The New Emma Adaptation Looks Absolutely Perfect

If you’re an Austen fan, there’s always plenty to argue about. For instance, there’s the great battle of the Pride and Prejudices: Is the six-hour-long BBC version the ultimate, or is Matthew Macfadyen, aka Tom Wambsgans, the true Mr. Darcy? Then there are the two Persuasions. Despite the 2007 version’s early use of Tobias Menzies (The Crown’s current Prince Philip) and handsome Captain Wentworth (Rupert Penry-Jones), does it live up to the 12-years-earlier Amanda Root/Ciarán Hinds edition? (For my money, each is great in its own way.)

These are just some of the quandaries that Austenites must grapple with, and soon, they’ll have another. Emma, the beloved tale of a wealthy, self-involved young woman who loves to play Cupid, is getting a redo this coming February. Stepping up to the plate in the wake of the all-star 1996 adaptation is no small thing, thanks in no small part to a cast including Gwyneth Paltrow as the titular character and Toni Collette as Emma’s pet matchmaking project, Harriet Smith.

But one look at the forthcoming movie’s cast should placate even the most doubtful mind. The Witch’s Anya Taylor-Joy will take the title role, accompanied by Bill Nighy as her father, Johnny Flynn as Mr. Knightley, Game of Thrones’s Gemma Whelan as Mrs. Weston (whose successful love match sets Emma on her merry way to destruction), and Mia Goth as Harriet.

From the opening moments of the trailer, in which Mr. Woodhouse leans over to Emma during church to puzzle over the reverend's odd pronunciation, it's obvious this will be an absolutely delightful retelling of a literary classic. (There's also a necktie-removing moment that’s surely aiming for Darcy-in-a-pond status.) Plus, it’s directed by Autumn de Wilde, known for her music video and concert documentary work with rock royalty, and written by Man Booker Prize winner Eleanor Catton. Emma will be in theaters in February 2020. Until then, watch the trailer below.

Originally Appeared on Vogue