Daisy Edgar-Jones is set to lead a new adaptation of Jane Austen’s debut novel Sense and Sensibility for Focus Features and Working Title Films.

The production marks a third return to Austen’s work for Focus and Working Title, following their previous collaborations on Emma (2020) and Academy Award winning Pride and Prejudice (2005). 

BAFTA nominee Georgia Oakley is attached to direct, and the script is by best-selling Australian author Diana Reid. Jo Wallett, who previously worked on Emma, will return to produce, alongside Working Titles’ Eric Fellner and Tim Bevan and November Pictures’ India Flint.

Set in 18th century England, Austen’s Sense and Sensibility follows the Dashwood sisters, Elinor (Edgar-Jones) and Marianne, as they navigate love, grief and financial uncertainty in their own conflicting ways. Originally published anonymously, the 1811 novel is widely regarded as Austen’s breakout work, and is recognised as an English literature classic.

The last notable adaptation of the novel was Ang Lee’s 1995 feature starring Kate Winslet and Emma Thompson. It was distributed by Sony Pictures and was nominated for seven Academy Awards.

Edgar-Jones shot to fame following her role in the Hulu adaptation of Sally Rooney’s novel, Normal People (2020), and has since notably starred in Where The Crawdad’s Sing (2022) and Twisters (2024) alongside Glen Powell. Oakley joins the project following the release of her debut feature Blue Jean (2022), which earned her the Peoples Choice Award at Venice Film Festival, as well as a BAFTA nomination for Outstanding Debut.

Production begins next month in the UK.

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