Persuasion: Dakota Johnson to star in Netflix’s Jane Austen update

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Dakota Johnson (Bad Times at the El Royale, Fifty Shades of Grey) has been cast as the lead in Netflix and MRC Film's contemporary take of Jane Austen's Persuasion.

In the new version, directed by Carrie Cracknell for her feature directorial debut, Anne Elliot is an unconforming woman with modern sensibilities, living with her snobby family who is on the brink of bankruptcy. When Frederick Wentworth — the dashing one she once sent away — crashes back into her life, Anne must choose between putting the past behind her or listening to her heart when it comes to second chances.

While this will be Cracknell's first time behind the camera for a feature presentation, her Tony-nominated Broadway play, Sea Wall/A Lie, has made her a talent to watch. She's also no stranger to directing big-time stars, as both Jake Gyllenhall and Tom Sturridge appeared in the aforementioned production.

Adapting Austen's novel for the Netflix update is Ron Bass and Alice Victoria Winslow. Andrew Lazar and Christina Weiss Lurie are producing, Elizabeth Cantillon is executive producing through her untitled MRC Film Romance studio, alongside Michael Constable, David Fliegel.

Dakota currently has two films in post-production, including Maggie Gyllenhaal's The Lost Daughter and Am I Okay from directors Stephanie Allynne and Tig Notaro. The Lost Daughter revolves around a woman's beach vacation that takes a dark turn when she begins to confront the troubles of her past. Meanwhile, Am I Okay tells the story of Lucy and Jane, who have been best friends their entire lives. Only when Lucy embarks on a personal journey will she face a test of her friendship and her sense of self on a path she may not be entirely ready to take. Before she takes part in Cracknell's Persuasion, Dakota will star alongside Cooper Raiff (Shithouse, God) in Cha Cha Real Smooth. In addition to his acting role, Raiff will also write and direct the film.