New Film Adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility” Set for 2026 Theatrical Release

Focus Features and Working Title Films have confirmed a version of Jane Austen’s 1811 novel *Sense and Sensibility*. Georgia Oakley directs a cast led by Daisy Edgar-Jones (Elinor Dashwood) and Esmé Creed-Miles (Marianne), with Caitríona Balfe, George MacKay, Frank Dillane, Herbert Nordrum, Bodhi Rae Breathnach and Fiona Shaw. The film opens in the United Kingdom on 25 September and in the United States on 16 October.

W Magazine‘Sense and Sensibility’ trailer unearths look at Daisy Edgar-Jones & Esmé Creed-Miles in Austen adaptationFirst look at the romantic new reboot of Jane Austen's swoon-worthy classicExpress TribuneIndieWireVariety Magazine

The new adaptation arrives amid a surge of Austen-related releases, including the 2020 *Emma*, the 2022 *Persuasion*, a forthcoming Netflix *Pride & Prejudice* miniseries, and spin-offs such as *The Other Bennet Sister*. Critics note the genre’s renewed popularity.

Hollywood Reporter

Georgia Oakley, whose debut *Blue Jean* earned BAFTA nominations, writes and directs the film from a screenplay by novelist Diana Reid. Producers Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner of Working Title join India Flint of November Pictures and Jo Wallett of Kiddo Films. The ensemble includes Daisy Edgar-Jones, Esmé Creed-Miles, Caitríona Balfe, George MacKay, Frank Dillane, Herbert Nordrum, Bodhi Rae Breathnach and Fiona Shaw.

Deadline Hollywood

The film is produced by Working Title, Focus Features, November Pictures and Kiddo Films. It follows the Dashwood sisters after Henry Dashwood’s death leaves them with a £500 annual allowance and forces a move to a modest cottage. The United Kingdom release is 25 September 2026; the United States opening is 16 October 2026. The 1995 adaptation earned seven Oscar nominations and grossed over $134 million worldwide.

W Magazine

Focus Features announced the October 16 U.S. release, emphasizing the film’s aim to bring Austen’s story to contemporary audiences. Working Title’s producers Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner highlighted the partnership’s track record with successful Austen adaptations. Oakley said she sought a grounded, authentic portrayal that avoids the period-drama fetishisation common in earlier versions.

Hollywood Reporter

“I esteem him!” — Esmé Creed-Miles as Marianne Dashwood (trailer)

Hollywood Reporter

“It is bewitching,” she says, “the idea of one’s happiness depending entirely on another person.” — Daisy Edgar-Jones as Elinor Dashwood (trailer)

Hollywood Reporter

“I was wondering, Miss Dashwood, whether I might ask you …” — George MacKay as Edward Ferrars (trailer)

Vulture

Some outlets list a September 25 release without specifying region, while most sources differentiate a United Kingdom premiere on 25 September and a United States opening on 16 October. No box-office forecasts or audience-testing data have been disclosed.

W Magazine

The film joins a prolific wave of Austen adaptations that have attracted both literary fans and mainstream viewers. Casting Daisy Edgar-Jones, known for *Normal People*, signals an effort to engage younger audiences while preserving the novel’s themes of class, inheritance and sisterly bonds.

Hollywood Reporter