Jane Austen’s novels are having a major moment right now. With the upcoming Sense and Sensibility movie joining the list of Jane Austen adaptations coming in 2026, it’s going to be a great year for fans of the author.
Following the success of recent literary adaptations and the renewed interest in Austen’s works during her 250th anniversary celebrations last year, director Georgia Oakley is bringing a new cinematic vision of Sense and Sensibility to cinemas in 2026. With Daisy Edgar-Jones leading an impressive ensemble cast, this new Sense and Sensibility adaptation is already shaping up to be one of the year’s most anticipated period dramas.
All about Focus Features’ Sense and Sensibility movie starring Daisy Edgar-Jones
What is Sense and Sensibility about?
Based on Jane Austen’s first novel, published in 1811, Sense and Sensibility follows sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, whose lives are thrown into chaos after the death of their father. Forced out of their family estate and left in a precarious financial position, the sisters must navigate love, heartbreak and societal expectations while searching for stability and happiness.
The story famously contrasts Elinor’s restraint and practicality with Marianne’s passionate and impulsive nature, treating us to one of Austen’s most enduring relationship dynamics.
Cast of Sense and Sensibility
After giving acclaimed performances in Normal People (2020), Where the Crawdads Sing (2022) and Twisters (2024), Daisy Edgar-Jones takes on the role of Elinor Dashwood, the sensible and reserved elder sister at the heart of Austen’s story, in Sense and Sensibility. Joining her are George MacKay and Frank Dillane, stepping into two of the novel’s most memorable romantic roles. The casting has generated particular excitement among Jane Austen fans.
Here’s the principal cast of Sense and Sensibility:
- Daisy Edgar-Jones as Elinor Dashwood
- Esmé Creed-Miles as Marianne Dashwood
- Caitríona Balfe as Mrs Dashwood
- George MacKay as Edward Ferrars
- Frank Dillane as John Willoughby
- Herbert Nordrum as Colonel Brandon
- Bodhi Rae Breathnach as Margaret Dashwood
- Fiona Shaw as Mrs Jennings
Crew of Sense and Sensibility
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The new adaptation is being helmed by filmmaker Georgia Oakley, best known for the critically acclaimed drama Blue Jean (2022). Oakley has described her attraction to the material as rooted in the vulnerability of the Dashwood women and the story’s exploration of inheritance laws, social status and female relationships.
Oakley follows in the footsteps of the beloved 1995 adaptation starring Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet, though she’s keen to reach audiences who haven’t read (or seen) Sense and Sensibility.
Speaking to Vogue, Oakley said, “It’s kind of important for some people to come at this without any of those preconceptions. Something I would love is for people who know nothing of the book and who haven’t seen previous versions of it to see this and to connect with it.”
The screenplay is written by Australian novelist Diana Reid, whose previous works include Love & Virtue (2021).
Filming began in the United Kingdom in July 2025, and Focus Features has since released the first-look images of Edgar-Jones as Elinor Dashwood.
What is the release date of Sense and Sensibility?
The film is set to arrive in UK theatres on 25 September 2026, and in US theatres on 16 October 2026.
An official release date for Asia has not yet been confirmed.
Is the Sense and Sensibility trailer out yet?
Yes, the official trailer for the new film adaptation of Sense and Sensibility is out now. You can watch it below:
Main and featured image credit: Focus Features
Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
