If you want peace, prepare for war. Jane Austin’s original and seminal novel may have had the Bennet Sisters coming to terms with class disparities and growing up in the British aristocracy of the early 19th century, but for Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, Burr Steers’ soon-to-be-released genre hybrid will toss the undead into the mix.
Based on the trailers and promos released this far, the result is a stylish actioner with a touch of class, and today’s new pair of clips only drive that point home like a sharp-pointed bayonet. Whether Steers’ adaptation turns out to be all style and no substance will largely hinge on how closely Sony Pictures aligns the film with Seth Grahame-Smith’s novel of the same name.
By its very nature, Grahame-Smith’s parody has all the makings of a cinematic B-movie, with a gleeful knack for violence as the Bennet Sisters, led by Elizabeth (Cinderella star Lily James), mow down waves upon waves of the Sorry Stricken – that’s the posh moniker for the undead. One thing’s for certain, Lena Headey’s ruthless character Lady de Catherine de Bourgh is one to keep an eye on, as she seems to be a fusion of Cersei Lannister and the actress’ blood-thirsty Ma-Ma from 2012’s Dredd.
Sam Riley, Jack Huston, Bella Heathcote, Douglas Booth, former Doctor Who Matt Smith and Game of Thrones star Charles Dance – reuniting with his Westeros cohort Headey for the zombie flick – complete the cast.
History is written in blood, and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is now only a few weeks away from release with Burr Steers’ drama primed to open on February 5.
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is a fresh twist on Jane Austen’s widely celebrated novel. A mysterious plague has fallen upon 19th century England, the land is overrun with the undead and feisty heroine Elizabeth Bennet is a master of martial arts and weaponry. Casting aside personal and social prejudices, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy must unite on the blood-soaked battlefield to rid the country of the zombie menace and discover their true love for one another.
