Judi Dench, Jamie Bell and Holliday Grainger have joined the cast of Focus Features and BBC Films’ Jane Eyre, which is scheduled to begin shooting in the UK next week.

Cary Fukunaga is directing the Ruby Films production starring Mia Wasikowska from the global smash Alice in Wonderland in the titular role opposite Michael Fassbender as her beloved Edward Rochester.

Moira Buffini adapted Charlotte Bronte’s classic novel and recently collaborated with Ruby Films and BBC Films on the upcoming Tamara Drewe.

Ruby’s Alison Owen and Paul Trijbits are producing and BBC Films creative director Christine Langan is serving as executive producer.

Focus’ senior vice-president of European production Teresa Moneo is supervising for president of production John Lyons. Focus holds worldwide rights.

As previously announced Sally Hawkins, Tamzin Merchant and Imogen Poots round out the key cast.

“Cary is the ideal choice to realise this unforgettable story in its traditional setting, yet with contemporary vitality and spirit,” Focus CEO James Schamus said of the director, whose immigration drama Sin Nombre Focus released in the US a year ago. “With two of today’s most promising new stars in Mia and Michael, plus an outstanding supporting cast, this will be a Jane Eyre for the ages.”

“We’re delighted to bring together two such fresh and impressive talents as director Cary Fukunaga and screenwriter Moira Buffini,” Langan said. “Added to the gorgeous cast Cary has assembled, this is exactly the treatment Charlotte Bronte’s evergreen classic Jane Eyre deserves.”

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