A Look at Dakota Johnson as Jane Austen for Netflix Adaption of “Persuasion”
Credit: Tristan Fewings/Getty Images

In April it was revealed Dakota Johnson would take up the role of Jane Austen’s heroine in the Netflix adaption of Persuasion. Featuring fellow stars Cosmo Jarvis (Peaky Blinders), and Henry Golding (Crazy Rich Asians) we finally have a sneak peek at the forthcoming film with behind-the-scenes images and leaked stills.

The adaption is being praised for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it is the last novel Austen wrote before her death in 1817. The storyline follows heroine Anne Elliot (played by Johnson) an older, unmarried woman who reconnects with an old lover. Netflix describes the character as “an unconforming woman with modern sensibilities” who is “living with her snobby family on the brink of bankruptcy”.

“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 synopsis continues.

Jarvis will play Elliot’s love interest with Golding fronting the cousin. Production began in May.

Persuasion will also serve as director Carrie Cracknell’s first feature film. She is known for directing Jake Gyllenhaal in Sea Wall/ A Life on Broadway. We love a directorial debut moment.

The cast will also include model Suki Waterhouse, Oscar nominee Richard E. Grant and BAFTA nominee Nikki Amuka-Bird.

Johnson is of course best known for her lead role in Fifty Shades of Grey as well as appearances in How To Be Single and The High Note. Earlier this year, Jonson’s father Don admitted his daughter was cut from the family payroll when she opted for acting over college.

According to Mr. Johnson, she replied, “Don’t you worry about it.”

“Three weeks later she had nailed down that part in David Fincher’s The Social Network,” the 71-year-old said, “and the rest is, shall we say, cinema history.”

And we can’t wait to see what she does with this latest character. If anything we can imagine comedic sass in droves. Jane Austen would be proud.