Emma Stone has worn many hats in her relatively short career — a high school girl feigning promiscuity, a budding writer and Civil Rights activist, the love interest of an arachnid-inspired superhero. Now she might add a classic literary figure to the list, with a twist.
Stone has been selected to tackle the role of Elizabeth Bennet in Lionsgate’s “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies,” a parody of Jane Austen’s classic love story based on the novel by Seth Grahame-Smith. The story still follows Elizabeth as she falls in love with Mr. Darcy in 19th century England, with the added plot point that zombies terrorize the countryside. Mrs. Bennet still wants to marry off her five daughters, but this time around Mr. Bennet simultaneously trains them to fight off the undead.
Natalie Portman was at one point attached the star and produce, but she ultimately decided to stick to behind-the-scenes work on the film. The production has endured a revolving door of directors, with David O. Russell and Mike White both stepping down and Craig Gillespie (“Lars and the Real Girl,” “Fright Night”) recently stepping in. With a director in place, it seems the project is finally moving forward.
Stone seems like a perfect fit for the role. She has just the right amount of spunk for Elizabeth Bennet, not to mention she gained some zombie-fighting experience in “Zombieland.”
What do you think? Have you read “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies? Are you excited about the film adaptation? Is Stone the right choice for a zombie-slaying Elizabeth Bennet? Sound off in the comments section.
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Emma has passed on the role.