As the kids say on the live journals. Pfangirl Through the Looking Glass on the recent undead attacks on Jane Austen by drooling Hollywood types:

Now I’m all for transplanting horror and sci-fi outside of their usual contemporary and futuristic settings – see the middle portion of The 13th Warrior for some unnerving Viking Vs. Monster encounters.

It’s just that when it comes to Jane Austen, I don’t know. These adaptations sound so gimmicky that I’m astounded Hollywood studios are as excited about the projects as they clearly are. I’d equate it with putting millions of dollars into film adaptations of the spoofs Bored of the Rings and Barry Trotter. With both Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, and Pride and Predator, chances are high that the concept is far stronger than the actual execution.

Precisely.

ETA: The fact that Jane Austen wouldn’t be paid royalties, as the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien and J.K. Rowling would, might have something to do with it. Follow the money!

Also, Alert Janeite Ann sent in a really rather amusing audio mashup from NPR’s All Things Considered. Even if you’re sick of the whole thing, check it out–it’s quite funny.