It is a truth universally acknowledged that we could never have too many Jane Austen adaptations. It doesn’t matter if there are at least two a year in some form — it’s never quite enough for the die-hard fans who’ll watch these stories come to life. Further, while it seems there are too many adaptations, they aren’t all as accessible to the general public (there’s nowhere to digitally purchase Persuasion (2007) without subscribing to yet another streaming site, which doesn’t guarantee it’ll stay there). Or the adaptations don’t quite meet the standards. However, in recent years, we were given a remarkable new adaptation of Emma starring Anya Taylor-Joy, but when the time came to do Persuasion justice, Netflix’s modernized attempt was, unfortunately, a bit of a disappointment.

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In the rise of romance adaptations like Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton, one of Netflix’s highest-rated shows, it’s more apparent today than ever that people are indeed still interested in Regency Era romances. While the genre tends to be shamed or ridiculed (both in literature and film), there’s no denying that it’s no easy feat to convey raw human emotions with vigor and believable vulnerability. Yes, the characters have to be charming, but at the same time, they need to bring nuances to the role as well that allow viewers to connect with them. And in a world with many actors who’d be ideal as romance heroes, we’ve compiled a list of those we think we’d be perfect in future roles.

Ben Barnes

     Netflix

Ben Barnes is great at playing multi-faceted, unfairly charming villains, and more often than not, he gets to play with temporary storylines that involve getting the girl. It’s later, when it turns out that he’s the story’s big bad, that things fall apart for him, but there are always fans still rooting for the characters to be together, deeming it their “villain era.” As an actor who ultimately charges forward into every role he plays, understanding the assignment through and through, Barnes would be fantastic as an Austen lead, preferably a softer character like Northanger Abbey’s Henry Tilney, but he has significant Captain Wentworth from Persuasion energy too. Additionally, in an interview with Marvelous Geeks Media, the actor confirmed he’d love to be a part of an adaptation someday.

Tom Hiddleston

     Universal Pictures

Before he donned Loki’s armor and set his eyes toward the Tesseract while constantly causing mayhem throughout MCU multiverses, Tom Hiddleston starred in various period dramas, including a TV movie titled Miss Austen Regrets. As an actor who could seamlessly flow through any genre, bringing layers and unforgettable performances to our screens, Hiddleston would be an enamoring choice to embody any Austen hero and a romantic lead. We haven’t had a Sense & Sensibility adaptation in years, and Hiddleston could be the perfect Edward Ferrars. He’d even be great as Colonel Brandon.

Charlie Cox

     Disney+

Whether as Marvel’s Matt Murdock, aka Daredevil, or Stardust’s Tristan Thorn, Charlie Cox’s hundred-watt-smile is enough reason to be the one thing that allows him to play every single Austen hero. Cox is incredibly charming in the MCU, but simultaneously, he’s the type of actor who embodies every character he plays with such nuances that there’s no question about his acting chops. Whatever show or film he enters into, he effortlessly steals the scene right from the start. Though he only appears in Marvel’s She-Hulk for two episodes, Cox manages to steal the show and make fans suddenly want to see more of Matt and Jen in a romantic relationship.

Brett Goldstein

     Apple TV+

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, conducted by Brett Goldstein with The Muppets for A Muppet Christmas Carol’s 30th Anniversary, A Muppet Pride and Prejudice was rightfully laid on the table. Miss Piggy could star as Elizabeth Bennet, and we could have Goldstein himself play the brooding Mr. Darcy. In all seriousness, Goldstein’s ability to channel innate vulnerability through a stunning showcase of authenticity in Ted Lasso makes him a top contender to bring to life iconic romance heroes that have long paved the road for the heroes we know and love today. Since we don’t have many adaptations of Northanger Abbey and because Mr. Tilney is one of the most realistic of the heroes, Goldstein would be a prime prospect to bring to life his charm and the emotional beats as well. But we’ll take him as Darcy, too, so long as Miss Piggy is his Elizabeth.

Ewan McGregor

     Disney

Ewan McGregor is no stranger to Austen’s world, but in the 1996 adaption of Emma, instead of starring as the lead role of Mr. Knightley, whom he’d be perfect for, McGregor was cast as Frank Churchill. Further, while the actor might be too old to play a 21-year-old now, Death Comes to Pemberley is one of the most delightfully underrated adaptations of Pride and Prejudice that sees Elizabeth and Darcy well-settled into their marriage. Die-hard fans wouldn’t dare to protest if we got some variation of Mr. Knightley and Emma in the future, working through whatever is necessary while continuing to lovingly bicker in their marriage. Thus, in such a role, McGregor would be the perfect actor to play the character, as he’s repeatedly showcased that his range knows no bounds.

Henry Golding

Netflix’s Persuasion might’ve fumbled in its execution, but each and every actor cast was perfect for the whole. However, that doesn’t mean that we also wouldn’t love to see Henry Golding now star as Captain Wentworth in a closer adaptation of the book (or any of Austen’s heroes). Golding’s charisma has been an undeniable spark in Hollywood since he starred as Nick Young in Crazy Rich Asians. Since then, in every role the actor has been in, whether a romantic comedy or an action film like The Gentleman, he’s layered his characters profoundly, adding more depth to the words on the page.

Dev Patel

     A24

Dev Patel was showstopping in Lion and nearly every role he’s been in, but in recent years, the actor has been a popular fan cast on Twitter for many adaptations, including Michael Sterling from Bridgerton, who’s supposed to be Francesca Bridgerton’s future spouse. While that might not happen, there’s no denying that Patel’s incredible ability to disappear into whatever role he’s playing is accompanied by distinctive charm. Since his gripping role in A24’s Green Knight, Patel has broadened his range further, proving that when it comes to layering realistic characters, even in various approaches, there’s nothing he can’t do. Patel would be outright perfect as any of the Austen leads.

Daryl McCormack

Daryl McCormack is newer in the spotlight, shining brilliantly this year as the titular character in Good Luck To You, Leo Grande, and Matthew Claffin in Apple TV’s Bad Sisters. McCormack could astoundingly hold his own next to legends like Emma Thompson while stealing the stage with such subtle charm that it’s acutely overwhelming at times. He merely needs to look another character in the eyes, and viewers could melt on the spot. Thus, as an actor who’s shown that romance is a genre he isn’t shying away from, seeing him in a Jane Austen adaptation would be a stupendous gift for all fans to get to know him more as an actor.