The Bennett sisters are making their way towards the small screen. Deadline reports that ABC has given a put pilot commitment to “Eligible,” a drama based on Curtis Sittenfeld’s 2016 novel “Eligible: A Modern Retelling of Pride and Prejudice.” The project hails from Sherri Cooper Landsman and Jennifer Levin, who developed The CW’s “Beauty & the Beast,” and I. Marlene King, creator of Freeform’s “Pretty Little Liars.” The trio will serve as executive producers on the Jane Austen-inspired show.
The script, penned by Cooper Landsman and Levin, centers on Elizabeth Bennett — who goes as Liz — and her sisters. When Liz “is compelled to return home, she finds herself not only thrust back into the humorous lives and unearthed secrets of her large family but also — against her better judgment — falling for the handsome and mysterious Darcy, a man who could prove to be either her salvation or undoing,” Deadline summarizes.
“Pride and Prejudice” has been adapted for the screen many times, including a 2005 film that saw Keira Knightley playing Elizabeth. The British actress scored her first Oscar nod for the role. More recently, the Bennett sisters appeared in 2016’s “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies,” an action-horror film where Lily James (“Cinderella”) portrayed Elizabeth.