Persuasion, Netflix: first look photos, release date, plot, cast

Jane Austen is a literary industry that will never stop giving. And until the world is truly kaput, when every library and bookshelf dissolves, Austenian adaptations will continue to evolve. They also give emerging artists a chance to break through, as proven by Autumn de Wilde's excellent vision of Emma. starring Anya Taylor-Joy.

For the upcoming adaptation of Persuasion, Austen’s last completed novel, Netflix is trusting debut film director Carrie Cracknell to deliver a 'modern, witty approach to a beloved story'. Here’s everything we know about it.

What’s the story of Persuasion?

Although this version has been described as 'modern', the first-look photos look anything but. Maybe the ways of thinking are more aligned with contemporary ideas, like the recent BBC adaptation of The Pursuit of Love. Regardless, it’s hard to tell what screenwriters Ron Bass (Rain Man) and Alice Winslow (Hot Spot) will keep and cut.

The book follows 27-year-old Anne Elliott, who’s gaining a spinster status because of her lack of a husband. When she was 19, she was engaged to the dashing Frederick Wentworth – but friends and family convinced her to break it off. They believed Frederick had no financial promise. Eight years later, they’re proven wrong as he returns to Anne’s life as a wealthy naval officer. And the Elliott family is now facing bankruptcy...

According to Netflix: ‘Anne must choose between putting the past behind her or listening to her heart when it comes to second chances.’

The story has been hot property recently. The Long Song director Mahalia Belo is also helming a Persuasion film, this one starring Sarah Snook (Succession) and Joel Fry (Cruella).

Henry Golding as Mr Elliott. Photo: Netflix

Who’s in the Persuasion cast?

Dakota Johnson (Suspiria, Fifty Shades of Grey) nabs the lead, playing Anne Elliott. Her love interest, Captain Frederick Wentworth, is being played by Peaky Blinders actor Cosmo Jarvis. Henry Golding (Last Christmas, Crazy Rich Asians) stars as Anne’s cousin Mr Elliott – demonstrating the recent drive in period dramas to be more inclusive (like Bridgerton and David Copperfield). And Mia McKenna-Bruce (Cleaning Up) is taking the role of Anne’s sister Mary.

Richard E Grant (Can You Ever Forgive Me?), Edward Bluemel (Killing Eve), Nikki Amuka-Bird (Gold Digger), and Lydia Rose Bewley (Drifters) also star.

Cosmo Jarvis as Captain Frederick Wentworth. Photo: Netflix

What’s the Persuasion release date?

No specifics yet, but Netflix have promised a release date in 2022.