“The Other Bennet Sister”: PEOPLE Goes on Set with the Charming Cast Bringing the Highly Anticipated Series to Life (Exclusive)

A new adaptation of the beloved Regency-era novel, “The Other Bennet Sister,” is set to make its debut on BritBox in the United States on May 6. This series brings to light the character of Mary Bennet, often overshadowed by her sister Elizabeth in the classic “Pride and Prejudice.” The show is an adaptation of Janice Hadlow’s 2020 novel, which has seen tremendous success since its premiere in the UK earlier this year.

Mary Bennet, played by Ella Bruccoleri, emerges as a refreshing focal point in this retelling, stepping out from beneath the shadows of her more celebrated siblings. While Jane and Elizabeth enjoy attention for their beauty and wit, Mary is depicted as a bookish young woman, passionate about her studies yet burdened by her family’s expectations. In this series, she finds herself vying for the affections of two suitors, Mr. Hayward and Mr. Ryder, marking her first significant role in a television series.

The cast, which features seasoned actors such as Indira Varma as Mrs. Gardiner and Ruth Jones as Mrs. Bennet, exudes excitement about the project. Varma, who recently wrapped filming on the series, praised Bruccoleri’s talent, stating that she is a diligent actress who approaches her role with both seriousness and openness. Her affection for Bruccoleri’s performance was evident during their time on set, highlighting a collaborative spirit between the two.

In this updated storyline, Mrs. Gardiner serves as a mentor to Mary, offering her guidance and support. Varma emphasized the importance of connection and empowerment among women, stating that the dynamic between Mrs. Gardiner and Mary illustrates a crucial shift in how female relationships are portrayed. “Women need to lift each other up,” Varma remarked, reflecting on the positive collaborative atmosphere on set.

The ensemble cast credits their shared experience in shaping their characters and fostering quick rapport. Poppy Gilbert, who plays Elizabeth Bennet, recalled how easily they all fell into their roles during initial read-throughs, setting the stage for a harmonious working relationship. Maddie Close, portraying Jane Bingley, noted that their chemistry was immediate, allowing for a seamless filming experience.

The portrayal of the Bennet sisters undergoes a significant transformation in this adaptation. Close revealed that they were able to explore Mary’s feelings of inadequacy, particularly in contrast to the perceived privileges of her sisters. “It allows the audience to see a more nuanced side of the characters,” Close said, suggesting that these depth-filled portrayals of previously one-dimensional characters can create a deeper emotional connection with viewers.

Supporting characters Kitty and Lydia Bennet, traditionally depicted as frivolous, are also given richer narratives in this series. Grace Hogg-Robinson, who plays Lydia, mentioned that the script provides her character with a more mature perspective, while Molly Wright, portraying Kitty, hinted at her character’s search for independence, resulting in an evolution that strays from Lydia’s influence.

Ruth Jones, who plays Mrs. Bennet, shared her approach to embodying her character by listening to the audiobook of “The Other Bennet Sister” after reviewing the script. This method allowed her to understand Mrs. Bennet’s journey in greater context, lending emotional depth to the character that goes beyond her obsession with matchmaking. Jones described the experience as joyful, particularly in bringing complexity to a role traditionally seen through a more comedic lens.

As the May 6 release date approaches, anticipation builds for “The Other Bennet Sister.” The adaptation promises to engage both fans of Jane Austen’s original works and newcomers alike, redefining what it means to be a Bennet sister. With its focus on Mary and the nuanced storytelling around the entire Bennet family, this series is poised to resonate with viewers in a way that elevates and empowers its characters, cementing its place in the pantheon of Austen adaptations.