Daisy Edgar-Jones says the 2026 Sense and Sensibility film gives Austen’s characters a modern emotional sensibility while staying true to the Regency era.
The upcoming Sense and Sensibility film, arriving in cinemas on October 16, 2026, aims to bring a fresh emotional perspective to Jane Austen’s beloved novel. Although the story remains set in the Regency era, star Daisy Edgar-Jones says the new adaptation makes the characters feel as though they could exist today.
Edgar-Jones plays Elinor Dashwood, with Esmé Creed-Miles portraying her younger sister Marianne. The film is directed by Georgia Oakley and written by Diana Reid, who have crafted a version that balances period authenticity with contemporary emotional depth.
Key Information
- Title: Sense and Sensibility (2026)
- Director: Georgia Oakley
- Screenwriter: Diana Reid
- Cast: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Esmé Creed-Miles, George MacKay
- Genre: Period Drama, Romance
- Release Date: October 16, 2026
How Does the Film Modernize Austen’s Characters?
Edgar-Jones told Entertainment Weekly that the film captures Austen’s sensibility while making the Dashwood sisters feel emotionally present for modern viewers. She described the adaptation as both an escape into the past and a “2026 version” of the story.
Unlike earlier adaptations, Reid’s screenplay places greater emphasis on the sisters’ relationship, exploring their bond beyond the romantic plotlines. Elinor is portrayed as responsible and reserved, while Marianne embodies passion and spontaneity.
Who Are Elinor and Marianne in This Version?
Elinor Dashwood
Edgar-Jones said she relates to Elinor’s role as an elder daughter and people pleaser, despite being an only child. Elinor feels pressure to behave properly, keep the family together and set an example.
Marianne Dashwood
Creed-Miles plays Marianne as free-spirited and emotionally open, creating a dynamic contrast with Elinor’s restraint.
Their relationship is the emotional core of the film, strengthened by Edgar-Jones and Creed-Miles’ real-life friendship, which began when they worked together on Pond Life in 2018.
How Does the Film Approach Regency-Era Authenticity?
The production pays close attention to the Dashwood family’s financial struggles. Costume designer Grace Snell created outfits that reflect the family’s reduced circumstances, with characters reusing clothing throughout the film to mirror the realities of losing their fortune.
Edgar-Jones said she enjoyed scenes where the sisters appear in natural surroundings, allowing them to be more relaxed and less confined by social expectations.
Who Plays Edward Ferrars?
George MacKay stars as Edward Ferrars, Elinor’s romantic interest. Edgar-Jones described their relationship as a heartbreaking push and pull, shaped by the strict social rules of the Regency era. She joked that “yearning’s back”, highlighting the tension created by the characters’ inability to openly express their feelings.
Why Is This Adaptation Significant?
Several factors make the 2026 film stand out:
- Modern emotional tone within a faithful period setting
- Focus on sisterhood rather than solely romance
- Strong cast led by Edgar-Jones and Creed-Miles
- Authentic costume and production design
- Fresh interpretation from director Georgia Oakley and writer Diana Reid
The film aims to appeal to both Austen fans and new audiences seeking a relatable, character-driven period drama.