Emma 2009 is official!
Thanks to several Alert Janeites who sent in the link (Franka, Patty, Maria L., and Maisy left a post in comments on the open thread) to the BBC’s press release confirming a new serial adaptation of Emma, to be broadcast on the BBC in autumn 2009, adapted by Sandy Welch, who has adapted the most recent version of Jane Eyre as well as Our Mutual Friend and a favorite at AustenBlog World Headquarters and just about everywhere else it is seen, the marvelous adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South starring Daniela Denby-Ashe and Richard Armitage *coughmrknightleycough*.
The series will be four one-hour episodes. The series will be four one-hour episodes. THE SERIES WILL BE FOUR ONE-HOUR EPISODES!!!!! Thank you, Auntie Beeb! Somebody gets it!!!
fresh, humorous and perceptive
“Humorous” related to a Jane Austen adaptation will be fresh, indeed!
The adaptation will film in the spring and early summer of 2009. Cast to be announced. (subliminal!editrix sez “richard armitage richard armitage richard armitage richard armitage dammit okay that’s not so subliminal but still richard armitage we don’t care if he doesn’t want to do period stuff anymore he owes it to his fangirls talk him into it pay him outrageously you’re the bbc for ferrars’ sake make it happen richard armitage!”)
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I second Richard Armitage. Anyone have his email address?
Where do we can really send something in paper to BBC officially requesting Richard for the role of Mr. Knightley? Because as you know, I’m thirding the motion
So glad it is official! And four hours long… *sigh* I can’t wait to hear who the cast will be!!
WOOOOT!!! for Miss Austen and Ms. Welch. It promises to be great.
C’mon Richard, do it for us. We promise to adore you even more slavishly than we already do.
YES! Can’t wait!
There he was, among the standers-by, where he ought not to be; he ought to be dancing,–not classing himself with the husbands, and fathers, and whist-players, who were pretending to feel an interest in the dance till their rubbers were made up,–so young as he looked!–He could not have appeared to greater advantage perhaps anywhere, than where he had placed himself. His tall, firm, upright figure, among the bulky forms and stooping shoulders of the elderly men, was such as Emma felt must draw every body’s eyes; and, excepting her own partner, there was not one among the whole row of young men who could be compared with him.–He moved a few steps nearer, and those few steps were enough to prove in how gentlemanlike a manner, with what natural grace, he must have danced, would he but take the trouble.
Just saying.
My brain is solid ice today like everything else in my part of the world, so I had to Google to remember who RA is. Silly me! Count me in the petition.
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a40/MsBonou2/Richard%20Armitage/Richard_Armitage_in_whitemyspace-1.jpg
Oh, please not Richard Armitage. There are so many actors out there. We see too many of the same ones over and over and over.
But, how many that fit the role so well?
Great, great, great! I love the 90s Emmas, but I would like to see somethig new, something BBC
, something with Armitage, and something like P&P or N&S 
YAY!!!!
*jumps up and down like a hyper two-year-old*
Now we’ve taken care of the Mr. Knightley casting, who should play Emma?
Hehe! May I suggest Hugh Jackman? Yes, I know, just dreaming XD
*eyes tightly shut, fists clenched*
Richard Armitage! Richard Armitage! Richard Armitage! Richard Armitage! Richard Armitage! Richard Armitage! Richard Armitage!
Well, I’ve been doing that for an adaptation of Emma, for years – and it worked!!!!
“But, how many that fit the role so well?”
Many. The casting folks just have to be willing look. Often they aren’t very willing, and settle for ‘names’.
Why waste the time and money? RA would be perfect.
Exciting news! I definitely vote for Richard Armitage. I still can’t get over his dreamy role in “The Vicar of Dibley.” ~sigh~
Maybe we could all sign a petition?
Richard Armitage is a “name?” Maybe among aficionados of British drama. He’s really not known in the U.S. at all, except maybe for Robin Hood. It’s not like we’re suggesting Colin Firth or Hugh Grant or something.
This is so great! And FOUR HOURS? YES!
Yay!!!!!! Great news! Come on Richard Armitage just HAS to be Mr. Knightley! How do we get in touch with BBC to demand it? Really, have you imagined RA saying, with that lovely voice, “I cannot make speeches, Emma . . . If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more.”? OMG! The sad thing is that he couldn’t wear leather in this role.
I VOTE FOR RICHARD!!!
“Richard Armitage is a “name?” Maybe among aficionados of British drama.”
Who must make up a substantial portion of the potential audience for a new Emma adaptation, right? More to the point, previous costume dramas are probably among the first places casting directors look when casting for other costume dramas–so for this type of role, he is a “name.” I’m sure Richard Armitage would be a very good Mr. Knightley–but wouldn’t it be nice to find someone new to be excited about, as well?
I am thoroughly excited by this news as well but what’s up with this quote from the press release?? :
“Emma was Austen’s last novel, written when she was at the height of her craft…”
Do they know nothing about Persuasion??? Wasn’t that JA’s last novel? I know I’m being picky but the BBC of all networks should know these things!
wouldn’t it be nice to find someone new to be excited about, as well?
No. We are already very, very, very excited about RA.
I will compromise with a new and exciting Emma. That’s cool. Armitage IS Knightley.
Sorry I forgot to affix my name to the above post. And I am all for Richard Armitage playing Mr Knightley as well! Even though his name is Richard as JA would say.
Well, the announcement does say that Phillipa Gilles, who exec-produced N&S is doing the same for this production. So it’s not like she never heard of the man!
And while I do understand the argument for new faces, I quite like the toys I already have and would like to play with them some more.
OMG! OMG! OMG!
Richard Armitage! Richard Armitage! Richard Armitage!
This is why they invented the word “Squee!”
I think those of us who are Richard’s fans and also are Janeites would like to combine our obsessions, and this is pretty much the last chance, until the next-generation P&P in ten years, when he can play Mr. Bennet.
Plus it really just fits so well. I wouldn’t suggest him to play Henry Tilney or Edmund Bertram, but Mr. Knightley? Oh yes. I wouldn’t even suggest him to play Mr. Darcy, because it’s a little too just-like-Thornton. Mr. Knightley is a different kind of character. And if, as promised, this adaptation is humorous, and treated (as adaptations of Jane Austen’s novels should be) as a romantic comedy, it’s a rather different character for Richard than the broody, damaged types he so often plays, in period and out.
Mags, you said everything I think in better words
As a Richard fan and a Janeite myself, I can’t imagine anything better than him doing Knightley. It would be a dream come true.
Of course, he is committed to Season 8 of Spooks, which starts filming in March. Brainiacs of the BBC, sort it. There is no power on earth that can withstand the might of The Fangirls!
Richard Armitage, yes! He’s perfect for the role of Mr. Knightley.
But who could be Emma? Some unknown actress, perhaps? I think Felicity Jones (Catherine Morland in NA-2007) would be OK. She’s beautiful and close in age.
Here’s the thing: Would they be able to find a ‘no-name’ that is age appropriate? How many mid-late 30′s, no-name British actors are there? For that matter, how many mid-late 30′s British actors haven’t been in at least one period piece? With the number the Beeb has been churning out the last 10-15 years it would be a tall task to find a period drama novice. I’d much rather be saddled with a name actor that fits the part than a young no-name actor that is shoved into the role to grab the young demographic. But, I have an open mind. If someone knows of an obscure actor that would fit the part better, I’d love to hear the suggestions. I can think of worse ways to waste time on the internet that googling images of hot British actors…
I vote for Richard Armitage as Knightly!!! Isn’t there a petition somewhere? I’ll sign it.
I still think Jeremy Northam will always be my favorite Knightley, but I’m interested to see how this one will turn out.
Yuuummmm, Jeremy Northam as Mr. Knightley…….. Yeah, that was good. But look on the bright side: No Gwyneth Paltrow!
(yes I know it’s petty to be a hater, but she is so pretentious and annoying.)
I’m from Big D (that is Big Dallas) and we certainly do know who Richard Armitage is and I can’t get enough of North and South. I just wish he did less scowling. Excellent train station scene!!!
I definitely vote YES! Richard is perfect for Mr. Knightley………….YES! YES! YES! And that is from the US.
Swoon – four hours. We pleaded and the gods have answered our mortal prayers. Could the BBC actually get this one right? They have a great start — lots of Jane Austen’s story and hopefully text — now fangirls, if they do not select Mr. A, will the whole production be a flop? YES!
Not really, but the impact will be lessened. If we do get Mr. A. I will be so dumbfounded and grateful, that I dare say, I shall never ask the gods for anything else again. Won’t need to!!!
Cheers, Laurel Ann
This news has made my day. RA would be an excellent choice!
Now, it just hit me: BBC didn’t recently announced that they would drop period drama productions? What happened?
Elaine Dashwood – the economy slowed down and they realized that they shouldn’t kick their cash cow (period dramas in general and Austen in particular) to the curb quite so soon.
I think the announcement said there already were a couple of period things in the pipeline that would be announced soon. This is probably one of them.
This is exciting news!!! Richard Armitage is HOT!! So who wants to start the letter-writing campaign?
Thank you, Jessica, for also being irked about that BBC boo-boo. Harumph.
Surely one of you creative people has the wherewithal to create an on-line petition? Have they started one over at c19 maybe? It seems very easy to do.
That being said, I’m not going to hold my breath for RA. It would indeed be a beautiful thing but it’s surely not one I’d expect.
Richard Armitage… he was so perfect as John Thornton. Could I see him as Mr. Knightley?
Well, I am writing from a South American country and I know perfectly well who Richard Armitage is… That American girl claiming only brits know who he is needs to reach out a bit more beyond the US borders. I think he would be a very good Knightley. I can’t wait to see the mini-series. I am sure it’ll be great!
That’s not at all what I said, but okay. I’m on your side, remember.
Oh, and Emma… a small detail. I think Felicity Jones is a wonderful option.
Anonymous Says:
January 28th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
I am thoroughly excited by this news as well but what’s up with this quote from the press release?? :
“Emma was Austen’s last novel, written when she was at the height of her craft…”
Do they know nothing about Persuasion??? Wasn’t that JA’s last novel? I know I’m being picky but the BBC of all networks should know these things!
Either Jessica read this wrong or someone from the press office follows this board and corrected their mistake. This is the only thing I could find in the article in reference to when Jane Austen wrote this book.
Set in Regency England it was the last Jane Austen novel to be published before the author’s death in 1817, and is one of her most popular and best-loved books.
Excellent news indeed – I am hoping we get an ‘Emma’ with a bit of bite, rather the chocolately-box confections of the 1990s. (And I’m happy to sign the petition too!)
*clears throat*
Mark Strong for Mr K! Mark Strong!
Well, I’m from a South American country too, and we do know who he is. I mean, there’s Robin Hood on cable here, and all the freaks like me that like English stuff, specially BBC programs, know who he is. But it’s not a bad thing that he is known is it? And Raquel, from the same country os mine, made a good point, he was such a perfect Thornton, but I could absolutelly see him as Mr. K!
Sylvia M., they didn’t correct the press release; ” to be published before the author’s death in 1817″ was in it at the time I posted the link in the open thread before 10:30 (eastern US time) yesterday morning.
Definitely RA
!!!!
Please let it be Matthew Macfadyen! But I would settle for the georgeous RA too.
I’ve been lurking for quite awhile now, but this topic makes me end the eavesdropping and post!!!
RA would be perfection for Knightley! I’ve been picturing him in this role since seeing N&S its first American viewing, what… 3 years ago now? Right age. Right look. Amazing sense of humor and acting ability. And drop dead gorgeous in period clothes.
Where’s the petition?
The only person I want to see play Mr. Knightley is Richard Armitage.
MrRyan – The answer to the “novice” in a costume drama question may be simple – go with a talented British actress known mostly for STAGE work. They may be a bit young but Natalie Walker (currently in the London RSC Midsummer Night’s Dream) or Mariah Gale(also in Dream as a fairy, but was Ophelia in the RSC’s Hamlet) would work. Google them. Thoughts? And, yup, here’s another Yank voting for Armitage.
Another vote for Richard Armitage! But, if RA cannot for some reason fulfill playing this role, Hugh Jackman is a fine choice Carmen. But I fear that Beeb would not want to pay his price for it. They will probably get a lesser known actor and the same for Emma. I do hope they listen to the fans though, RA is so perfect for this roll. Bring on the petition!!
Mags, you mentioned that there already were a couple of period things in the pipeline that would be announced soon, do you have any idea what they could be? Now that our appetites are wet, we crave more please.
I am very excited that the news has been confirmed. After BBC annouced the “death” of the bonnet drama, I thought it was just a rumor. And 4 hours–JOY!
I think RA would be perfect for the role. I can hear RA’s voice during the picnic at Box Hill saying “Emmmmma” after her insult to Miss Bates. He would be perfect. I don’t really see him as any other Austen man, but Mr. Knightely, oh, yes! Boy, it is going to be SUCH a let down if they chose some other poor fellow.
So, is there any petition prepared to BBC?
The plea for RA as Mr Knightley is being heard all around the interweb. Surely the BBC must be able to hear it too??
Mari Carmen, I’m triying to find out a contact address to Kate Harwood and/or Ben Stephenson who are in charge at BBC, but at no avail, perhaps by directing letters to them to Broadcasting House Portland Place London W1A 1AA, which is the general BBC mail adress, we can reach them. A copy of any letter perhaps also should be adressed also to Phillippa Giles, who has been appointed as executive producer of the project would be proper. Beside that, perhaps to contact RA’s agents would be wise too.
I really loved Jeremy Northam as Mr. Knightley, how ’bout him as Mr. Weston? Yes, R.A. would be perfect as the new Mr. Knightley.
@Cynthia Ann: My bad, there was only one, and this is probably it. From an article in The Guardian:
“Adaptation” singular.
…and in this article in the Telegraph:
Also, see the “last novel” comment in the final paragraph. So apparently it WAS on the press release at some point.
I’ll add my vote. I’m happy to watch N&S over and over, but I would welcome an RA Emma to add to the rotation! He has such a great ability to be dark and light at the same time with just a slight change to his facial expression. That’s just what someone playing Mr. Knightley has to be able to do. Can you see him at the Coles’ party irritated with Frank Churchill, teasing with Emma and concerned for Jane Fairfax all at once?
Yeah! A new Emma adaptation! We need one that’s faithful to the story but brings life and vigor.
I’m sorry to disagree with most (including our editrix) but I just don’t see Richard Armitage (as much as I adore him) as Mr. Knightley. He’s much too dark and dashing and that’s not Mr K.
I was watching a newer Miss Marple episode, Murder is Easy, the other day and was struck by actor Benedict Cumerbatch’s gentleman-like manners and could actually picture him as Mr. Knightley (see here: http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2006/10/20/arts/master.600.jpg). He’s lighter and more like the gentleman farmer/landowner than Armitage and he hasn’t appeared in many films/TV movies. He’s actually younger than Armitage too. He has the kind of general appearance that I could see Emma being very comfortable with and taking for granted yet when you look closer he has manners and looks to recommend him. But with Richard Armitage you’d be stuck wondering “he’s so good looking why didn’t Emma fall for him in the first place?”
As for Emma herself, I’ve been thinking about actress Emma Griffiths Malin’s (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0341632/) potential in the role, I’m quite sure. I had also thought perhaps Carey Mulligan would make a nice Emma, she was a great Isabella Thorpe and did well as Kitty Bennet so why not give her a role as an Austen heroine. She’s also been in several period dramas lately (Bleak House, My Boy Jack and Miss Marples). As Emma we could like her and hate her at the same time which is what one is prone to do with Emma.
Can’t wait to see who they actually cast!
BBC’s “last Austen for a few years”?!!! Then does it means that Lucy Prebble’s work with Lady Susan has not progressed? It is a pity. That could have been something really new.
RA too dark and dashing? You amazed me, Laurie. But then I do not like blonds, and like Emma, I do think Mr. Knightley is dashing, go a check Mags’ quote from the novel where it is given a description of him. I still think RA is the only one in my mind (beside Hugh Jackman) who can step into Jeremy Northam’s shoes. Also call me crazy but I’m beginning to notice a slight resemblance between Richard and Mark Strong (who I think was too angry and ugly for Mr. Knightley), but Richard could be thought somewhat the good-looking brother of MS.
.
The young man you propose is too young for the part (even younger than Jeremy Northam, of whom some have complained he was too young for the part), one thing is that Mr. Knightley looks young (again see the quote) but he is 37-38 years old. I would recommend the final episodes of Vicar of Dibley, there he proves he can be also very easy-going
, not only tormented or brooding.
As for Emma, I like Karen’s ideas (post 56), I would like to see an entirely new face for the main role.
Richard Armitage at 37 years old is the correct age and would make the perfect Mr Knightley.
I’ve been thinking who could play the part of Emma and my choice would be Lucy Griffiths. She is also the right age at 21 years old.
We already know that there is fantastic chemistry between these two actors. Remember their roles together in BBC’s Robin Hood.
But I bet that no one agrees with me on these two choices.
My favourite Emma so far is with Kate Beckinsale and Mark Strong, but the above pairing would be the best.
And with Sandy Welch writing the screenplay, this 4 part adaptation will be a huge success.
Hope we don’t have to wait too long for confirmation of the cast.
If Jeremy Northam wasn’t too handsome or dashing for the role, then I hardly think Armitage would be.
As for Benedict Cumberbatch, he’s been in two theatrical films that garnered quite a bit of attention: Amazing Grace and Atonement. He also appeared in The Other Boleyn Girl and starred in a Masterpiece Theatre mini a couple of years ago called To the Ends of the Earth. IMO, he’s a bigger name than Armitage. I also think he’s a little too delicate-looking for Mr. Knightley.
I think Kimberley Nixon who played Sophy Hutton on Cranford would be a perfect Emma. I can see her being the spoiled, youngest daughter that’s trying to match people up. She’s short enough that if they get a taller Knightley one gets the impression of there being a great age difference. That’s a difficult thing for me about the Paltrow version. Even though both actors were about the right ages Paltrow and Northam could almost look eye to eye literaly. They seemed the same age so you automatically thought hero and heroine. There was no surprise. In this case I think whoever plays Emma should be a little flighty and immature at times. As the film progresses she matures.
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm2233767424/nm2632878
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm3156514304/nm2632878
In the case of Mr. Knightley I would like to see Greg Wise in the role if Richard Armitage can’t do it. I know he a little older then Knightley is, but I don’t think that would hurt things. I really liked him in Cranford and he needs a chance to be the hero.
Mr. Knightley- Greg Wise/Richard Armitage
Emma- Kimberley Nixon
Mr. Woodhouse- Tom Courtenay
Miss Bates- Imelda Staunton
My first post, but these are just such great news, I couldn’t help myself.
[Laurie M] With all my respects, I cannot picture at all a fair Mr. Knightley, IMHO
I would vote for Hugh Jackman (ehem… day-dreamer), or Richard Armitage (you girls made such a solid argument!)
Since I have already started to dream: I would like Emily Blunt for Emma. I know she isn’t 21 y.o., although she does look very young.
I take the opportunity to congratulate you for this blog.
Jenny, I think some of us would agree with your idea that Lucy Griffiths could be a good choice, in fact it has been previously mentioned (when the news of a miniseries was just a rumour) and IIRC it was Nuria (if Nuria is the same Nuria from RoP and JAcastellano) who first mentioned, because as you say, Lucy and Richard have chemistry together and they are age perfect for the roles. Back then I even dared to say that then Jonas Armstrong should play Frank Churchill.
Another point, it seems we have clearly established that Richard is a “name” for the key audience of this miniseries and not only in the English-speaking countries, but also in some other regions, for example the many posts here from Spanish-speaking ones (Spain and Latin America, which is not a small world).
Benedict Cumberbatch is cute but he looks like he’s 14; he sure isn’t my Knightley (and my Knightley always has dark hair–and he is dashing)! I could see him as Elton, though, or even Robert Martin.
I also see Emma as dark-haired for some reason. Blonde Emmas just don’t do it for me
And I agree wholeheartedly with the comment about keeping the age discrepancy in place–that’s not a small point in the book and it kind of got washed out in the Northanm/Paltrow version (though I do also adore Mr. Northam).
I’ll just add my name to the petition. . . ARMITAGE FOR KNIGHTLEY!! ARMITAGE FOR KNIGHTLEY!!!!
I’ll admit that Emma is probably my least favorite of Jane’s novels but I’d definitely have to re-examine it if they really did cast Richard Armitage as Mr. Knightly.
He stole my heart in North & South.
@Sylvia M
>She’s short enough that if they get a taller Knightley one gets the impression of there being a great age difference.
But short cannot be called a ‘pretty height’ as is said about Emma’s height in the book.
There is enough description of Emma to get one as described.
@Maria L
I don’t know if ‘hazel’ eyes go with dark hair.
So, who’s there who has a pretty height, hazel eyes and an upright figure in addition to being handsome?? Maybe they do need a newcomer!
Felicity Jones! NOOOOO!!!!! Please please don’t let that happen! I’ll never be able to get the image of her raunchy Catherine out of my head in order to see her as Emma.
I know I’m too late to post this but.. another vote for Richard Armitage!!
I think my point has been missed about whether Richard Armitage is a “name.” To the core audience that watches all the British drama we can get our hands on, yes, of course he is well-known. But the audience for a BBC miniseries of Emma is much larger than that core group, and outside the UK, I don’t think that a lot of people who would watch the series are familiar with his work. (And that’s a darn shame!)
#77 Reeba, My hubby has a true hazel eye–and dark hair, so I assure you, the combination is possible (and lovely!)
And I concur with a no vote for Felicity Jones; though she is charming (and I think she would have been better served by a non-Davies scripted NA), she is not my idea of Emma either.
Let us hope we will be pleasantly surprised when they cast the role!
Are any of you members of the press? I see that there is a “contact
us” option on that BBC press release site that mentions the new serial adaptation of “Emma”.(See above.) Could you send in an e-mail and request that Richard Armitage be considered for Mr. K, mentioning the blog readers’ reaction?
#80
Maria L, I commend your husband on having had the foresight of being born with dark hair and hazel eyes to support his wife’s POV.
Reeba, no doubt that’s probably why I am so partial to the combination. Like Mr. Darcy, I have a thing for “fine eyes”!
Perhaps we should counsel the casting director to use niece Anna’s description of hazel-eyed Jane in choosing their Emma:
“Her complexion [is] of that rare sort which seems the particular property of light brunettes: a mottled skin, not fair, but perfectly clear and healthy; the fine naturally curling hair, neither light nor dark; the bright hazel eyes to match the rather small, but well shaped nose.”
If the hair is neither light nor dark, that should please all of us!
I do vote for Armitage!! S2
Yes! I’d love to see Richard in this new series!
Please, Mr Armitage!
Yes You can!!!;)
Richard Armitage would be the best choice!
I have to agree with the majority here and say that Richard Armitage would be the perfect choice for Mr. Knightley. So Sandy Welch, (just in case you read this stuff) RICHARD ARMITAGE!!!!