Netflix’s take on Jane Austen’s Persuasion has confirmed an amazing cast and a release date

“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 Netflix longline continues.

The love interest is played by Cosmo Johnson, and Henry Golding is playing the role of Anne’s cousin Mr Elliot. Golding’s character is set to be “the callous and classic Austen foil”, which is a new light for us to see the Crazy Rich Asians star take on – we can’t quite imagine Henry being anything but a rom-com heartthrob, but we can’t wait to see how he transforms for the role.

Who is starring in Persuasion?

If those big names weren’t enough for you, the film will also star model and actress Suki Waterhouse, Oscar nominee Richard E. Grant, and BAFTA nominee Nikki Amuka-Bird (of Zadie Smith’s NW) in supporting roles.

Also newly confirmed are: Edward Bluemel (Sex Education and Killing Eve), Lydia Rose Bewley (Jane from The Inbetweeners movies, remember them?), Ben Bailey Smith (Fleabag), Nikki Amuka-Bird, Mia McKenna-Bruce, Izuka Hoyle (Mary Queen of Scots), Yolanda Kettle and Nia Towle (Rocketman).

After last year’s new take on Emma , with Anya Taylor-Joy, and the many takes on Pride and Prejudice, it’s no surprise that Netflix has jumped on the bandwagon. 

We can’t wait to see how the iconic Dakota looks in period costumes or how she transforms the story of Persuasion – we hope, with her signature humour and sass…

“Actually, no, that’s not the truth, Ellen. You were invited.”

We will always, always stan.

What have the cast said about the Persuasion movie so far?

In an interview with Vogue, Johnson called doing Persuasion “the dream”.

“Persuasion was so fun,” she said. “Doing a Jane Austen film is the dream, and there are only a few of them so I feel incredibly lucky. The cast is amazing and our director, Carrie Cracknell, is fantastic.”

Golding has confirmed in an interview that he went against expectations and chose to play Mr Elliot – and it sounds like he had the choice to play the romantic lead, but opted not to this time. He called the opportunity to play Elliot “delicious”, calling him a “period f**k boy”. 

Golding is not wrong – we can’t wait to see his take on such a legendary character.

When will Persuasion be released?

Persuasion will drop on Netflix on 15 July 2022, so not far away at all! Get your Regency-era drinking games ready.