Filming Delays for Netflix’s Pride and Prejudice After New Fatherhood

Producers of the upcoming Netflix adaptation of Pride and Prejudice have faced unexpected delays in their filming schedule due to lead actor Jack Lowden welcoming his first child with wife and four-time Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan. The news of Lowden’s new fatherhood has required adjustments to the production timeline, as he takes statutory paternity leave under the Employment Act 2002.

Lowden, who portrays the iconic character Mr. Darcy, has been absent from the set while Ronan gave birth. This has prompted producers to hire lookalikes to ensure the filming of critical scenes continues without interruption. The six-part series, which also features Emma Corrin as Elizabeth Bennet and Olivia Colman, is currently in production.

A source close to the production stated, “It is such lovely news that Jack has become a father, and nobody would ever have an issue with him taking paternity leave. But the show must go on, and that means the producers have had to keep on filming.” This approach has allowed the team to proceed while maintaining the integrity of the project.

Lowden, 35, and Ronan, 31, married in July 2024 in a private ceremony in Edinburgh. Ronan was last seen publicly a fortnight ago, displaying a prominent baby bump, which further highlighted the timeline of their new family addition.

The filming for Pride and Prejudice is not the only Jane Austen adaptation currently in the works at Netflix. The streaming platform is also producing a new version of Sense and Sensibility, celebrating 250 years since Austen’s birth.

Additional Austen Adaptations in Production

On the set of Sense and Sensibility, stars Daisy Edgar-Jones and Fiona Shaw have been spotted in period attire, despite the warm September weather in central London. Edgar-Jones portrays Elinor Dashwood, while Shaw plays the endearing character Mrs. Jennings.

Edgar-Jones’s character is often regarded as the moral compass of the 1811 novel, guiding her family through challenges. The adaptation marks a significant moment for fans of Austen’s work, as it aims to bring her stories to a new generation.

Additionally, another high-profile adaptation of Wuthering Heights is in production, featuring Australians Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in leading roles. All three adaptations are expected to premiere in 2026, coinciding with the celebration of Austen’s lasting legacy in literature and film.

As the film industry continues to navigate the complexities of production schedules, the excitement surrounding these adaptations underscores the enduring popularity of Jane Austen’s work. The blending of traditional storytelling with modern-day challenges keeps audiences engaged, ensuring that classic literature remains relevant.