Henry Golding stars in Netflix’s trailer for the upcoming live adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Persuasion” with Dakota Johnson.
The “Crazy Rich Asians” star plays the role of the suspicious Mr. William Elliot, a distant cousin of Anne Elliot (Dakota Johnson) and heir to Kellynch Hall. Well-mannered, handsome and in search of a new bride after his wife’s death, Mr. Elliot sets his sights on Anne, prepared to use his charm to win her heart.
But will he be able to compete against humble Captain Frederick Wentworth (Cosmo Jarvis), who has captured Anne’s heart for the past eight years?
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The story is based on the life of Anne Elliot, who — like many of Jane Austen’s characters — is reserved and often overlooked. Although she hoped to find love, regret lingers in the air as she reminisces on memories of her humble suitor from eight years ago. Beyond the age considered suitable for marriage, she is suddenly reunited with the man she was convinced to reject years ago, only to find herself falling into his arms again.
In an interview about his role in “Persuasion,” Henry Golding shared with Vogue, “For me the role of Mr. Elliot was just too juicy to say no to – he’s such a nughty, mischievous spanner in the works … Knowing that you don’t end up with the girl, you can really let loose with it all. He’s such a great character, as you have no idea what he’s thinking or what his motivation is – he just turns on a dime. I was reveling in it.”
Although the novel and film are set in the Regency era of Britain, the film is expected to take some “joyous artistic license,” according to Vogue. With the minimal designing of Regency costumes and the intertwining of comedy in the script, the film is expected to be a “fun to watch” recreation of Austen’s world.
Henry Golding stars alongside Dakota Johnson as Anne Elliot, Cosmo Jarvis as Captain Frederick Wentworth, Richard E. Grant as Sir Walter Elliot and Nikki Amuka-Bird as Lady Russell.
The film is directed by Carrie Cracknell — originally a British theater director — and joined by Christina Lurie, Andrew Lazar and Elizabeth Cantillon as producers.
“Persuasion” will be released on Netflix on July 15 after premiering in select theaters on July 8.
Featured Image via Netflix
