2018 marks the 150th anniversary of the publication of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved classic Little Women. As part of the celebration, we will be getting not one, but two new adaptations that will bring the March family to the screen.
A three-part miniseries from Masterpiece PBS and BBC will premiere winter 2018. Heidi Thomas (Call the Midwife) adapted the book, while Vanessa Caswill directed the series.
The phenomenal cast includes Emily Watson as Marmee, Michael Gambon as Mr. Laurence, and Angela Lansbury as Aunt March. Meg will be played by Willa Fitzgerald, Jo by Maya Hawke, Annes Elwy will play Beth and Kathryn Newton will play Amy.
The second adaptation is an independent film directed by Clare Niederpruem, who co-wrote the script with writing partner Kristi Shimek.
Actress Lea Thompson will play Marmee, actor Lucas Grabeel will appear as Laurie, and Professor Bhaer will be played by Ian Bohen. Four up-and-coming actresses will bring the March sisters to life: Melanie Stone as Meg, Sarah Davenport as Jo, Allie Jennings as Beth, and Taylor Murphy as Amy.
Unlike the miniseries, this version of Little Women will be a modern retelling of the classic story.
Are you looking forward to these adaptations?
I have yet to read this book! Ahhh…looks like 2018 would be the perfect year for it 🙂 Gotta read it before the movies/adaptations! Thanks for this!
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I think 2018 will definitely be the perfect year to read Little Women! I’m sure there will be a lot of buzz around the anniversary. Hope you enjoy it!
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I’m a bit apprehensive about these just because I have such a fondness for the 1994 film. And “Anne with an E” made me nervous that they’ll try to make Little Women “dark” and “edgy”. But I’ll try to keep an open mind! And that miniseries DOES have a stellar cast!
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I personally don’t think they’ll be able to live up to the 1994 movie either, but I am excited about having a longer miniseries to look forward to. The BBC/Masterpiece collaborations don’t typically disappoint. I’m more skeptical about the modern retelling though…
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Both of these sound so exciting but of course I’m partial to the idea of the PBS/BBC one. Thanks for featuring them!
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Same here! I love the BBC/Masterpiece collaborations
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Mixed emotions about the films…as I thought the 1994 version was EXCELLENT (soundtrack is beautiful too). But, I’ll try to keep an open mind 🙂
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Agreed! I don’t think anything will replace my affection for the ’94 film-it’s pretty much perfect. I am however excited about the longer miniseries which can showcase more of the novel.
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