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Jane Austen rom-com in the works based on Pride and Prejudice author's love life

Jane by the Sea will combine scenes from Austen's novels with her real life experiences

Jess Denham
Wednesday 19 August 2015 14:45 BST
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English novelist Jane Austen from an original family portrait. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
English novelist Jane Austen from an original family portrait. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

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Both her books and life story have made the big screen before and now, a new Jane Austen movie is in the pipeline.

The much-loved 19th century author will be the subject of Jane by the Sea, inspired by Carolyn V Murray’s recent semi-biographical novel about the impact her most important relationships and encounters had on her writing.

Murray has penned the screenplay, which Tracking Board reports will have a romantic comedy feel and combine scenes from Austen’s novels with her real life experiences. A cast and director are yet to be found.

Cinema last took an interest in Austen’s life with Becoming Jane in 2007, when Anne Hathaway took the lead to a lukewarm reception.

Anne Hathaway as Jane Austen in Becoming Jane
Anne Hathaway as Jane Austen in Becoming Jane (Rex Features)

Films based on Austen’s novels have included 2005’s Pride and Prejudice, which earned Keira Knightley an Oscar nomination for her performance as Elizabeth Bennet, and Emma in 1996 with Gwyneth Paltrow.

Next year will see Lily James, Sam Riley, Lena Headey and Douglas Booth star in a bizarre reimagining of the famous story called Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.

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