Carey Mulligan Revisits the Project That Launched Her Career
Not every actor gets to say their first movie gig still means the world two decades later. But for Carey Mulligan, memories from stepping onto the set of Pride & Prejudice in 2005 stay fresh, joyful, and a bit surreal. She made her film debut as Kitty Bennet—the youngest and cheekiest of the Bennet sisters—at just 19, acting alongside seasoned names like Keira Knightley and Donald Sutherland. Nearly twenty years on, with a trio of Oscar nominations under her belt, Mulligan still lights up at the mention of that celebrated adaptation.
In a recent interview while promoting her newest film, The Ballad of Wallis Island, Mulligan grinned when talk turned to the anniversary re-release of Pride & Prejudice. When told that excitement is surging for the film’s return to theaters, she admitted the project remains close to her heart—a ‘dream job’ that shaped her love for acting. This wasn't just any first credit; it was one on a film praised for its lush countryside shots, sharp performances, and a cast that made Jane Austen’s world feel alive again for a new generation.
Why 'Pride & Prejudice' Still Captivates After Two Decades
Joe Wright’s take on Austen isn’t just another period drama gathering dust on streaming libraries. When it first hit screens in 2005, it earned fans for its energetic pace and a fresh, almost playfully human approach to the Bennet family. Mulligan’s Kitty, with her infectious laughter and impulse to always be part of the action, gave the youngest sister a real personality. It’s a detail Austen fans—and Mulligan herself—still appreciate.
There’s also something about seeing future stars at their start. In fact, several of Mulligan’s castmates, like Rosamund Pike and Jena Malone, have since risen to fame. Mulligan called the film set a “safe playground,” a space to mess up and learn, especially with director Joe Wright encouraging the cast to bring their own quirks to each role. That freedom, she says, helped cement her confidence, which set the stage for the challenging dramatic roles she’s tackled since.
The anticipation for the film’s re-release isn’t just nostalgia talking. Younger viewers, who first discovered Pride & Prejudice on streaming sites, now get a chance to see it in theaters for the first time. For Mulligan, fan enthusiasm is a reminder that good storytelling—whether set in 19th-century England or today—sticks with people. It’s why she remains grateful for her time as Kitty and why that original, wide-eyed excitement hasn’t faded. If anything, it’s grown stronger, proof that the right ‘dream job’ can echo for a lifetime.
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