A new version of Sense & Sensibility will premiere on Hallmark as part of its Loveuary lineup. The movie, which is part of Hallmark’s Mahogany series, stars Deborah Ayorinde, Bethany Antonia, and Dan Jeannotte.
At a recent press event, a Hallmark exec spoke of how the movie was part of the company’s commitment to diversity.
“I think making sure that our casts are diverse, that the stories were telling are diverse, that’s still a big front-and-center issue for us,” said Lisa Hamilton-Daly, executive vice president of programming at Hallmark Media. “It hasn’t gone away and it won’t, because I think we are trying to tell everyone’s story so that means making sure people see themselves when they come to us, so it’s not gonna change.”
Sense & Sensibility
Hallmark’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility follows the fortunes of the Dashwood sisters, who find themselves in difficult circumstances following the death of the family patriarch. Forced to leave the family’s stately home, they move to a modest cottage in Devonshire.
There, practical Elinor (played by Deborah Ayorinde) falls for equally pragmatic gentleman Edward Ferrars (played by Dan Jeannotte). Her passionate sister Marianne (Antonia) spurns the advances of their steadfast new neighbor, Colonel Brandon (played by Akil Largie), for the much more exciting John Willoughby (played by Victor Hugo).
“When Elinor and Marianne’s romantic prospects do not turn out as hoped, each sister learns to embrace the other’s approach to matters of the heart,” reads a synopsis from Hallmark.
Jane Austen February
The network announced that all four new movies premiering in February will have a Jane Austen theme.
“We’re really excited,” Hamilton-Daly told Variety. “Each one of them occupy a special little niche; they really are different from each other, but they kind of cover a whole range of ways of approaching Jane Austen. I think it’s a fun evolution for us to really dig into period and think about the origins of the romance genre — which we are so much a part of in contemporary — and really think about what that means.”
Costumes for the movie were designed by Project Runway alum Kara Saun. Hair designs are by Kim Kimble, who worked on the TV series Euphoria. Author and historian Vanessa Riley served as a historical consultant.
In an Instagram post, actress Bethany Antonia promoted the film’s premiere.
“We made a movie and had tooooo much fun doing it,” she wrote. “Melanated folk finally getting our turn in this kinda getup!!!!!”
Hallmark gets its Jane Austen on in February movie lineup
Hallmark is mixing things up with its Loveuary lineup. The network announced that all four new movies premiering in February will have a Jane Austen theme.
“Jane Austen’s stories are timeless and continue to resonate with readers and viewers of all ages,” said Lisa Hamilton Daly, executive vice president of programming at Hallmark Media. “Our movies will bring her beloved characters to life in fresh, new ways and honor the many women who continue to be inspired by them.”
In addition to the Jane Austen-themed lineup, Hallmark will launch a virtual book club.
Jane Austen
The first of the four new movies to premiere will be Paging Mr. Darcy, starring Mallory Jansen and Will Kemp. Alison Sweeney will headline the second movie, Love & Jane, along with Benjamin Ayres.
The Days of Our Lives actress shared a photo on Instagram promoting the film, which will premiere on February 10.
“Celebrating Jane Austen’s birthday by sharing that my movie, #Love&Jane will premiere on @hallmarkchannel February 10th,” she wrote in the caption. “I’m so proud of this fun romantic comedy based on a lifelong love of everything Jane Austen. #janeausten #romcom.”
Benjamin Ayres responded in the comments with, “You are SO GOOD and funny in this movie. Can’t wait for everyone to see it.”
Loveuary
The next film to premiere will be An American in Austen, starring Eliza Bennett, Nicholas Bishop, and Nell Barlow. In the movie, Bennett stars as a librarian who wonders if any man could ever live up to the romantic ideals set by Austen’s character Mr. Darcy. She gets to find out for herself when comes face to the face with him.
Finally, Hallmark will air an adaptation of Sense & Sensibility. Starring Deborah Ayorinde, Bethany Antonia, Dan Jeannotte, and Akil Largie, the movie will be part of Hallmark’s Mahogany series.
Book Club
Chief Fan Officer Jenny Forwark will host the online meetings of the new Hallmark Channel Book Club. The first virtual gathering will take place on January 25. Members will be invited to discuss the Jane Austen book “Pride & Prejudice. The second meeting, in which readers will discuss Sense & Sensibility, will take place on February 15.
Paging Mr. Darcy will premiere on Hallmark Channel on Saturday, February 3 at 8/7c.
Love & Jane will premiere on Hallmark Channel on Saturday, February 10 at 8/7c.
An American in Austen will premiere on Hallmark Channel on Saturday, February 17 at 8/7c.
Sense & Sensibility will premiere on Hallmark Channel on Saturday, February 24 at 8/7c.