Nicole Sael
It’s no secret that Hollywood adores historical dramas. But, since fans have already waxed poetic about Regé-Jean Page’s departure from the role of the seductive Simon Basset, it’s time to turn our focus to Persuasion, a Netflix period drama set around the same time. In the new Netflix romance, The Crazy Rich Asians star Henry Golding and Fifty Shades of Grey seductress Dakota Johnson play Mr. Elliot and Anne Elliot, respectively.
Persuasion Synopsis and Other Cast
Perhaps it’s time to read this famous Jane Austen work if you haven’t already? No? Okay, in any case, here’s a quick summary of the plot courtesy of Netflix:
“Living with her snobby family on the brink of bankruptcy, Anne Elliot is an unconforming woman with modern sensibilities. When Frederick Wentworth—the dashing one she once sent away—crashes back into her life, Anne must choose between putting the past behind her or listening to her heart when it comes to second chances. Adapted from the Jane Austen novel.”
You’ve had to be hooked on that alone, but it does pose an urgent question: Will Netflix stay true to the original novel or go into 21st-century Hollywood territory? The streaming service implied that it will be a blend of the two, which should mean that moviegoers will receive a fresh take on the story while Austen fans will still receive moments that are consistent to the book.
Cosmo Jarvis (Lady Macbeth), Suki Waterhouse (The Divergent Series: Insurgent), Oscar nominee Richard E. Grant (Can You Ever Forgive Me?) and BAFTA contender Nikki Amuka-Bird (NW) are among the cast members of Netflix and MRC’s Jane Austen film Persuasion. Jarvis, a rising British actor, plays Captain Frederick Wentworth, who is the love interest of Johnson’s character, Anne Elliot. Anne’s cousin will be played by Golding. Fittings and rehearsals for an upcoming UK shoot are reportedly underway. Ben Bailey Smith, alias Doc Brown (The Split), Izuka Hoyle (The Outpost), Mia McKenna-Bruce (Get Even), and Nia Towle (The Hollow) will also be in the film.
Keep an eye out for 2022, since that’s when Dakota, Cosmo, and Henry will be working their Jane Austen magic on our Netflix queues, according to Netflix’s Twitter account. Expect to see more set images this year, as filming began in May 2021. Unfortunately, there isn’t much more to tell in terms of trailers or sneak peeks than the first-look photographs. For the meantime, maybe we can hook ourselves on Bridgerton?
