Game of Thrones and Line of Duty stars transform in first look at new BBC period drama Miss Austen
GAME of Thrones and Line of Duty stars are among those who look worlds away from their usual selves in newly-released pictures for an upcoming BBC historical drama.
The four-part drama is directed by BAFTA-winning filmmaker Aisling Walsh and produced by the mind behind Renegade Nell, Stella Merz.
Line of Duty star Keely Hawes will play the leading lady in the TV series adaptation of Gill Hornby’s international bestselling and beloved book Miss Austen.
Also starring in the new series is a notable cast, including Game of Thrones’ Rose Leslie, The Witcher: Blood Origin’s Mirren Mack, Downton Abbey’s Phyllis Logan, The Crown star Kevin McNally, How to Get Away with Murder’s Alfred Enoch, Bridgerton’s Calam Lynch and many other celebrated stars.
The series, which is produced by Bonnie Productions for PBS MASTERPIECE in the US and distributed by Federation Studios, has already been acquired by the BBC in the UK.
Miss Austen tells the heartbreaking story of Two sisters, Cassandra and Jane Austen.
The series description reads: “Miss Austen takes a literary mystery – Cassandra Austen notoriously burning her famous sister Jane’s letters – and reimagines it as a fascinating, witty and heart-breaking story of sisterly love while creating in Cassandra a character as captivating as any Austen heroine.
“The drama begins in 1830, a while after Jane has died. Cassandra (Keeley Hawes) races to see her young friend Isabella (Rose Leslie), who is about to lose her home following her father’s death.
“Cassandra is ostensibly there to help her friend, but her real motive is to find a stash of private letters which, in the wrong hands, could destroy Jane’s reputation. On discovering them, Cassandra is overwhelmed as she is transported back to her youth.
“In flashback, we meet Young Cassy and Jane (Patsy Ferran) as they navigate the infatuations, family feuds and dashed hopes which shaped their lives and laid the foundations for Jane’s unforgettable stories.
“Cassandra’s re-evaluation of her past eventually leads her to realise how blind she has been to the real cause of Isabella’s heartache and distress. Finding a way to guide Isabella towards true happiness, Cassandra is finally able to understand and celebrate the sacrifices she chose to make for her brilliant sister, Jane.”
Speaking on the upcoming show Executive Producer Christine Langan said: “To have this hugely entertaining female-driven story told by such a stellar cast, led by Keeley Hawes, as Bonnie Productions’ first drama is genuinely a dream come true.
“Gill Hornby has found an ingenious way into the Austen world, creating female characters modern audiences can empathise with and delight in.
“I’m so honoured to be bringing this wonderful novel to the screen in collaboration with the deeply talented trio of writer Andrea Gibb, director Aisling Walsh and producer, Stella Merz.”
MASTERPIECE Executive Producer Susanne Simpson added: “Miss Austen is a beautifully told story about the loves and losses of the Austen sisters.
“I’m thrilled that this heartfelt, romantic, and funny adaptation is in the hands of a remarkable ensemble cast led by the incredible Keeley Hawes.”
Sue Deeks, Head of BBC Programme Acquisition, concluded by saying that BBC viewers have a “treat in store” because the upcoming series is “the perfect blend of intriguing mystery, vivid and engaging characters and beguiling period charm.”