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Here's your first look at Dakota Johnson in Netflix's 'Persuasion' adaptation

Photo credit: Netflix
Photo credit: Netflix

Jane Austen is heading to Netflix. The literary icon's novel Persuasion is being adapted by the streaming giant for a feature-length project, which will reportedly star Fifty Shades alum Dakota Johnson. Helmed by British theatre director Carrie Cracknell, the film will take a "modern, witty approach" to Austen's famous work, Variety reported. The film won't premiere until 2022, but we're already gathering what we know so far.

Here's your first look at the cast

Netflix shared a set of stills previewing Johnson (starring as Anne Elliot), Cosmo Jarvis (playing her love interest, Captain Frederick Wentworth), and Henry Golding (as her cousin, Mr. Elliot) in Persuasion. We've also seen a few other behind-the-scenes peeks of Johnson filming, thanks to paparazzi photos from set.

Though not pictured, other stars in the cast include Suki Waterhouse, Richard E. Grant, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Ben Bailey Smith, Izuka Hoyle, Mia McKenna-Bruce, and Nia Towle, Deadline reported.

Henry Golding will play a "classic foil"

The Crazy Rich Asians and A Simple Favour star will appear opposite Johnson in the role of Mr. Elliot, Deadline and Netflix announced. Deadline reported that what brought Golding to the role was "the opportunity to play against type; Mr. Elliot being the callous and classic Austen foil."

Photo credit: Vera Anderson - Getty Images
Photo credit: Vera Anderson - Getty Images

Production began in May

With Persuasion slated to hit Netflix in 2022, filming was slated to commence in May 2021, Variety previously reported. Knives Out producer MRC Film is working on the project with Netflix. Rain Man screenwriter Ron Bass and Alice Victoria Winslow adapted the screenplay.

It's a story about second chances

Published in 1818, Persuasion is one of Austen's final completed works (it debuted at the same time as Northanger Abbey) and centers on protagonist Anne Elliot, an unmarried 27-year-old woman with slim romantic prospects. That is, until Captain Frederick Wentworth, the naval officer she turned down eight years prior, returns to town, still single.

In Netflix's version, Anne is "an unconforming woman with modern sensibilities, living with her snobby family who are on the brink of bankruptcy," per Deadline. "When Frederick Wentworth—the dashing one she once sent away—crashes back into her life, Anne must choose between putting the past behind her or listening to her heart when it comes to second chances," the outlet added.

Don't confuse this project with the other Persuasion

Searchlight Pictures is also developing a Persuasion adaptation starring Emmy-nominated Succession star Sarah Snook. It's directed by Mahalia Belo (The Long Song), with a screenplay by Jessica Swale (Summerland).

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