According to Deadline, Crazy Rich Asians actor Henry Golding will star in Netflix's forthcoming adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel Persuasion alongside Dakota Johnson. The actor will portray William Elliot. In the novel, Mr Elliot is a distant relation of the main character, Anne Elliot, and the heir presumptive of her father.
The Malaysian-British actor is best known for his role as Nick Young in the romantic comedy Crazy Rich Asians. He also starred in Paul Feig’s psychological thriller-black comedy A Simple Favor, Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen, romantic holiday comedy Last Christmas and BBC Film’s Monsoon. Golding will next be seen leading in the upcoming G.I. Joe spinoff Snake Eyes.
The film will be a modern-day reimagining of the romance novel, focusing on Anne Elliot, who lives with her snobbish family on the verge of bankruptcy. When Anne reconnects with Frederick Wentworth, a guy she was once convinced to reject, she is given a second shot at love. Ron Bass and Alice Victoria Winslow penned the script. Persuasion will be directed by Carrie Cracknell. The film is expected to begin filming this month.
Persuasion was Austen's final work before her death in 1817.
Searchlight Pictures is developing a different version of Persuasion, with Succession star Sarah Snook set to play Anne Elliot.
