Netflix has released the first trailer for Dakota Johnson and Henry Golding's upcoming adaptation of Jane Austen's Persuasion.
Directed by Carrie Cracknell and starring Johnson and Golding as Anne Elliot and Mr Elliot respectively, Persuasion promises "a modern, witty approach" to the classic novel.
The pair can now be seen for the first time in this tumultuous love story in the newly released trailer, ahead of its July 15 release.
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The trailer sees Johnson's character heartbroken and pining for Captain Frederick Wentworth, played by Lady Macbeth's Cosmo Jarvis.
"I almost got married once," she tells the audience in the trailer. "There were no two souls more in rhythm than Wentworth and I and I was persuaded by my family to give him up."
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The Fifty Shades of Grey star can also be seen breaking the fourth wall in a Fleabag-esque manner in some scenes, no doubt contributing to this "modern" and "witty" take on the novel.
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In response to the use of these deadpan asides, Cracknell told Vogue: "I think the humour [in Persuasion] absolutely speaks to Jane Austen's writing, but it also has a sort of modernity. We really hoped it would help the material to connect with a new or younger audience."
Johnson added: "I was drawn to the occasionally modernised language and themes, breaking the fourth wall and speaking directly to the audience, and the fact that a strong-willed woman remains as much a topic of discussion these days as it was then."
Persuasion's official synopsis reads: "Living with her snobby family on the brink of bankruptcy, Anne Elliot is an unconforming woman with modern sensibilities.
"When Frederick Wentworth (Cosmo Jarvis) – the dashing one she let get away – crashes back into her life, Anne must choose between putting the past behind her or listening to her heart when it comes to second chances."
Richard E Grant, Hard Sun's Nikki Amuka-Bird, and former EastEnders star Mia McKenna-Bruce round off the cast.
Persuasion will premiere on Friday, July 15 on Netflix.
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Social Executive, Entertainment Portfolio After completing her joint honours degree in Journalism and English Literature at Cardiff University, Iona joined Digital Spy as a Content Production Intern in 2022, where she wrote across both news and features, specialising in TV and movies. Following her internship, Iona continued contributing to the site as a freelance reporter, becoming social executive for the Hearst UK entertainment portfolio in summer 2025. Iona now leads the DS social channels, covering red carpets with stars such as Paul Mescal, Austin Butler, and more.
