The BBC is developing a new spinoff drama in the Pride and Prejudice universe. The series is titled The Other Bennet Sister, based on Janice Hadlow’s novel of the same name. The show will explore the life and character of Mary Bennet, often overshadowed in Jane Austen’s original novel.
According to Variety, The Other Bennet Sister will be a 10-part series focused on Mary Bennet, Lizzy Bennet’s overlooked middle sister. The series is written by Sarah Quintrell, known for her work on The Power.
Read the synopsis for The Other Bennet Sister:
“Unlike her sisters, Mary isn’t your typical period-drama heroine—she is awkward, anxious, preachy, full of facts, a terrible singer—overlooked by her mother and seemingly destined for an empty dance card for the rest of her life… until Mary takes matters into her own hands.”
In The Other Bennet Sister, Mary finally gets to experience an epic love story of her own—as she journeys from the safety and claustrophobia of her family home in Meryton, to the glitz of Regency London, and the pastoral charm of the Lake District—searching for independence, romance, and acceptance.
In a statement, Quintrell said, “I’m thrilled to be telling the story of Mary – the other Bennet sister – exploring what it is to come of age when you’re the odd one out.” Quintrell added, It’s a joy to be adapting Janice Hadlow’s brilliant take on such a beloved classic with the team at Bad Wolf, and to have found our home at the BBC. I grew up (an awkward, anxious teen, getting everything wrong…) watching the BBC’s wonderful Austen adaptations. It’s the stuff every writer dreams of and I can’t wait to bring this beautiful story to screen – not least, for all the Marys out there.”
Produced by Doctor Who producer Bad Wolf. Sony Pictures Television will represent the global rights.
The BBC’s adaptation of Pride and Prejudice was released in 1995 and became an instant hit in both the U.K. and internationally. A subsequent feature film adaptation, directed by Joe Wright in 2005, starred Keira Knightley and Matthew MacFadyen in the lead roles.
Bad Wolf’s Jane Tranter said, “Jane Austen created exactly the kind of smart, subtly subversive and groundbreaking women that Bad Wolf is proud to be associated with. Sarah’s dazzling scripts explore what hides beneath the surface of the overlooked Bennet sister, bringing her vividly to life for a television audience. The BBC’s long relationship with Jane Austen is unsurpassed and it’s particularly meaningful to be partnering with them on this next iteration of her life on screen”
Kate Crowther, Becca Kinder, and Jane Tranter are executive producers for The Other Bennet Sister at Bad Wolf. Rebecca Ferguson is the executive producer for the BBC. Sarah Quintrell and Janice Hadlow are also executive producers. Dan McCulloch, Bad Wolf’s director of content, developed and oversees the series.
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said, “The BBC’s Pride and Prejudice will forever be a classic moment in television history, and it’s incredibly exciting to return to Jane Austen’s irresistible world and go even further than before – this time in the footsteps of The Other Bennet Sister, Mary. We fell in love with Sarah’s adaptation because it’s a true underdog story packed full of heart, wit and charm, and a chance to explore Austen in a playful, original and heartfelt way.”
Source: Variety and BBC
