Director Nora Ephron to direct a film version of 'Lost In Austen'

Posted by Le on Tuesday, October 11, 2011

A film version of Lost in Austen has been in development for a while and British director Sam Mendes has been attached to direct it, but there wasn't any news of when it'll happen and start production until now. Variety reports that director Nora Ephron (Julie & Julia, Sleepless in Seattle) will direct “Lost in Austen,” a film adaptation of a cult British TV series that aired on the ITV network back in 2008. The plot involves a 21st century London girl (who’ll be a New Yorker in the film), who magically switches places with the heroine of Jane Austen‘s “Pride & Prejudice,” Elizabeth Bennet, and tries to ensure that events unfold as in the novel, but soon finds herself falling for the handsome but surely Mr. Darcy.

The original ITV miniseries of the same title (Lost In Austen) was written by Guy Andrews. The LIA 2008 cast included Jemima Rooper as Amanda Price, Gemma Arterton as Elizabeth Bennet, Alex Kingston and a pre-”Downton AbbeyHugh Bonneville as her parents, and Elliot Cowan as Mr. Darcy.

Here's part of the article (via Variety)...



Nora Ephron finds 'Lost In Austen' at Sony
Sony and Nora Ephron have found a new project to collaborate on: The "Julie and Julia" helmer is attached to direct "Lost in Austen," a modern take on "Pride and Prejudice."
Ephron is writing the script and Sam Mendes and Pippa Harris are producing through their Neal Street Prods. banner.

Pic is based on a 2008 ITV miniseries scripted by Guy Andrews. The story follows a modern Gotham girl transported into the middle of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice."


"Lost in Austen" wasn't a huge hit for ITV but it was well-received by critics -- The Independent called it "Pert, warm and funny." It did have some star power, with Gemma Arterton playing the role of Elizabeth Bennet. Read full article here!