Pride & Prejudice (2005) FAN Blog

Happy Birthday Penelope Wilton!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeane) — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 16:28:22 +0000

Celebrating a birthday today (June 3rd) is Olivier Award winner and Downton Abbey's Dame Penelope Wilton (co-stars as Isobel Crawley), best known to us P&P movie fans as Mrs. Gardiner, Elizabeth Bennet's favorite aunt in the Pride & Prejudice (2005) film. She also played Tom Hollander's mother in Wives and Daughters mini-series and co-starred with Rosamund Pike in W&D too as well as with her good friend Judi Dench in Iris and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel/The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel films. Plus, she co-starred with Matthew Macfadyen in Netflix’s Operation Mincemeat. Miss Wilton turns 80 years young today!

Happy Birthday Penelope Wilton!

Born: Penelope Alice Wilton
June 3, 1946 in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England, UK
Trivia: Cousin of the actor Richard Morant See more trivia »

Peter Wight as Mr. Gardiner and Penelope Wilton as Mrs. Gardiner

Memorable Quotes of Mrs. Gardiner from Pride & Prejudice movie...

"Come to the Peak District with us, Lizzie, and get some fresh air." (Mrs. Gardiner)

~*~

"Take care, my love. That savors strongly of bitterness." (Mrs. Gardiner)

~*~

"By heavens, Lizzie, what a snob you are. Objections to poor Mr. Darcy because of his wealth. The poor man can't help it." (Mr. Gardiner)
"He won't be there anyway. Those great men are never at home." (Mrs. Gardiner)

~*~

"What are men compared to rocks or mountains?" (Mr. Gardiner)
"Or carriages that work." (Mrs. Gardiner)

~*~

"A handsome face. Lizzie, is it a true likeness?" (Mrs. Gardiner)

~*~

"Lizzie, we've just met Mr. Darcy. You didn't tell us that you've seen him. He asked us to dine with him tomorrow. He was very civil, was he not? Not at all how you painted him." (Mrs. Gardiner)

~*~

"He particularly want you to meet his sister." (Mrs. Gardiner)

~*~

"There's something pleasant about his mouth when he speaks." (Mrs. Gardiner)

~*~

"Enter the Gardiners. Love the Gardiners. Their relationship is based on pies. In every scene, they're eating. And they have a very happy marriage in their shared admiration of the great English pie or cheese." (Joe Wright)

Penelope Wilton's Current/Upcoming TV & Films for 2026/2027…

1. Up To No Good (TV Series; 6 Episodes) (Post-Production; 2026) - Charlotte

2. Visitation (Completed; ???)

Watch: Brenda Blethyn in the trailer for 'A Woman of Substance' premiering June 24 on BritBox!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeane) — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:08:26 +0000

A trailer has recently been released for A Woman of Substance (based on the novel by Barbara Taylor Bradford) series (8 Episodes) starring Brenda Blethyn and Jessica Reynolds. It premieres this month, June 24, 2026 only on BritBox.

Watch the BritBox trailer for A Woman of Substance below...

A Woman of Substance follows Emma over six decades, from the 1900s (when she is played by Jessica Reynolds) to the 1970s (when she is played by Brenda Blethyn). The series finds Emma in 1911, an impoverished ambitious maid in Yorkshire, England, who goes on a dizzying journey to become the world's richest woman, gazing down from a sprawling luxury New York penthouse. A rags-to-riches tale of women through the 20th century, Emma defies the expectations of her society, fearlessly challenging the roles she's given, smashing glass ceilings, and never, ever deviating from her masterplan: Get to the top. Whatever it takes.

(source: BritBox)

Happy Birthday Carey Mulligan!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeane) — Thu, 28 May 2026 15:25:50 +0000

Today (May 28th), is the 41st birthday of three-time Academy Award Nominee* (and BAFTA award winner for Best Actress in An Education*, Promising Young Woman*, Maestro*) and Tony Award nominee (for Broadway play Skylight as Kyra Hollis), Carey Mulligan, best known to us, P&P movie fans, as Kitty Bennet (and also as Isabella Thorpe in Northanger Abbey)!

Happy Birthday Carey Mulligan!!!

Carey Mulligan's Mini-Biography (via IMDB):

Carey Mulligan is a British actress, born 28 May 1985. Her credits include the recent film Pride & Prejudice and the 2005 BBC adaptation of Charles Dickens' novel Bleak House. She currently resides in Covent Garden, England. She got her first major appearance by playing "Kitty Bennet" in Pride & Prejudice alongside Keira Knightley... See full bio

Born: Carey Hannah Mulligan

May 28, 1985 in Westminster, London, England, UK

More about Carey Mulligan...

Carey Mulligan as Kitty Bennet

in Pride & Prejudice

"Oh, do hold a Ball." (Kitty Bennet)

"Lizzie. Lizzie, tell Mama, tell her! Why didn't she ask me as well? I've just as much right as Lydia. Also, because I'm two years older." (Kitty Bennet)

“That was Carey´s first crying scene ever. This was her first film. And she cried very hard on the first take and less on the second and even less on the third and she´d cried herself out. And she told me that she was thinking about her mother´s funeral. But then she got bored of that, so she thought about what songs she´d play at her own funeral. And it didn´t have quite the same effect”. (Joe Wright)

"Carey Mulligan, Kitty, put on a lot of weight cos I used to get her to eat in every scene. She's now about two stone lighter. " (Joe Wright)

Carey Mulligan (Kitty Bennet)
Now her hard work has paid off and after a spell working in a pub worrying she might never make it as an actress, she got her big break.

Carey said: "I was on the train going to work when I got the call saying I had the part. I had to go and work at the pub that evening - I was pulling pints with a massive grin on my face."

Although she admits she was terrified when they first started filming, at Groombridge Place in Kent, she soon took to it like a duck to water.

Carey said: "We were like one big family. We took over the house. It was so much fun. Brenda Blethyn (Mrs Bennett) mummied us all - when we had days off she took us on day trips to a llama farm."

Read full article
here.

In less than 7 years, Miss Mulligan has appeared in various TV and Film roles, check out the various roles she had played from her first role Kitty Bennet (in Pride & Prejudice) to her breakout role of the school girl Jenny, that garnered her an Oscar nomination for a Best Actress for An Education.

FYI: She has co-starred twice with her good friends and former Pride & Prejudice co-stars/eldest Bennet sisters: Keira Knightley (Never Let Me Go) and Rosamund Pike (An Education).

I made (and updated) a collage of her every role she played from P&P to her The Great Gatsbyfilm. Can you name the following images to which film she appeared on?

Chameleon Carey: In various characters

Carey's upcoming film projects (via IMDB) slated for 2026-2027...

Beef (TV Series; 2026) - Lindsay Crane-Martin
Wildwood (Post-Production; 2027) - Alexandra (Voice)
Narnia: The Magician's Nephew (Post-Production) - Mabel Kirke

In Development
??? An Uncivil War

??? On the Other Side

Watch: Kelly Reilly in trailer for Yellowstone's spinoff series, 'Dutton Ranch' premiering May 15!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeane) — Fri, 08 May 2026 23:32:40 +0000

Paramount+ just dropped the official trailer and released a promo poster (along with stills and People Magazine cover below) for Kelly Reilly's upcoming new series, Dutton Ranch (a spinoff series from Yellowstone).

Beth and Rip risk everything in Texas in Dutton Ranch, a new original series from the producers of Yellowstone.

Streaming Friday, May 15, 2026 exclusively on Paramount+.

Watch the trailer for Dutton Ranch below...

Also, Kelly and co-star Cole Houser are featured on the cover of People Magazine below...

(source: People)

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The Other Bennet Sister is now available to watch and stream in North America on BritBox!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeane) — Wed, 06 May 2026 16:16:14 +0000

Available now to watch and stream in U.S. & Canada is The Other Bennet Sister starring Ella Bruccoleri with the first 3 episodes only on BritBox! The rest (episodes 4-10, each episodes weekly) will be available on Wednesdays.

The Other Bennet Sister premiered in the UK last March 15 on BBC and BBC iPlayer and premieres May 6 in North America (U.S. and Canada) on BritBox!

Watch the official BritBox trailer for The Other Bennet Sister below...

The Other Bennet Sister offers a fresh take on one of Jane Austen’s most unassuming characters: Mary Bennet. Forced to step out of her sisters' shadows, Mary embarks on a journey of self-discovery – finding love, and most importantly herself, along the way.

👒 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓞𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓑𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓽 𝓢𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓻 (BBC One/BBC iPlayer/BritBox)

Starring: Ella Bruccoleri, Richard E. Grant, Ruth Jones, Indira Varma, Varada Sethu, and more.
Screenplay: Sarah Quintrell (9 episodes), Maddie Dai (1 episode); adapted from Janice Harlow’s same title novel and based on Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice novel
Directors: Jennifer Sheridan, Asim Abbasi
Executive Producers: Jane Tranter, Janice Hadlow, Sarah Quintrell, Dan McCulloch, Kate Crowther, Becca Kinder, Rebecca Ferguson

A 10 (half-hour) episodes, The Other Bennet Sister is based on Janice Hadlow’s acclaimed novel of the same name. It was published in January 2020. The series will have book characters and new ones. It is slated for 2026 premiere. The series will stream on BritBox in North America and on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in the UK.

(Source: The Other Bennet Sister / BBC / BritBox)

Casting News: Keira Knightley and Bridgerton's Luke Thompson to star in stage play adaptation of 'The Lives of Others'

noreply@blogger.com (Jeane) — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 01:21:29 +0000

Keira Knightley is returning to stage in London after 15 years as she's just been cast in a stage adaptation of The Lives of Others (See Ticket Info here) with Bridgerton star Luke Thompson, and Stephen Dillane, which will be adapted and directed by Robert Icke. It'll begin performances at London's Adelphi Theatre on October 14, 2026 prior to an official opening on October 29, 2026 for a limited engagement through January 9, 2027.

Read more info. via Playbill below...

The world premiere of the stage adaptation of Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s 2007 Oscar-winning film The Lives of Others, adapted and directed by Robert Icke, will begin performances at London's Adelphi Theatre October 14 prior to an official opening October 29 for a limited engagement through January 9, 2027.

Oscar nominee Keira Knightley (The Imitation Game, Black Doves, The Misanthrope), Emmy winner Stephen Dillane (The Real Thing, The Tunnel, Game of Thrones), and Olivier nominee Luke Thompson (A Little Life, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Bridgerton) will lead the cast of the play, which explores artistic censorship, state surveillance, and the relationship between art and politics. Additional casting will be announced at a later date.

The production sees Icke and producer Sonia Friedman renew their creative partnership following their work on Oedipus, Manhunt, Hamlet, The Doctor, Oresteia, and 1984; Knightley and Friedman also worked together on The Children’s Hour.

The Lives of Others is set in 1984 East Germany as a writer and an actor are placed under state surveillance. From the attic above their apartment, their Stasi man listens for evidence of subversion.

Read full article here.

The Lives of Others

Listening changes everything.

1984. East Germany. A writer and an actor are placed under state surveillance. From the attic above their apartment, their Stasi man listens for evidence of subversion. But to observe a life is to risk changing your own.

Starring Academy Award nominee Keira Knightley (Black Doves, Atonement, The Misanthrope), Emmy Award winner Stephen Dillane (Game of Thrones, The Tunnel, Vigil) and Olivier Award nominee Luke Thompson (Bridgerton, Dunkirk, Oresteia) , Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s THE LIVES OF OTHERS plays at the Adelphi Theatre for a strictly limited run.

Written and directed by Olivier Award-winner Robert Icke (Oedipus, Oresteia, Romeo & Juliet) and based on the Oscar-winning 2007 film, this electrifying adaptation explores artistic censorship, state surveillance and the relationship between art and politics.

Adelphi Theatre

From 14 October 2026 for a strictly limited run.

Watch: Rosamund Pike in the trailer for Netflix's 'First Ladies' comedy film coming soon May 2026!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeane) — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 03:45:00 +0000

Netflix dropped the trailer for Rosamund Pike upcoming comedy film Ladies First film, which she co-stars with Sacha Baron Cohen. It is set to premiere on Netflix on May 22, 2026.

Read more info. from Ladies First and watch the trailer below:

Ladies First Synopsis (via Netflix)
A ladies man finds his life upended when he wakes up in a parallel world dominated by women. With the rules of engagement changed, he goes head-to-head with a fiery female colleague in a playful satire about what happens when the script is flipped.

(sources: USA Today | Netflix)

Beef Season 2 starring Carey Mulligan & Oscar Isaac Premieres Today on Netflix!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeane) — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 03:02:00 +0000

Beef Season 2 starring Carey Mulligan, Oscar Isaac, Cailee Spaeny, Charles Melton and guest starring Youn Yuh-jung and Song Kang-ho premieres today with all episodes 8 available to stream only on Netflix.

Watch the S2 trailer for Beef below...

Every couple meets their match. BEEF returns with a new cast and a new “beef,” as a Gen-Z couple witnesses an alarming fight between their Millennial boss and his wife. Starring Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Cailee Spaeny, Charles Melton and guest starring Youn Yuh-jung and Song Kang-ho.

Photos: Rosamund Pike wins Best Actress Award for Inter Alia at Olivier Awards 2026!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeane) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 01:55:00 +0000

Rosamund Pike, who's currently starring in the Olivier nominated play Inter Alia just won a Best Actress award tonight at the 2026 Olivier Awards! The award show was held at Royal Albert Hall in London, England (UK). Congratulations to Miss Pike for her first Olivier Award win!!

As I posted here yesterday, Rosamund will be making her Broadway debut in November 2026. According to Broadway.com, following a sold-out run at the National Theatre and another in the West End, the play will begin performances on November 10 and open on December 1 at the Music Box Theatre.

Check out new photos of Rosamund at the Olivier Awards below...

(Photos: Olivier Awards | Getty Images)

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Rosamund Pike to make Broadway debut with 'Inter Alia' play in November 2026!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeane) — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 16:37:00 +0000

Rosamund Pike, who's currently starring in the Olivier nominated play Inter Alia will be making her Broadway debut in November 2026. According to Broadway.com, following a sold-out run at the National Theatre and another in the West End, the play will begin performances on November 10 and open on December 1 at the Music Box Theatre.

Read more info. via Broadway.com below...

Rosamund Pike to Make Broadway Debut in Inter Alia This Fall

Golden Globe and Emmy Award winner Rosamund Pike is heading to Broadway in Suzie Miller’s Inter Alia, directed by Justin Martin. Following a sold-out run at the National Theatre and another in the West End, the play will begin performances on November 10 and open on December 1 at the Music Box Theatre.

Inter Alia, Latin for “among other things,” follows Jessica Parks, a maverick London Crown Court Judge who is determined to change a system she knows isn’t always just. Examining the balance of motherhood, modern masculinity, career and family, the legal drama will play on Broadway for a limited engagement.

“What surprises me night after night performing this play is how audience members tell me they recognize themselves on stage,” Pike said in a statement. She is currently nominated for Best Actress at the 2026 Olivier Awards, where Inter Alia is also nominated for Best Play. “I am thrilled and humbled to make my Broadway debut with this role, in a theater that is beyond my wildest dreams,” Pike says.

Known for her Oscar-nominated performance as Amy Dunne in Gone Girl, Pike's screen credits include Gone Girl, Die Another Day, Pride and Prejudice, I Care a Lot and Saltburn. Her stage credits include Hedda Gabler, Madame De Sade, Gas Light, Summer and Smoke and Hitchcock Blonde.

“I am so excited to be returning to Broadway alongside my Prima Facie director, the brilliant Justin Martin, with my new play,” playwright Miller said in a statement. “We are all thrilled to have this opportunity to engage in a contemporary conversation with NYC audiences.”

The production features scenic and costume design by Miriam Buether, lighting design by Natasha Chivers, sound design by Ben and Max Ringham, video design by Willie Williams for Treatment Studios, compositions by Erin LeCount and James Jacob PKA Jakwob, movement and intimacy direction by Lucy Hind and music supervision by Nick Pinchbeck. Further casting will be announced at a later date.

Photos: Carey Mulligan at Beef Season 2 Premiere

noreply@blogger.com (Jeane) — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 16:07:00 +0000

Carey Mulligan attended Netflix's Season 2 premiere of Beef with co-stars Isaac, Cailee Spaeny, and Charles Melton in Los Angeles, California Wednesday (April 8, 2026).

Season 2 of Beef premieres on April 16, 2026 only on Netflix.

Check out new photos of Carey from the premiere below...

Carey Mulligan Netflix's "Beef" Season 2

World Premiere held at The Egyptian Theatre

on April 08, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

(Photos: Getty Images)

The Miniature Wife starring Elizabeth Banks & Matthew Macfadyen available now to stream on Peacock!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeane) — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 02:25:00 +0000

All 10 episodes of Matthew Macfadyen's new original Peacock series, The Miniature Wife with Elizabeth Banks (playing the title character) are now available to stream only on Peacock!

Watch the official trailer for The Miniature Wife series, see promo stills, EW photoshoots, and read more info. below...

The Miniature Wife is streaming (all 10 episodes) April 9 on Peacock.

Synopsis: THE MINIATURE WIFE, based on the short story written by Manuel Gonzales, is a dramedy series examining the power (im)balances between spouses after a technological accident induces the ultimate relationship crisis.

Photos: Matthew Macfadyen at ‘The Miniature Wife’ LA Premiere!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeane) — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 22:20:00 +0000

Matthew Macfadyen attended Peacock's The Miniature Wife Los Angeles Premiere with co-star Elizabeth Banks (playing the title character) and more.at DGA Theater Complex (on Monday, April 6, 2026) in Los Angeles, California.

Today, April 9, 2026 is the premiere day of The Miniature Wife and it'll stream all 10 episodes for a binge watch!!

See new photos of Matthew at The Miniature Wife LA Premiere and read more info. below...

The Miniature Wife is streaming (all 10 episodes) April 9 on Peacock.

Matthew Macfadyen at

The Miniature Wife LA Premiere

(Photos by Getty Images)

Watch: The Other Bennet Sister official trailer; premieres in U.S. & Canada May 6!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeane) — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 02:00:00 +0000

BritBox just released an official trailer and a new poster (see above ^) last Tuesday of their upcoming miniseries, The Other Bennet Sister starring Ella Bruccoleri with a set premiere date for the UK in March and U.S. & Canada in May 2026!

👒 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓞𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓑𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓽 𝓢𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓻 (BBC One/BBC iPlayer/BritBox)

Happy Easter!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeane) — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 21:26:00 +0000

Wishing all the P&P fans, readers, and visitors of this blog (especially to all of you who celebrate Easter with your family and friends) today a wonderful, fun, and blessed...

Happy Easter!!!

Easter at Rosings in Pride & Prejudice

In this quiet way, the first fortnight of her visit soon passed away. Easter was approaching, and the week preceding it was to bring an addition to the family at Rosings, which in so small a circle must be important. Elizabeth had heard, soon after her arrival, that Mr. Darcy was expected there in the course of a few weeks, and though there were not many of her acquaintance whom she did not prefer, his coming would furnish one comparatively new to look at in their Rosings parties, and she might be amused in seeing how hopeless Miss Bingley's designs on him were, by his behaviour to his cousin, for whom he was evidently destined by Lady Catherine; who talked of his coming with the greatest satisfaction, spoke of him in terms of the highest admiration, and seemed almost angry to find that he had already been frequently seen by Miss Lucas and herself. (Chapter 30, Pride and Prejudice novel)

Colonel Fitzwilliam's manners were very much admired at the Parsonage, and the ladies all felt that he must add considerably to the pleasure of their engagements at Rosings. It was some days, however, before they received any invitation thither -- for while there were visitors in the house they could not be necessary; and it was not till Easter-day, almost a week after the gentlemen's arrival, that they were honoured by such an attention, and then they were merely asked on leaving church to come there in the evening. For the last week they had seen very little of either Lady Catherine or her daughter. Colonel Fitzwilliam had called at the parsonage more than once during the time, but Mr. Darcy they had only seen at church (Chapter 31, Pride and Prejudice novel)

"I...do not have the talent of conversing easily with people I have never met before." (Mr. Darcy)
"Perhaps you should take your aunt's advice and practice?" (Lizzie)

Also, from Pride & Prejudice (2005) film's script...

78 INT. HUNSFORD CHURCH - DAY.

Mr. Collins: ...which are only to be obtained through intercourse...
[pause, thunder]
Mr. Collins: Forgive me... through the intercourse of friendship or civility.

Mr Collins, in his vestments, stands in the pulpit delivering his sermon. Lady Catherine sits in the front row with her miserable-looking daughter and DOWNTRODDEN GOVERNESS. Lizzie sits a little way behind with Colonel Fitzwilliam. They talk in whispers.

LIZZIE: How long do you plan to stay in Kent, Colonel?
FITZWILLIAM: As long as Darcy chooses. I am at his disposal.
LIZZIE: Everyone appears to be at his disposal. I wonder he does not marry and secure a lasting convenience of that kind.

Fitzwilliam looks at Lizzie, curious about her brittle tone.

FITZWILLIAM: She would be a lucky woman.
LIZZIE: Really?
FITZWILLIAM: Darcy is a most loyal companion. From what I heard, on our journey here, he recently came to the rescue of one of his friends just in time.

Darcy glances across from the adjacent pew.

LIZZIE What happened?
FITZWILLIAM: He saved the man from an imprudent marriage.
LIZZIE: (faltering slightly) Who was the man?
FITZWILLIAM: His closest friend. Charles Bingley.

A silence.

LIZZIE: Did Mr Darcy give you his reasons for this interference?
FITZWILLIAM: There were apparently strong objections to the lady.
LlZZlE: What kind of objections? Her lack of fortune?
FlTZWlLLlAM: I think it was her family that was considered unsuitable.
LlZZlE: So he separated them?
FlTZWlLLlAM: 1 believe so. I know nothing else.

Lizzie grows pale. She turns to look at Darcy.

Watch: Carey Mulligan in new trailer for Netflix's 'Beef' Season 2; premieres April 16

noreply@blogger.com (Jeane) — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 22:34:00 +0000

Netflix has dropped a couple of days ago its new official trailer for the upcoming Season 2 of Beef starring Carey Mulligan, Oscar Isaac, Cailee Spaeny, Charles Melton and guest starring Youn Yuh-jung and Song Kang-ho. Season 2 premieres on April 16, 2026 only on Netflix.

Watch the S2 trailer for Beef below...

Carey Mulligan awarded CBE honor by King Charles at Windsor Castle!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeane) — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 03:12:00 +0000

Carey Mulligan is made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by King Charles III today (March 31, 2026) at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, Berkshire. The honor recognises her services to drama.

See more new photos (via Getty Images) of Carey Mulligan with husband Marcus Mumford at Windsor Castle.

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Back in 2018, Carey’s P&P’s co-star Keira Knightley was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours for her services to drama and charity. She received the award from then, Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace (December 2018).

See Photos: Keira Knightley receives her OBE at Buckingham Palace

Other P&P 2005 actors presented with OBE and DBE (Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire) honours are: Dame Judi Dench in 1988 as well as an OBE in 1970 and member of the order of companions honours (CH) in 2005; Brenda Blethyn with an OBE in her service in Drama in the 2003 New Year Honours; and Dame Penelope Wilton was presented an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2004 for her service to the Dramatic Arts and then elevated to a Dame Commander (DBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honors in 2016.

Happy Birthday Keira Knightley!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeane) — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:05:00 +0000

Today (March 26th) is the two-time Academy Award® Nominee (for Best Actress performance of her iconic role, Elizabeth Bennet in the 2005's Pride & Prejudice film and Best Supporting Actress as Joan Clarke for 2014's The Imitation Game) and recent Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award Nominee (for Best Actress in Netflix’s Black Doves) Keira Knightley's 41st Birthday!

Born March 26, 1985 in Teddington, Middlesex, England, UK, Keira Christina Knightley is the daughter of actor Will Knightley and playwright Sharman Macdonald. After she requested an agent at the age of three, her parents allowed her to work on productions in her summer holidays. Her first role was at the age of 9, in Moira Armstrong's A Village Affair. However, Knightley's first high profile role came in 1999... See full bio (via her IMDB profile) »

Check out these interesting and Fun Facts about Miss Keira Christina Knightley!

Here's wishing our favorite Elizabeth Bennet...the lovely, beautiful, and talented Keira Knightley a wonderful birthday today...and many more to come!

♥Happy Birthday Keira!♥

A previous post worth re-posting (every year on Miss Knightley's birthday)...

The Evolution of Keira Knightley

(via Total Film)

Keira Knightley began her acting career, aged only seven years old, when she appeare in an episode of BBC TV programme Screen One.

See a 3 collages (I made of KK at the movies ) below from then and now...

Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet
in Pride & Prejudice

Joe Wright on casting Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet:

"I wouldn't say that I didn't want to cast her, I didn't go to anyone else before Keira but I felt perhaps that she was too beautiful to play Elizabeth Bennet. So I met her anyway, and she was the right age and I was very keen to cast people that were the right age. So I met Keira very late one night in a hotel bar in Montreal and discovered this scruffy little kid who's a tomboy really, sort of spiky knees and elbows, and suddenly it occurred to me that was perfect for Elizabeth. Elizabeth Bennet is a tomboy and she refuses to conform to the feminine ideals of the period. Then I started talking to Keira and discovered her to be incredibly bright, incredibly funny, independently spirited, very strong young woman who doesn't say what she thinks you want to hear, but says exactly what she thinks. All of those qualities made me think that Keira was perfect for Elizabeth Bennet."

"She was the most incredibly focused person of any age that I have ever met and I think that is part of her strength. She's extraordinary, she's almost Zen-like in that way, she's really extraordinarily focused. She conserves her energy; she puts it all into those moments when the camera is turning. She's incredible."

Keira Knightley on being cast as Elizabeth Bennet:

“ I was terrified to the point where I begged my agents not to put me up for it because I’ve been so obsessed by the book. When I was seven, I had all of the Austen novels on book tape and I’d listen to them on the loop. Then I saw the BBC version and I was obsessed with that. Elizabeth Bennet is one of my favorite characters in English literature. I absolutely adore her. When one of my agents went, `Alright, you’re going to read for Elizabeth Bennet´. I said, `No don’t, I’m going to fuck it up. Please don’t do it. I couldn’t bear it if I ruined her.´ I was so terrified that I learned the entire script, my character and everybody else’s by heart before I started.”

“I’ve been obsessed by Pride and Prejudice since I was seven when my mum got me a tape of the book and I used to listen to it on a loop. Then I got two dolls houses: the small one was called Longbourn [the Bennet family home] and the big one which my mum still has is called Pemberley [Mr Darcy’s palatial estate] and I had all the characters from the book. When the TV version [starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth] came out when I was nine I watched it solidly for two years, and I was obsessed again. The TV version was such a hit and I thought there’s no way I can do it because nobody will buy me as Elizabeth Bennet. But luckily my agent and family forced me into going to meet Joe Wright and I’m very glad that I did.” (Keira Knightley)

He said...She said:

"Joe just kept saying that he believed in me, which is amazing because all actresses are, by nature, completely insecure beings. If they say that they’re not, they’re lying. It’s a profession made out of insecurities. You’ve got to use them all. So, to have somebody say, `I believe in you, you can do this´ is absolutely extraordinary. He [Joe Wright] was so sweet and he kept saying, `I’m going to keep you safe darling, don’t worry about it´" (Keira Knightley)

"When I met Keira, I realized that she asks questions of herself and other people, and is really a tomboy. She has a lively mind and a great sense of humor. During shooting, she kept on surprising me. What does one look for in an actor? Originality of thought; somebody who is able and willing to give their heart to what they are doing, and is able to really listen to the other actors. Keira did all of that, and was a hard worker." (Joe Wright)

“Joe Wright had other ideas. He thought I was far too pretty. Then we met and he changed his mind. He realized that I was a complete scruff, and said: `You’re perfect.´” (Keira Knightley)

“I don´t really know what to say about Keira other than the fact that she´s brilliant. So focused. And clear. In between takes she´d just sit very, very still, conserve all the energy. She worked like a dog. Every day she was on the set.” (Joe Wright)

What Keira's P&P co-stars (Matthew Macfadyen, Donald Sutherland, Brenda Blethyn, and Rosamund Pike) said about her...

“She (keira Knightley) was a delight. She came straight on to the set from one film [P&P], and was going straight off to the next [Domino]. And she was fantastic. So self-possessed and connected.” (Matthew Macfadyen)

“Keira had an agent at birth! This is your mum, this is your dad, this is your agent!” (Matthew Macfadyen)

What was it like working with Keira?
”Delightful to work with. Easy-peasy. Lovely. I wish there was some dirt on Keira. It’s infuriating that there isn’t. She’s a proper actress but she makes me feel very old, and I’m just 30. And she was going straight off to do another film, she was exhausted. I’d screen-tested and rehearsed with her, and I’d auditioned with her. We got on and it was fine.” (Matthew Macfadyen)

“Keira’s the heart of it. It’s her movie and that’s what it’s all about. She’s a wonderful actress. She’s so profound. I thought she was really good in Bend It Like Beckham. But, you know, she’s a kid. Then, when I watched her working with Joe Wright, she was perfect. She sat there. She joked around but she didn’t joke around. She participated but she was always separate and disciplined and alone and concentrated and attentive and respectful, respectful of the work. It was like working with a zen person. She was so pure. I was hugely impressed.” (Donald Sutherland)

Question: Before I saw this film I must confess that I thought to myself 'I can't see Keira Knightley as that character' - mainly because I, I think she's done so many contemporary things and she... and having met her a number of times she's just a very, a very modern young woman. But then I changed my mind after I saw the movie...

Brenda Blethyn: Well it's nice to hear you say that because I, I think she's terrific in it. And in fact a lot of people who have said that - that they couldn't see her playing this part - have eaten their words. They've stood up and said she's wonderful in this. Now I think Joe Wright has got good performances out of everybody - um, me and Donald, Tom Hollander, Judi Dench, Keira and Matthew. Joe has to take a lot of credit for creating the right ambience for us to work in and to make it a really good atmosphere for all of us to be creative and not to feel silly if we tried something that didn't work. Read full article here.

"Before the first audition, when they asked me to come in and meet her, I thought 'I can't play Jane to Keira Knightley's Lizzie' but I went and I met her, and thought she was so fabulous, and thought 'if they're prepared to take a risk with her, then I'll go with it.' We became really close." (Rosamund Pike)

Keira's upcoming film projects for 2026/2027 (via IMDB)

Black Doves (2024-) - Helen Webb (In Production; TV Series, Season 2)
Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix (2026) - Dolores Umbridge (Voice) (Audiobook)
The Worst - Holly (Pre-Production)

In Development Film Projects

Watch: 2026 Oscar Nominated Short Film 'Jane Austen's Period Drama'!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeane) — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 03:32:00 +0000

I just saw the 2026 Oscar nominated short film Jane Austen's Period Drama and at first, I thought it was a new Austen adaptation, but it was a satire and literally was about a ''period drama" of a character in a period drama having a period, which was bloody hilarious and genius, actually. The end credits cleverly mentioned 2x Academy Award Winner Emma Thompson as Executive Menstrual Advisor, hahaha!!! :-D

Jane Austen's Period Drama is a 2024 English-language short comedy film written and directed by Julia Aks (who also star as Miss Estrogenia Talbot) and Steve Pinder. The film is a satire on Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

The film had its world premiere at the 39th Santa Barbara International Film Festival on February 9, 2024. It's currently showing in hundreds of theaters across North America (now until March 15, 2026)!

It was nominated for the Best Live Action Short Film at this year's 2026 Oscars (The 98th Academy Awards will be next Sunday, March 15, 2026).

Watch trailer or the full 13-minute length short film below...

Premise:

England, 1813. In the middle of a long-awaited marriage proposal, Miss Estrogenia Talbot gets her period. Her suitor, the dashing Mr. Dickley, mistakes the blood for an injury, and it soon becomes clear that his very expensive education has most certainly missed a spot.

Production Credits
Writer/Directors - JULIA AKS & STEVE PINDER
Producer - ELLI LEGERSKI
Cinematography - LUCA DEL PUPPO
Production design - DONG LEI
Hair - CELESTE GONZALEZ
Makeup - ALICIA RODRIGUEZ
Costume design - PAULA HIGGINS
Costume design - BARRETT HUTCHINSON
Music - ALEX WINKLER
Sound supervisor - DARREN AUGUSTUS

CAST
Miss Estrogenia Talbot - JULIA AKS
Mr. James Dickley - TA’IMUA
Miss Labinia Talbot - SAMANTHA SMART
Miss Vagianna Talbot - NICOLE ALYSE NELSON
Mr. Father Talbot - HUGO ARMSTRONG
Mrs. Bitts - MARILYN BRETT
Dr. Bangley - DUSTIN INGRAM

(Movie Poster & Stills Source: Jane Austen Period Drama)

Rosamund Pike scored a Best Actress Olivier Award Nomination for her 'Inter Alia' stage play

noreply@blogger.com (Jeane) — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 22:36:00 +0000

Rosamund Pike scored a Best Actress nomination for the upcoming Olivier Awards 2026 for her current stage play Inter Alia, which is also nominated for Best New Play, was recently transferred from National Theatre to the West End's Wyndham Theatre (which performances will begin on March 19-June 20, 2026).

The Olivier Awards 2026 will be held at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, April 12 (to celebrate 50 years of the awards).

Check out Rosamund's Best Actress nomination category as well as Inter Alia for Best New Play below...

Watch the teaser trailer for 'The Other Bennet Sister' series premiering in May 2026 on BritBox!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeane) — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 20:30:00 +0000

BBC and BritBox just released a teaser trailer today of their upcoming miniseries, The Other Bennet Sister starring Ella Bruccoleri with a set premiere date for the UK in March and U.S. & Canada in May 2026!

The Other Bennet Sister premieres in the UK on March 15 on BBC iPlayer and May 6 in North America (U.S. and Canada) on BritBox!

Watch the teaser trailer for The Other Bennet Sister below...

The Other Bennet Sister offers a fresh take on one of Jane Austen’s most unassuming characters: Mary Bennet. Forced to step out of her sisters' shadows, Mary embarks on a journey of self-discovery – finding love, and most importantly herself, along the way.

👒 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓞𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓑𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓽 𝓢𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓻 (BBC One/BBC iPlayer/BritBox)

Watch Carey Mulligan in teaser trailer for Netflix's upcoming 'Beef' Season 2!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeane) — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 20:05:00 +0000

Netflix has dropped today its official teaser trailer for the upcoming Season 2 of Beef starring Carey Mulligan, Oscar Isaac, Cailee Spaeny, Charles Melton and guest starring Youn Yuh-jung and Song Kang-ho. Season 2 premieres on April 16, 2026 on Netflix.

Watch the S2 teaser trailer for Beef below...

Every couple meets their match. BEEF returns with a new cast and a new “beef,” as a Gen-Z couple witnesses an alarming fight between their Millennial boss and his wife. Starring Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Cailee Spaeny, Charles Melton and guest starring Youn Yuh-jung and Song Kang-ho.

BEEF Season 2 premieres April 16, only on Netflix.

Happy Birthday Tamzin Merchant!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeane) — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 17:26:00 +0000

Today (March 4th) is the 39th birthday of Tamzin Merchant (aka Georgiana Darcy in the 2005 Pride & Prejudice film). Tweet Miss Merchant your birthday wishes today on her twitter account here: tamzin merchant or send her a birthday greetings via her Instagram account.

Born: Tamzin Claire Merchant March 4, 1987 in UK

Tamzin Merchant is a British born actor, writer and director. She grew up in Dubai and was cast in her first professional role as Georgiana Darcy in Joe Wright's Pride & Prejudice. She attended The University of Cambridge to read English Literature and continued to develop her career as an actor alongside her studies. Merchant has starred in ... See full bio » (via IMDB)

Happy Birthday Tamzin Merchant!

Tamzin Merchant (as Georgiana Darcy)
in Pride & Prejudice 2005

View more DVD screen caps, stills, and BTS here of TM's Georgiana Darcy

[source: Tamzin Merchant Fan Gallery | The Darcy Saga's P&P Portrait Gallery]

An in interesting P&P Trivia:

According to the director's (Joe Wright) dvd commentary, Tamzin Merchant (Georgiana Darcy) did her own piano playing in the film.

Check out this very cool fansite: Tamzin Merchant Fan for more info and latest news on Tamzin Merchant.

Upcoming TV and Film projects for 2025 / 2026 for Tamzin Merchant...
1. The Yellow Tie (Completed) ???
Helena
2. The Caged (Pre-Production) ???

Watch Tom Hollander talks Pride & Prejudice movie and his Mr. Collins role in Vulture's Role Call Interview!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeane) — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Tom Hollander did an interview with Vulture's Roll Call talking all about Pride & Prejudice movie and his Mr. Collins role, which he rarely talk about in years. So, it’s refreshing to hear him talk about his Mr. Collins role, scenes, and P&P movie.

Watch his full interview via Vulture's Role Call below...

Watch: Matthew Macfadyen in trailer for 'The Miniature Wife'

noreply@blogger.com (Jeane) — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:18:00 +0000

Peacock has dropped this morning the official poster (see above ^ and still of Matthew, see below!) and full trailer for Matthew Macfadyen's upcoming l0-episode series, The Miniature Wife with Elizabeth Banks playing the title character. It premieres on April 9, 2026!

Watch the official trailer for The Miniature Wife series and read more info. below...

The Miniature Wife is streaming (all 10 episodes) April 9 on Peacock.