Audible Unveils Star-Studded 'Pride and Prejudice' Audiobook for Jane Austen’s 250th Birthday

• by Arlen Fitzpatrick
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A New Spin on Austen: Classic Novel Meets Modern Voices

If you thought you knew every version of Pride and Prejudice, think again. Audible is putting together an audiobook adaptation like no other, in honor of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday. It's not every day a literary classic gets this kind of birthday present—a high-profile cast, modern audio technology, and a fresh take for today’s listeners.

Marisa Abela, the breakout BAFTA winner, steps into the shoes of Elizabeth Bennet. She calls the character 'iconic,' but doesn’t shy away from mentioning just how intricate and real Lizzy feels, even centuries after Austen first wrote her. Abela is already drawing notice for her excitement and commitment to portraying every subtlety and contradiction in Elizabeth’s personality—something readers have debated for generations.

Taking up the challenge of Mr. Darcy is Harris Dickinson. He’s keen on the 'opportunity to explore the depth' of one of fiction’s most discussed romantic leads. Dickinson’s known for giving quiet intensity to his roles, and the chance to make Darcy relatable for listeners in 2024 is no small feat. He’s admitted that going back to the text made him see the character with new eyes, adding some modern layers while staying true to the original drama.

Heavy hitters Glenn Close and Bill Nighy are also in the mix, but Audible’s keeping their exact parts a secret for now. That’s generated a lot of speculation—is Close the astute Mrs. Bennet or the razor-sharp Lady Catherine? What about Nighy, whose reputation for blending humor and gravity could make him a standout as Mr. Bennet or maybe even the cunning Mr. Collins? The mystery just adds to all the pre-release buzz.

Why Pride and Prejudice Still Hooks Us—and the Audio Twist

This isn’t just another audiobook. Audible is investing in making these classics accessible and exciting for a new crowd—people who might never crack open a physical book but will listen on their way to work, at the gym, or while making dinner. The production value is sky-high, matching the star wattage of the cast. Scripts like this aim to highlight dialogue and emotional shifts that some might miss on the page, making the story pop in a whole new way.

• Marisa Abela brings depth to Elizabeth Bennet.
• Harris Dickinson takes Mr. Darcy in unexpected directions.
• Glenn Close and Bill Nighy’s roles spark speculation among fans.
• The adaptation honors Austen’s wit and warmth as much as her biting commentary.

This Audible adaptation fits into a bigger trend: classic novels getting reimagined so new generations can fall in love with them, often in formats nobody could have imagined back in the 19th century. There’s no confirmed release date yet, and a few cast details are still under wraps. But with talent like this, it’s sure to be a listen that has Austen fans and newcomers both talking.