Latest news with #Pride&Prejudice
Daily Record
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Pride and Prejudice cast now from tragic death to huge action role fans didn't spot
The 2005 film adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice has become one of the most beloved period dramas of all time - here's a look at the main cast, 20 years on Two decades on from its release, the 2005 film Pride and Prejudice remains the most recognised adaptation of Jane Austen's work and one of the most cherished period dramas ever created. The plot centres around Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy, who initially harbour a mutual dislike due to Darcy's arrogance and Elizabeth's preconceived notions, as well as their contrasting social and economic backgrounds. The film portrays their transition from hostility to affection, amidst misunderstandings and personal development, whilst delving into themes of societal class, matrimony, and the significance of judging individuals based on character rather than looks or status. Upon its release, Pride & Prejudice quickly became a romantic classic - receiving nominations for numerous prestigious awards, including Academy Awards, BAFTAs (winning one) and Golden Globes - and its cast gained widespread recognition, reports the Express. Let's take a look at the main cast of the film, and what they've been up to since Pride and Prejudice. Keira Knightley (Elizabeth Bennet) Knightley's upcoming roles include starring in the psychological thriller The Woman in Cabin 10 alongside Guy Pearce, and reprising her role in Black Doves Season 2, set to be filmed in early 2025. In addition to acting, she's ventured into production and writing - developing her own projects through Sky Arts and See-Saw Films, authoring children's essays on feminism, and writing a children's book. Knightley also manages to balance her career with family life, opting for roles that enable her to stay close to her daughters. Her notable honours include two Academy Award nominations for her roles in Pride & Prejudice and The Imitation Game, as well as BAFTA, Golden Globe, and SAG nominations. She has also received a Laurence Olivier nomination for her work in theatre. Matthew Macfadyen (Mr. Darcy) He initially gained recognition for his role as Tom Quinn in the television series Spooks. More recently, he has garnered international acclaim for his Emmy and Golden Globe-winning portrayal of Tom Wambsgans in the series Succession, which aired from 2018 to 2023. Following his appearance in Pride and Prejudice, Macfadyen has taken on various roles, including starring as Major Charles Ingram in the 2020 ITV production of Quiz and making an appearance in the 2024 film Deadpool & Wolverine. Additionally, he played the part of MP John Stonehouse in the 2023 production of Stonehouse, alongside his wife, Keeley Hawes. He is slated to star as the spy George Smiley in the upcoming series Legacy of Spies, which is based on the novels by John le Carré. Throughout his career, Macfadyen has been awarded two Emmy Awards, one Golden Globe Award, three BAFTA Awards, and two SAG Awards. Donald Sutherland (Mr. Bennet) After his role in Pride and Prejudice, Sutherland continued to appear in various screen and stage productions, often taking on supporting roles in projects such as The Hunger Games and the Netflix series Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous. Sadly, Sutherland passed away in June 2024 at the age of 88 while under hospice care at the University of Miami hospital, due to complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. His passing was met with tributes from the film industry, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who remembered him as "a great Canadian". Judi Dench (Lady Catherine de Bourgh) She has continued to be active, starring in a variety of roles from Shakespearean dramas to films like Shakespeare in Love and the James Bond series, where she played M, the first woman to hold that role. She has been honoured with numerous awards, including an Academy Award, BAFTA awards, and Olivier awards, and is regarded as one of Britain's finest actresses. Rosamund Pike (Jane Bennet) After major franchises like Jack Reacher and Gone Girl, she received praise and an Academy Award nomination for Gone Girl (2014). She also portrayed Bond villain Miranda Frost, won an Emmy award for her role in the miniseries State of the Union (2019), and is scheduled to make her National Theatre debut in summer 2025, with the play Inter Alia. Brenda Blethyn (Mrs. Bennet) Since Pride and Prejudice, Blethyn has received acclaim (and a BAFTA) for her role in Secrets & Lies, and other notable performances include Robert Redford's A River Runs Through It. On television, she is best known for her role as Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope in the long-running ITV series Vera - which concluded in early 2025. Blethyn continues to support causes close to her heart, particularly cancer charities like Macmillan, and remains a prominent and respected figure in UK screen acting. She was even appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to drama in 2003. Tom Hollander (Mr. Collins) Since then, Hollander has built a diverse and critically acclaimed career, with roles in Gosford Park (2001), In the Loop (2009), and Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015). His filmography includes Hanna (2011), About Time (2013), The Night Manager (BAFTA-winning, 2017), and The King's Man (2021). On stage, he bagged the Ian Charleson Prize in 1992 and received Olivier and Tony nominations for Travesties. His television highlights include Rev., which earned him a BAFTA, and Feud: Capote vs. the Swans (2024). Jena Malone (Lydia Bennet) Before joining Joe Wright's ensemble, Malone had already garnered praise for her performances in Contact (1997), Donnie Darko (2001), and Saved! (2004). Post Pride and Prejudice, Malone's career soared to new heights, particularly through her memorable role as Johanna Mason in The Hunger Games franchise (2013-2015), which introduced her to global mainstream audiences. She also played Rocket in Zack Snyder's cult film Sucker Punch (2011), and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) - although her character (Barbara Gordon) was controversially cut from the theatrical release. Carey Mulligan (Kitty Bennet) Her major breakthrough came just four years after Pride and Prejudice, when she portrayed schoolgirl Jenny Mellor in An Education (2009). This role won her a BAFTA, a Golden Globe nomination, and her first Oscar nod. Since then, Mulligan's illustrious career has seen her star in films such as Drive (2011), Shame (2011), The Great Gatsby (2013), and Promising Young Woman (2020) - which earned her a second Oscar nomination. Most recently, she received her third Academy Award nomination for Maestro (2023). Away from the silver screen, Mulligan is a staunch advocate for social justice and gender equality. She has collaborated with War Child UK and spoken out against industry sexism and the portrayal of women in media. In her personal life, she is a mother of two and has been married to Marcus Mumford of Mumford & Sons since 2012.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Ruth Jones and famous husband split after 26 years as he moves on
Gavin & Stacey icon Ruth Jones and her producer husband David Peet have split. The couple who are now legally separated "remain good friends." The couple who got married 26 years ago have since spoken out about their decision to separate. In a statement shared with the PA news agency, they said: "We amicably went our separate ways 18 months ago and are now legally separated. We remain good friends. Since our separation, Ruth is living in London and David is living in Canada, where he is in a new relationship." Jones rose to fame as the co-writer and star of Gavin & Stacey, playing Vanessa 'Nessa' Jenkins, in three series and three Christmas specials from 2007 to 2024. The show's finale episode, which aired on Christmas Day 2024, saw Jones's character Nessa marry Neil 'Smithy' Smith, played by her fellow co-writer James Corden. At this year's TV Baftas, Jones won the best female performance in a comedy for her role in Gavin and Stacey. Jones has also appeared in ITV drama Fat Friends, BBC sketch show Little Britain, BBC sitcom Saxondale, and BBC black comedy Nighty Night. Other roles include playing Carry On star Hattie Jacques in a BBC biopic. In 2014, Jones was made a Member Of The Order Of The British Empire (MBE) in the New Year Honours for her services to entertainment. But while David has since moved on and started a new relationship, Ruth has thrown herself into work. She is following in the footsteps of her former co-star Alison Steadman by taking on Jane Austen's iconic character of Mrs Bennet in a major new BBC series. The comedy favourite will play the Pride & Prejudice matriarch in The Other Bennet Sister alongside Richard E. Grant, 68, who has revealed that playing the role of Mr Bennet is a lifelong ambition. One show insider told the Mirror: "It's long been known that this was on Richard's bucket list and he leapt at the opportunity when the BBC approached him. "Ruth was similarly enthusiastic over playing a character who is about as far from Nessa as it is possible to be. She's overjoyed to be swapping her leather mini skirt and boots for a crinoline and bonnet." The 10-part drama is an adaptation of Janice Hadlow's novel, which explores and expands the world of Pride and Prejudice through the often-overlooked perspective of Mary Bennet, played by former Call the Midwife star Ella Broccoleri. In the story, Mary is given the epic love story nobody predicted for her. It takes her from her family home in Meryton to the soirees of Regency London and the peaks and vales of the Lake District - all in search of independence, romance and, most elusive of all, self-love and acceptance. Gavin & Stacey, which she co-wrote with Corden, drew to a close with 21 million viewers at Christmas. Steadman, who plays Nessa's best friend Stacey's mother-in-law Pam Shipman, was previously Mrs Bennet in the BBC's award-winning 1995 Pride & Prejudice adaptation, starring Colin Firth as Mr Darcy and Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet. Writer Sarah Quintrell says: "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." Saying she herself had been an "awkward, anxious" teen, she added: "I grew up 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 the screen - not least, for all the Marys out there." Producer Jane Tranter, of Bad Wolf, said that she'd landed the "ensemble cast of our dreams" for the new series, which is part of the BBC's celebration of Austin's 250th anniversary, adding: "We have been working behind the scenes on The Other Bennet Sister for many years now, and Janice's brilliantly observed characters have lived and grown in our imaginations throughout that time as Sarah has been working on the scripts. So our actors had a lot to live up to - and I can honestly say that this is the ensemble cast of our dreams. "Each one brings something new and exciting to the world of Austen. And all of us at Bad Wolf are delighted to be making a drama that brings such joy."
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Gavin & Stacey star lands new drama role - which gets Pam's seal of approval
Ruth will star in new BBC adaptation alongside Richard as Jane Austen's Mr and Mrs Bennet, following Alison Steadman into the big role Ruth Jones is to follow in the footsteps of her Gavin & Stacey co-star Alison Steadman by taking on Jane Austen's iconic character of Mrs Bennet in a major new BBC series. The comedy favourite will play the Pride & Prejudice matriarch in The Other Bennet Sister alongside Richard E. Grant, 68, who has revealed that playing the role of Mr Bennet is a lifelong ambition. One show insider said: 'It's long been known that this was on Richard's bucket list and he leapt at the opportunity when the BBC approached him. Ruth was similarly enthusiastic over playing a character who is about as far from Nessa as it is possible to be. She's overjoyed to be swapping her leather mini skirt and boots for a crinoline and bonnet.' The 10-part drama is an adaptation of Janice Hadlow's novel, which explores and expands the world of Pride and Prejudice through the often-overlooked perspective of Mary Bennet, played by former Call the Midwife star Ella Broccoleri. In the story Mary is given the epic love story nobody predicted for her. It takes her from her family home in Meryton to the soirees of Regency London and the peaks and vales of the Lake District - all in search of independence, romance and, most elusive of all, self-love and acceptance. Britain's best-loved comedy actress Ruth, 58, is fast becoming a BBC costume drama stalwart, having previously appeared in Little Dorrit and Tess of the d'Urbervilles. Gavin & Stacey, which she co-wrote with James Corden, drew to a close with 21million viewers at Christmas. Steadman, who plays Nessa's best friend Stacey's mother-in-law Pam Shipman, was previously Mrs Bennet in the BBC's award-winning 1995 Pride & Prejudice adaptation, starring Colin Firth as Mr Darcy and Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet. Writer Sarah Quintrell says: "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.' Saying she herself had been an 'awkward, anxious' teen, she added: 'I grew up 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.' Producer Jane Tranter, of Bad Wolf, said that she'd landed the 'ensemble cast of our dreams' for the new series, which is part of the BBC's celebration of Austin's 250th anniversary, adding: 'We have been working behind the scenes on The Other Bennet Sister for many years now, and Janice's brilliantly observed characters have lived and grown in our imaginations throughout that time as Sarah has been working on the scripts. So our actors had a lot to live up to - and I can honestly say that this is the ensemble cast of our dreams. Each one brings something new and exciting to the world of Austen. And all of us at Bad Wolf are delighted to be making a drama that brings such joy.' BBC drama boss Lindsay Salt said it was a joy to see cameras rolling on the 'vibrant, witty and clever' new take on Jane Austen's world, which also stars Coupling's Richard Coyle and Game of Thrones actress Indira Varma. She added: 'With a pitch perfect cast led by Ella, Ruth and Richard, The Other Bennet Sister will be an irresistible treat for viewers when it launches on the BBC next year." Varma and Coyle play Mr and Mrs Gardiner, Mary's worldly aunt and uncle who take her on as a governess to their three children - introducing her to an exciting new social world that includes Ann Baxter, played by Doctor Who companion Varada Sethu. Another famous character is the simpering Mr Collins, who will be played by Ryan Sampson, who wrote and starred alongside Danny Dyer in Sky comedy Mr Bigstuff. Filming has started in Wales on the BBC1 series, due to air on Sunday nights next year.
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
How playing Elizabeth Bennet changed Keira
As Pride & Prejudice marks its 20th anniversary this year, Keira Knightley is revisiting the film that she says redefined how she was viewed in Hollywood. In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, the British actor opened up about her career trajectory before and after the 2005 Jane Austen adaptation, which earned her an Academy Award nomination at just 20 years old. Knightley, who had already achieved global recognition for her roles in Pirates of the Caribbean and Bend It Like Beckham, said she felt dismissed by critics early in her career despite commercial success. "Pirates of the Caribbean had already come out, but I think in the public consciousness, I was seen as a terrible actress," Knightley admitted. "But I had this phenomenally big success with Pirates. And I think Pride & Prejudice was the first one that was a phenomenally big success, but was also critically acclaimed." Knightley said the response to Pride & Prejudice stood in stark contrast to the reception of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, which was released around the same time. "I got the worst reviews ever for that, and then also being nominated for an Oscar at the same time — it was, in my 21-year-old head, quite confusing." Reflecting on her earlier breakout role in Bend It Like Beckham, which was released when she was just 17, Knightley revealed that the reviews she remembers most were the negative ones. "All those voices of self-doubt are so loud when you are in your teens or 20s," she said. "But in an adult brain that's got a lot of experience, you can kind of go, 'You know what? It's okay. Today may not be my day, but tomorrow it might be better.'" The actor has previously described 2005 as a year of extremes. Speaking to The Times, she called it a "making and breaking" moment in her career. "They were the most successful films I'll ever be a part of and they were the reason that I was taken down publicly," she said. "So they're a very confused place in my head." Knightley's candid reflections arrive as Pride & Prejudice enjoys renewed attention two decades on, with fans and critics alike continuing to celebrate its portrayal of Elizabeth Bennet - a role that, for Knightley, was as redemptive as it was career-defining.
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
When Pride and Prejudice co-star Keira Knightley gushed over the moment which won Matthew Macfayden iconic Mr Darcy role
Jane Austen's legacy is probably what's single-handedly keeping the concept of romance alive, even as the world descends into the dark depths of modern-day dating. And Pride & Prejudice, for as long as the Sun rises in the East, will reign supreme. The headstrong, quietly passionate, and burning desire driving Elisabeth Bennet's love story with Mr. Darcy IS the blueprint of what every woman deserves. And it's so, so incredibly hard to get right when we're speaking about cinematisation. It's been a few times over — the 6-part BBC series being an incredibly notable watch everyone keeps running back to. But in more Hollywood-esque mainstream context, the 2005 Pride & Prejudice takes the cake and the bakery. Directed by Joe Wright and led by Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfayden as Elisabeth and Mr. Darcy, 'iconic' and 'cult' aren't words big enough to shoulder its cultural impact. Now while Keira and Matthew's seamless chemistry continues to live in our heads rent-free, did you know that there were several others being considered to step into Mr. Darcy's shoes? During a Vanity Fair chat with Keira and Rosamund Pike (who incidentally played Jane Bennet in the production), the latter asked, "You must've met a few Darcys" to which the former promptly replied, "Yes, there were a few Darcys, and it was very clear that it was Matthew from the get-go. He's just such a nice man". Oh, we agree! But what was it that won Matthew the role? In a 2005 chat with Entertainment Tonight, Keira excitedly spoke of the moment everyone in the room knew that the current millennium's Mr. Darcy had been knighted! She shared, "It wasn't in the script, we'd nearly kiss and then not. It's just something that naturally happened, in the audition, and everybody around the table went, 'ohhh, that's perfect!'. So it was one of those really nice moments of just two people who knew our characters really well, and it just melted together really nicely. And Joe was just like, 'right, do it, go for it!', which is great". A post shared by Entertainment Tonight (@entertainmenttonight) All of this to definitely time for a re-watch. Pride & Prejudice will complete 20 years of having having us swooning, this September 16.
