20 Years of Darcy and Rain: 'Pride & Prejudice' Returns as Netflix Plots a Modern Rival
Two decades on, the classic still steals hearts.
It’s been twenty years since Joe Wright’s Pride & Prejudice first swept audiences off their feet, and time has only deepened its hold on viewers. The 2005 adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel — starring Keira Knightley as the sharp-witted Elizabeth Bennet and Matthew Macfadyen as the brooding Mr. Darcy — has become nothing short of iconic. With its windswept fields, unforgettable rain-drenched declarations, and a score that still sends shivers down spines, the film now marks its milestone anniversary with a streaming release on HBO Max.
A critical and box office success upon its release, Pride & Prejudice earned over $120 million worldwide and picked up four Oscar nominations, including Best Actress for Knightley. The film’s elegant blend of period detail and modern emotional clarity helped it transcend the genre — and connect Austen’s 19th-century insights to 21st-century audiences. Featuring standout performances from Judi Dench, Donald Sutherland, and a breakout Rosamund Pike, it remains a definitive screen romance for a generation.
But the world of Austen never stays quiet for long. Netflix is preparing its own reimagining of the story, with Slow Horses star Jack Lowden stepping into Darcy’s boots and The Crown's Emma Corrin set to portray Elizabeth. Penned by Dolly Alderton (Everything I Know About Love) and directed by Heartstopper’s Euros Lyn, the six-episode miniseries is set to begin filming later this year — suggesting a spirited new chapter for a story that still resonates.
For now, fans can revisit the rain, the restraint, and that slow-burn chemistry all over again. Whether you're a long-time devotee or new to Austen’s charms, this 20th anniversary is the perfect excuse to press play and fall in love all over again.
