Leading up to the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, Audible will release a brand-new adaptation of her beloved classic “Pride and Prejudice” — which, while remaining “faithful to the original text” will also add a “unique interior perspective” from Elizabeth Bennet, the novel’s quick-witted heroine.
The first Audible original audiobook of “Pride and Prejudice” will be released worldwide in English, to be followed by local versions in Castilian Spanish, French, German, Italian and Brazilian Portuguese.
The English-language cast is led by British actors Marisa Abela (“Industry,” “Back to Black,” “Black Bag”) as Elizabeth Bennet and Harris Dickinson (“Babygirl,” “The Iron Claw”) as Mr. Darcy. The ensemble cast also includes Will Poulter as Mr. Wickham, Jessie Buckley as Caroline Bingley, Toheeb Jimoh as Mr. Bingley and Glenn Close as Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
Audible’s English-language adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice” releases in the U.S., U.K., Canada, India and Australia on Sept. 9, just a few months ahead of Austen’s birthday (Dec. 16, 1775). The final runtime is still to be determined but likely will be approximately four hours. More information regarding the Castilian Spanish, French, German, Italian and Brazilian Portuguese adaptations will follow later this year, including local casts and release dates.
Abela said in a statement provided by Audible, “Elizabeth Bennet is one of the most fiercely intelligent and iconic characters in literature, and stepping into her shoes has been an incredible honour. What I love about this adaptation is how it lets us hear her inner world in such a vivid, intimate way — it feels both timeless and fresh. Recording this with such a phenomenal cast and team was a true joy, and I can’t wait for listeners to experience it.”
Dickinson said 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.”
The English version of Audible’s “Pride and Prejudice” also stars David Gyasi as Mr. Gardiner; Rosalind Eleazar as Mrs. Gardiner; Bertie Carvel as Mr. Collins; and Leah Harvey as Charlotte Lucas. The other Bennet family members are Bill Nighy as Mr. Bennet, Marianne Jean-Baptiste as Mrs. Bennet, Sophie Wilde as Jane Bennet, Antonia Salib as Kitty Bennet, Patricia Allison as Lydia Bennet and Aasiya Shah as Mary Bennet.
“Pride and Prejudice” was adapted from Austen’s novel by writer Lulu Raczka (“Women,” “Beware the Devil”). It was directed by Dionne Edwards (“Pretty Red Dress,” “A Thousand Blows”), marking her audio drama directorial debut. Audible produced the project in partnership with Brock Media; it was executive produced by Brock Media’s Sarah Brocklehurst (“The Outrun”) and produced by Nicole Davis.
According to Audible, the English version of the “Pride and Prejudice” audiobook features “cinematic” sound design from Brain Audio and an original score by producer and composer Morgan Kibby (“M83,” “The Watcher”).
“It’s remarkable how ‘Pride and Prejudice’ has stood the test of time globally to be one of every generation’s favourite love stories,” Aurelie de Troyer, Audible’s head of regional content for Europe, said in a statement. “Lulu Raczka’s script is thrilling and conveys all of Jane Austen’s energy in an engaging, modern way. Through the intimacy of audio, we have the unique ability to make the passion and romance truly electric and Marisa Abela and Harris Dickinson’s chemistry as Elizabeth and Darcy is undeniable.”
“Pride and Prejudice” joins Audible’s lineup of adaptations including George Orwell’s “1984” starring Andrew Garfield, Cynthia Erivo, Tom Hardy and Andrew Scott; Agatha Christie’s “The Mysterious Affairs at Styles” with Peter Dinklage, Jessica Gunning and Himesh Patel; and the Sam Mendes-produced trilogy of Charles Dickens adaptations (“Oliver Twist,” “David Copperfield” and “The Signalman”).
In addition, Audible is co-producing new audio versions of all seven of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books, with the first scheduled to premiere in late 2025.
