Harris Dickinson cast as 'iconic' lead in Pride and Prejudice adaptation

Daily Mirror

4 hours ago

BAFTA-nominated actor Harris Dickinson will take on the role of Mr. Darcy as part of Audible's audio adaptation of Pride & Prejudice, as part of Jane Austen's 250th birthday celebrations
Harris Dickinson, who reached heartthrob status after starring in Babygirl alongside Nicole Kidman, has officially been tapped to take on the iconic role of Jane Austen's Mr. Darcy. Fans of the rising star actor may be disappointed to learn, however, that the role is audio-only as part of Audible's audio adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.
Still, the project promises to be packed with incredible vocal performances as Dickinson is set to be in the booth alongside BAFTA-winning actress and Industry star Marisa Abela, who will portray the incomparable Elizabeth Bennet.
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The English-language cast also includes Glenn Close as Lady Catherine De Bourgh, Bill Nighy and Marianne Jean-Baptiste as Mr and Mrs Bennet, Jessie Buckley as Caroline Bingley, Toheeb Jimoh as Mr Bingley, and Sophie Wilde as Jane. Black Mirror alum Will Poulter is also cast as Mr Wickham.
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READ MORE: Emma Corrin and Olivia Colman to star in Netflix's new Pride and Prejudice series
Dickinson shared that the project has been particularly rewarding. 'Playing Mr. Darcy was an amazing experience. I've always known him as this iconic character, but getting to really dive into the novel through this process gave me a whole new appreciation for him and the world. Being part of such a talented cast made it even better. It's a real privilege to be part of something so timeless."
Audible's English-language adaptation of Pride and Prejudice will be released in the U.S., U.K., Canada, India and Australia on September 9, 2025. The release leads up to the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birthday (December 16, 1775).
As stated in Audible's press release announcing the project, the adaptation will remain 'faithful to the original text' while also adding a 'unique interior perspective' from Elizabeth Bennet. Audible's Pride and Prejudice has been adapted from the original by award-winning writer Lulu Raczka and directed by Dionne Edwards, marking her audio drama directorial debut.
Additionally, the English-language version will be followed up by local versions in Castilian Spanish, French, German, Italian and Brazilian Portuguese. The subsequent language versions will include 'local casts and release dates' according to Audible.
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News of this major production from Audible comes less than a month after the company announced it will offer publishers comprehensive AI production services to produce audiobooks. A shift that has been criticised by both voice actors and translators.
The company shared in mid-May that it will work with publishers to produce audiobooks using its new 'fully integrated, end-to-end AI production technology '.
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Voice actor Jade Asha recently shared her thoughts on Audible AI narration plan with The Mirror, saying that since the rise of AI, many of her work opportunities have 'almost disappeared'. But quality is at stake, according to Asha: 'We know that AI is lower in cost than hiring a voiceover artist, but it lacks in quality."
Still, Asha says AI-generated voices are improving quickly and that the Audible announcement doesn't bode well for those in her industry. 'I can only see AI leading to less work for voiceover artists, which is already an over-saturated industry since the pandemic."
Asha's story and the threat to voice actors and narrators is only one aspect of publishing that Audible's AI services will infiltrate. The company will also begin rolling out AI translation in beta later in 2025.