s. Comparisons are bound to occur, so how could they make the role stand out?
Even Jack Lowden, who is playing Mr. Darcy, is already being compared to his predecessors, Colin Firth and Matthew Macfayden, and the Netflix show hasn’t even come out yet. The best way to judge their performances is to watch anyway when the show releases sometime in 2026. Besides, watching one more Austen adaptation never hurt anybody.
(featured image: Netflix)
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