Actor Jack Lowden offered a candid response regarding relationships on set during Netflix's filming of its upcoming Pride and Prejudice adaptation, according to screenwriter Dolly Alderton.
During a mandatory "respect workshop" for the cast, Lowden, who portrays Mr. Darcy, was questioned about the appropriateness of dating fellow actors. Screenwriter Dolly Alderton recounted in a diary entry shared with British Vogue that when asked if it was acceptable to date co-stars, Lowden replied, "I f**kin’ hope so ’cos I married one."
Lowden is married to four-time Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan, whom he met on the set of the 2018 historical drama Mary Queen of Scots. They married in July 2024 and welcomed their first child last September.
Alderton's notes also touched on Lowden's challenges in embodying the character of Darcy, describing the role as "unknowable and brooding." She noted his initial struggles with the part, including long periods of "mostly mute, deep-in-thought acting" and self-doubt during filming. One instance captured Lowden expressing frustration with a carriage scene, stating he "should have never taken this job."
Lowden also brought a "Scottish pragmatism" to the set. During an early kissing scene with co-star Emma Corrin, who plays Elizabeth Bennet, discussions arose about whether the characters would kiss. Lowden's pragmatic approach, contrasted with Alderton's historical advisor's perspective on Regency-era desires, led to the decision for Darcy and Lizzy to kiss. Lowden quipped, "They’d be gantin’ for it," later clarifying his remark by differentiating "Irish romantics" from "Scottish pragmatists."
Ronan has previously expressed interest in playing a Bond villain, a role that could potentially pair her with Lowden, who is considered a favorite to take over the role of 007. The franchise's stewards, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, recently entered a deal with Amazon MGM Studios for full control of the spy franchise. Casting for the next installment is reportedly underway, with an announcement anticipated this autumn and filming potentially starting by the year's end. Ronan has publicly supported her husband for the Bond role, with discussions about his suitability for the part occurring as far back as 2019 on BBC Radio 2.