The literary heroine who famously declared “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me” is getting a fresh voice for a new generation. Fresh off her award-nominated turn in The White Lotus, English actor Aimee Lou Wood has signed on to play the iconic Jane Eyre in a brand-new television adaptation from renowned British production house Working Title.
The project, which is currently in development, comes at a moment when interest in the Brontë sisters is skyrocketing again, fueled by the buzz around Emerald Fennell’s recent take on Wuthering Heights. But this version of Jane Eyre promises to bring something special to the screen, thanks to a team with serious prestige credentials and a lead actor known for blending sharp wit with deep emotional honesty.
Who Is Involved in the New ‘Jane Eyre’ Series?
This is not just another period drama dusted off for a Sunday night slot. The creative team behind the scenes signals that this adaptation aims to dig deep into Charlotte Brontë’s revolutionary novel. Writing the series is Miriam Battye, a writer who earned her stripes on the hit HBO drama Succession. Her involvement suggests the series will focus heavily on character complexity and the sharp social commentary baked into the 1847 story .
The series is being produced by Working Title, the British heavyweight behind beloved films like Love Actually, the Bridget Jones movies, About Time, and the acclaimed 2005 adaptation of Pride & Prejudice starring Keira Knightley. More recently, the company produced the Lena Dunham-created Netflix series Too Much, showing their continued commitment to high-quality television . They are also currently working on a film adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility starring Daisy Edgar-Jones .
While a director and a network or streamer have not been officially announced yet, reports indicate that Working Title is in advanced talks with a U.K. broadcaster to board the project . For audiences in the USA, Canada, Australia, India, and around the world, this means the series will likely land on a major platform or streaming service following its initial U.K. deal, though specific international streaming details are still under wraps.
Why Aimee Lou Wood Is Perfect for Jane Eyre
For many, Jane Eyre is more than just a love interest for the brooding Mr. Rochester. She is one of literature’s first true heroines—poor, plain, but fiercely intelligent, independent, and morally strong. Casting the right actor is everything, and Aimee Lou Wood brings a unique mix of qualities to the role.
Wood first won over audiences as the lovable and awkward Aimee Gibbs in Netflix’s Sex Education. That role showed her gift for comedy and her ability to portray vulnerability without ever becoming weak. Then came her breakout performance in season three of The White Lotus, where she played Chelsea, a free-spirited and optimistic young woman stuck in a complicated relationship. That performance earned her Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Award nominations, proving she could hold her own in a high-profile ensemble cast and deliver layers of emotion .
The Boston Globe noted that the character of Jane requires someone who can show a young woman’s “battle to choose the terms of her own life,” and Wood’s recent real-life actions show she has that same spirit. Just recently, she publicly stood up against body-shaming comments made about her on Saturday Night Live, receiving widespread support . That independent and determined character feels very much in line with Jane herself .
“Wood feels like a great match for the project, ” reported Deadline, highlighting how the novel is considered ahead of its time because of the heroine’s individualistic and humorous character . Vogue France added that taking on this role “could constitute a major turning point in the young career of Aimee Lou Wood,” placing her among the most promising actors of her generation .
What Is the Story of ‘Jane Eyre’?
For those who may have missed it in school or are due for a refresher, Jane Eyre is the story of an orphan girl who overcomes a cruel childhood to become a governess at the mysterious Thornfield Hall. There, she falls for her employer, the dark and cynical Mr. Rochester. But their love story is complicated by a dark secret locked away in the attic.
Published in 1847, Charlotte Brontë’s novel was revolutionary. It was one of the first to use a first-person narrative to explore a woman’s inner life so deeply. The book tackled heavy topics like class, sexuality, religion, and feminism long before society was ready to discuss them openly . The Express Tribune pointed out that the novel’s “focus on a woman’s inner life and moral agency was considered radical at the time of its publication and has cemented its status as a foundational feminist text” .
The story follows Jane from her miserable days at Lowood School to her time as a teacher and finally to her complex relationship with Rochester. It is a story about finding love, but more importantly, it is about finding yourself and refusing to compromise your morals, even for the person you love.
A Look Back at Past ‘Jane Eyre’ Adaptations
This new series will be stepping into a long line of adaptations, which means the bar is set high. The last major TV version aired in 2006, starring Ruth Wilson as Jane and Toby Stephens as Mr. Rochester. That BBC miniseries is still considered a gold standard by many fans for its faithful and atmospheric retelling .
On the big screen, the most recent version was the 2011 film directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, starring Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender. That adaptation was praised for its moody, gothic cinematography and the strong chemistry between its leads . Before that, Charlotte Gainsbourg played Jane in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1996 film, and Hollywood icon Joan Fontaine took on the role all the way back in 1943 opposite Orson Welles .
This rich history means that any new version must find a fresh angle. With Battye’s Succession-style sharp writing and Wood’s modern sensibility, this adaptation is poised to highlight the novel’s timeless relevance rather than just playing it as a dusty costume drama.
What Else Is Aimee Lou Wood Working On?
Wood’s career is on a serious upswing right now. She is currently in post-production on the film Anxious People, where she stars alongside Angelina Jolie and Jason Segel . In a major movie event, she has also been cast as Pattie Boyd, the model and photographer who was married to George Harrison, in Sam Mendes’ ambitious quartet of Beatles biopics. She will appear in those films alongside Joseph Quinn, who plays Harrison .
Her recent nominations for The White Lotus—which included nods from the Emmys, Golden Globes, and SAG Awards—have cemented her status as one to watch . Stepping into the corset of Jane Eyre feels like the perfect next step for an actor who excels at playing strong, complicated women.
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When Will the New ‘Jane Eyre’ Series Be Released?
As of now, the project is in the early stages of development. There is no official release date, and no network or streaming service has been confirmed yet. However, the buzz around the package—Aimee Lou Wood, Working Title, and Miriam Battye—makes it a hot property. Given that 2027 will mark the 180th anniversary of the novel’s publication, some reports suggest the timing could line up for a release around then .
Fans of classic literature and great television will have to be patient, but the pieces are in place for something special. With a heroine as strong as Jane Eyre and an actor as compelling as Aimee Lou Wood to play her, this adaptation is one to watch closely.
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