Netflix's upcoming adaptation of Jane Austen’s "Pride and Prejudice" aims to remain faithful to the original text, seeking to avoid some of the criticisms leveled at its previous Austen adaptation, "Persuasion" (2022), which drew complaints for incorporating modern slang into its dialogue.

Dolly Alderton, the screenwriter for the new "Pride and Prejudice," emphasized her commitment to preserving Austen’s language. Drawing on advice from Dame Emma Thompson—who both adapted and starred in the 1995 film version of "Sense and Sensibility"—Alderton said she intends to let Austen’s dialogue stand on its own without contemporary reinterpretations. To that end, she prepared a supplementary document ensuring the actors avoid “Regency ad lib,” maintaining linguistic precision consistent with the period.

Charlotte Moore, chief executive of Left Bank Pictures, the production company behind this adaptation, noted that approaches to language in period dramas vary widely. Moore, who previously oversaw BBC projects including adaptations of "Gentleman Jack," "Great Expectations," and "Wolf Hall," said there is no single correct way to translate classic literature for modern audiences. “It’s a creative choice for the writer,” she remarked, highlighting the importance of considering whom the story is intended to reach and how best to immerse viewers in the characters’ experiences. Moore acknowledged the inherent risks in altering beloved works but pointed out that such adaptations also provide opportunities to engage new audiences.

Executive producer Patrick Spence, involved in projects like "Mr Bates vs the Post Office" and Channel 4’s forthcoming "The Siege," echoed the sentiment that adaptations can be both respectful and inventive. He argued that original authors would likely appreciate diverse interpretations that are either faithful or playfully modernized.

This adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice" follows a rich tradition, joining previous well-known versions such as the 1995 BBC miniseries starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, as well as Joe Wright’s 2005 feature film. Alderton revealed she encountered challenges in capturing the voice of Mr. Darcy, portrayed by Jack Lowden. Speaking at the Jane Austen Festival in Bath, she described her initial difficulty empathizing with the character, which shifted after a breakthrough that framed Darcy as a deeply wounded man fiercely protective of his loved ones. This understanding influenced her writing throughout the project.

In addition to fidelity to Austen’s text, Alderton indicated that the adaptation includes subtle references, or “Easter eggs,” for devoted Austen fans. She drew on Austen’s correspondence, particularly with her sister Cassandra, to enrich Elizabeth Bennet’s dialogue, weaving elements from Austen’s own life into the series.

The new "Pride and Prejudice" is set to appeal to enthusiasts of the original novel by carefully balancing respect for Austen’s language and characterizations with creative storytelling decisions aimed at engaging contemporary viewers.