Focus Features begins production on ‘Jane Eyre’

Focus Features and BBC Films announced Thursday that they would begin production on an adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s novel, “Jane Eyre.”

Produced by Ruby Films and directed by Cary Fukunaga, the film will star Michael Fassbender from “Inglourious Basterds” and Mia Wasikowska of “Alice in Wonderland.” Other actors reportedly part of the project include Golden Globe winner Sally Hawkins and Academy Award winner Judi Dench.

In a press release, Christine Langan — creative director of BBC Films — said, “We’re delighted to bring together two such fresh and impressive talents as director Cary Fukunaga and screenwriter Moira Buffini. Added to the gorgeous cast Cary has assembled, this is exactly the treatment Charlotte Brontë’s evergreen classic ‘Jane Eyre’ deserves.”

The project is the next stepping-stone for Wasikowska and Fassbender. According to the Huffington Post, “Alice in Wonderland” has already earned $265.8 million domestically. No release date has been announced for “Jane Eyre.”