The newest adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma has found its title character, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Anya Taylor-Joy (Split, The New Mutants) has been cast in the lead for the Working Title production.
The Jane Austen novel was first published in 1815, a comedy of manners focusing on Emma Woodhouse, who can’t help herself from constantly meddling in the love affairs of others.
The film will mark the feature debut for director Autumn de Wilde, who is known primarily for her work in music videos for artists including Beck and Death Cab for Cutie. The Luminaries author Eleanor Catton will write the script. Catton is also serving as the executive producer on the small screen adaptation of her award-winning novel.
Taylor-Joy is something of a hot commodity in Hollywood these days. She’ll be reprising her role in Split in the upcoming sequel Glass, as well as having been cast in prominent roles in The Playmobil Movie and the drama Here Are the Young Men. She’ll also be starring in the feature film adaptation of Marvel’s The New Mutants.
This is not the first time Austen’s work has been adapted for the big screen. It was previously adapted in 1996’s Emma, which starred Gwyneth Paltrow. It also served as the inspiration for the 1995 teen comedy Clueless which will be getting a remake in the near future.
(Photo credit: Getty Image)
