Daisy Edgar-Jones has embraced her casting as the stoic Elinor Dashwood in a new film adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, admitting that the character mirrors her own approach to romance. Speaking to the BBC ahead of the movie’s release, the 28-year-old star said she tends to lead with her head rather than her heart.
“When it comes to love, I think I am very much more Elinor in every sort of way,” Edgar-Jones stated. “I definitely lead a lot with my head and try and push aside, bury my emotion.”
However, she noted that the production allowed her to explore a more passionate side of her personality, similar to the arc her character undergoes. The film, directed by Georgia Oakley, also stars Esmé Creed-Miles as the younger, more impulsive sister, Marianne. Creed-Miles, 26, joked that her real-life temperament aligns more closely with the romantic Marianne, describing it as “annoying sometimes.”
The new adaptation chooses to honor the period setting rather than update the narrative for a modern audience. Edgar-Jones praised the director’s fresh approach to the classic material, stating, “I think there’s a freshness to the filmmaking that I think is really beautiful.”
Edgar-Jones and Creed-Miles share a history, having worked together as teenagers on the 2018 film Pond Life. Creed-Miles recalled their time on set, mentioning that they would have sleepovers and watch Love Island. Despite being an only child in real life, Edgar-Jones expressed pride in how the film portrays sisterhood, hoping it inspires viewers to reconnect with their own siblings.
The release comes during a surge in Jane Austen adaptations, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the author’s birth. Recent projects include BBC series Miss Austen and The Other Bennet Sister, as well as an upcoming Pride and Prejudice adaptation on Netflix. Edgar-Jones argued that Austen’s exploration of the female experience, dating dynamics, and family relationships remains deeply relatable to Gen Z audiences.
“We still have the same human heart as we did 200 years ago,” Edgar-Jones explained. “Our capacity to love and feel heartbreak… is something that we all experience in various ways.”
Beyond this project, Edgar-Jones is known for her breakout role alongside Paul Mescal in the hit series Normal People. When asked about rumors that Mescal might be cast as the next James Bond, she declined to comment on the specifics but offered high praise for her former co-star. “I don’t know, but I think there’s nothing Paul can’t do,” she said. “So I would be there. Wow, that’s cool.”
Sense and Sensibility premieres in UK cinemas on 25 September.
Paul Mescal as James Bond would actually be brilliant. Daisy’s right about his range.
Does anyone else think Austen’s themes are even more relevant now with dating apps?
Finally, an adaptation that respects the period setting! No modern updates please.
Love seeing Creed-Miles back. Their sisterhood chemistry in Pond Life was great.
I was totally surprised she identifies with Elinor! I always picture her as more spirited.