BBC, BritBox Reveal Cast for Austen Adaptation

The BBC and BritBox have announced the cast for their upcoming 10-part adaptation of Janice Hadlow’s novel The Other Bennet Sister, which reimagines Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice from Mary Bennet’s perspective. Richard E. Grant and Ruth Jones are set to portray Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, while Ella Bruccoleri takes the lead as Mary. Indira Varma and Richard Coyle play the Gardiners, who take Mary under their wing as a governess and introduce her to a new social world. Mary will encounter both familiar Austen figures and new characters, including Mr. Ryder (Laurie Davidson), Mr. Hayward (Dónal Finn), and Ann Baxter (Varada Sethu). Produced by Bad Wolf and primarily written by Sarah Quintrell, the series has begun filming in Wales and will air in 2025 on BBC One, iPlayer, and BritBox International. BBC Drama head Lindsay Salt praised the vibrant ensemble cast and highlighted the show’s fresh, witty perspective on Austen’s universe.