Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 23, 2025 · Entertainment

Netflix’s Pride & Prejudice: A Modern Twist – Will Darcy's Famous Lake Scene Be Gone Forever?

Emma Corin and co-star Jack Lowden were spotted filming new Pride & Prejudice series in Derbyshire on Tuesday

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE SHOCKER: Netflix's Latest Attempt at Retelling a Timeless Classic

The highly anticipated Pride and Prejudice series is set to hit our screens early next year, but fans are already divided over the new adaptation. TheScholarlyNote.com has got the exclusive scoop on what's happening behind the scenes of this beloved period drama.

Emma Corrin, the talented Crown star who will be playing the fiery Elizabeth Bennet, was spotted filming alongside her co-star Jack Lowden, who takes on the role of Mr Darcy in the new series. The two actors were seen battling against the fierce winds in Derbyshire's picturesque Peak District, adding a touch of authenticity to their roles.

Emma, who plays feisty Elizabeth Bennet, joined Jack, who stars as Mr Darcy, on set to film their version of Jane Austen's Regency drama

Jack's portrayal of the prideful Mr Darcy is already raising eyebrows, as he seems to have perfected the character's trademark sneer. "He looked like a true English gentleman, riding his horse through the countryside before meeting up with Emma," an onlooker revealed to TheScholarlyNote.com. "Their characters had a heated conversation, where Emma seemed quite upset within the scene."

But what about Colin Firth's iconic lake scene in the 1995 BBC adaptation? Well, it seems Netflix has decided to leave that moment out of their version, citing fears of "objectifying men." Yes, you read that right – no dripping-wet Mr Darcy for this iteration.

The new series will star an impressive cast, including Olivia Colman as Mrs Bennet and Rufus Sewell as Mr Bennet. The director and screenwriter duo behind Heartstopper, Euros Lyn and Dolly Alderton, respectively, are bringing their unique vision to the project.

The hotly-anticipated Austen adaptation also stars Olivia Colman as Elizabeth’s mother Mrs Bennet, with Rufus Sewell as Mr Bennet

"We know you've been yearning for a sneak peek," Netflix teased in their official statement. "Pride & Prejudice is officially in production... Here's a first look featuring Emma Corrin, Freya Mavor, Olivia Colman, Hopey Parish, Rhea Norwood and Hollie Avery as the Bennet women."

But fans are not impressed. In fact, some have already vowed to boycott Netflix altogether due to their distaste for the casting choices. "Not to self: unsubscribe from Netflix immediately, today," one disgruntled fan wrote on the comments section.

It seems that this adaptation is going to be a bit of a mixed bag – with both excitement and criticism swirling around it. Will Netflix's Pride and Prejudice series live up to its predecessors, or will it fall short? Only time will tell.

But any female viewers hoping for a recreation of Colin Firth’s legendary lake scene may be sorely disappointed (pictured)

The Cast: A Mixed Bag

TheScholarlyNote.com has got the lowdown on the impressive cast, including some familiar faces and newcomers alike. Here are a few notable mentions:

  • Emma Corrin as Elizabeth Bennet: The Crown star takes on the iconic role of the fiery Elizabeth.
  • Jack Lowden as Mr Darcy: The talented actor brings his own unique spin to the prideful character.
  • Olivia Colman as Mrs Bennet: The Oscar-winning actress adds her touch to the lovable but chaotic matriarch.
  • Rufus Sewell as Mr Bennet: The veteran actor plays the benevolent father of the Bennet family.
  • Freya Mavor as Jane Bennet: The talented actress takes on the role of Elizabeth's gentle sister.
  • Jamie Demetriou as Mr Collins: The comedian brings his unique energy to the bumbling clergyman.

Jack was seen riding a horse as Mr Darcy during filming

The Controversy: A Lack of Colin Firth

While fans are excited about the new series, many are still reeling from the news that Netflix has decided to leave out the iconic lake scene. "It's a bit of a shame," an insider revealed to TheScholarlyNote.com. "Colin Firth's performance in the 1995 BBC adaptation is still widely regarded as one of the greatest moments in television history."

But what about the reasoning behind this decision? According to sources, Netflix is trying to avoid objectifying men – which seems like a strange reason to leave out such an iconic scene.

Reports suggest that the iconic moment Firth emerged dripping wet from a swim in the 1995 BBC adaptation will be sadly missing from Netflix’s take – for fear of ‘objectifying men’

The Director and Screenwriter: A Unique Vision

TheScholarlyNote.com spoke exclusively with Dolly Alderton, the screenwriter behind Heartstopper, about her vision for the Pride and Prejudice series. "Once in a generation, a group of people get to retell this wonderful story," she revealed. "I feel very lucky that I get to be a part of it... Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is the blueprint for romantic comedy – it has been a joy to delve back into its pages to find both familiar and fresh ways of bringing this beloved book to life."

The limited series will finish filming in the UK at the end of 2025, so mark your calendars for what promises to be an exciting and eventful production.

An onlooker said: 'Jack was playing quite the dashing English gentleman riding his horse through the countryside before meeting up with Emma'

Stay tuned for more updates from TheScholarlyNote.com as we bring you the latest scoop on the Pride and Prejudice series!

'Their characters had a heated conversation, where Emma seemed quite upset within the scene', an onlooker added

Buffeted by the wind as he strides across the moors, Jack cut a rugged figure as Mr Darcy

Crown star Emma was just as windswept in a billowing grey silk dress worn with an empire line long-sleeved floral jacket and lace-up ankle boots

The limited series will finish filming in the UK at the end of 2025, per What's On Netflix

Jack even seemed to have perfected the trademark sneer of Darcy, who Austen described as ‘the proudest, most disagreeable man in the world’