Caitriona Balfe, known for her role in 'Outlander,' is set to portray Mrs. Dashwood, the mother of Elinor and Marianne, in an upcoming adaptation of Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility." This marks the first major film adaptation of the novel since Ang Lee's 1995 version. Daisy Edgar-Jones will play Elinor Dashwood, and Esme Creed-Miles will portray Marianne Dashwood.
Balfe acknowledged that her casting as Mrs. Dashwood might surprise some viewers, given her age. However, she stated that director Georgia Oakley discussed similarities between Marianne and Mrs. Dashwood, suggesting a more nuanced portrayal of the character. "I think, before, [Mrs. Dashwood has] always been this sort of like older, more kind of like a removed matriarch," Balfe told Decider. "But, you know, [director Georgia Oakley] sort of spoke about the similarities between Marianne and Mrs. Dashwood, and that there’s this link and it’s very much, I think, a return to some of the stuff in the book. And that was exciting."
Balfe was drawn to the project by Oakley's vision and talent. She had previously admired Oakley's first film, "Blue Jean." "I think what Georgia really wanted to do, and what I think that she has achieved, is grounded in a way that’s very much more naturalistic, I guess, and much more… I don’t know, I think it might speak to our generation in a sort of fresh way," Balfe explained. She added that the enduring appeal of classic stories lies in their ability to be reinterpreted by each new generation.
Balfe had previously seen a "sizzle reel" of the film and expressed excitement about the footage. The new "Sense and Sensibility" film is scheduled for release in theaters on October 16, 2026.