Actor Jack Lowden, during a Netflix-mandated 'respect workshop' for the upcoming 'Pride and Prejudice' adaptation, offered a memorable and witty reply when questioned about romantic relationships among colleagues. His humorous remark, which alluded to his marriage with acclaimed actress Saoirse Ronan, injected levity into the otherwise formal session. This anecdote, shared by screenwriter Dolly Alderton, highlights not only Lowden's personality but also the behind-thescenes dynamics of a major production. Beyond the workshop, the article also delves into Lowden's initial struggles in embodying the iconic Mr. Darcy, a role he found challenging due to the character's reserved nature and the repetitive demands of filming.
The incident unfolded during a 'Regency boot camp' followed by the mandatory 'respect workshop' for the Netflix adaptation of 'Pride and Prejudice'. Screenwriter Dolly Alderton documented this experience in her on-set diary, later sharing details with British Vogue. The specific moment that captured attention involved a question posed to Lowden regarding the appropriateness of dating fellow cast members. Lowden, who is married to four-time Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan, responded with a dry, self-referential joke: "I f**kin’ hope so ’cos I married one." This candid and amusing reply was relayed by fellow actor Jamie Demetriou, who plays Mr. Collins in the series, to Alderton.
Lowden's journey into the character of Mr. Darcy was not without its hurdles. Alderton's diary entries reveal his initial difficulties in fully grasping Darcy's intricate personality. She noted that Darcy's enigmatic and introspective nature made the role particularly demanding, with Lowden spending much of the early filming period engaged in "mostly mute, deep-in-thought acting." A memorable quote from Lowden during this period, after a hundred takes of getting in and out of a carriage, was: "I've got nothing going on behind my eyes, I should have never taken this job." This candid admission underscores the pressures and frustrations actors can face, even in high-profile roles.
During a pivotal kissing scene with Emma Corrin, who plays Elizabeth Bennet, Lowden's Scottish pragmatism came to the fore. Amid discussions about the historical context and whether a kiss would have occurred at that specific point, Lowden humorously interjected, "They’d be gantin’ for it," a Scottish phrase suggesting a strong desire. He then playfully contrasted Irish romanticism with Scottish practicality, adding another layer to the on-set anecdotes. Lowden and Ronan's real-life romance began on the set of 'Mary Queen of Scots' in 2018, where they portrayed a married couple. They tied the knot in July 2024 and welcomed their first child last September. Ronan has also publicly supported Lowden as a potential candidate for the next James Bond, expressing her desire to play a Bond villain herself, which could set up an intriguing on-screen reunion for the couple.
Jack Lowden's experience on the set of the new 'Pride and Prejudice' adaptation offers a fascinating glimpse into the blend of professional conduct and personal dynamics that shape a major film production. From his humorous defiance of a 'respect workshop' rule to his candid reflections on the challenges of portraying Mr. Darcy, Lowden's journey highlights the human element behind the glamorous facade of Hollywood. His real-life marriage to Saoirse Ronan and their playful discussions about future roles, such as the potential for both to join the James Bond franchise, further underscore the intertwining of their personal and professional lives, adding an engaging dimension to their public persona.
