Mendes develops 'Austen' for big screen

Rex Features

Sam Mendes is reportedly planning to adapt ITV1's Lost In Austen for the big screen.

The programme, which was broadcast last year, followed a literary fan who swaps places with Pride And Prejudice character Elizabeth Bennet and is transported back to the 18th century.

According to The Guardian, a film adaptation is being developed by Mendes's Neal Street Productions in partnership with the show's original UK producer Mammoth Screen.

"There has been a huge amount of interest in a film version of Lost in Austen," revealed an insider.

"The TV serial was so acclaimed it's a great stamp of approval on the high concept approach that they took to the story and all the executives are really excited to re-imagine it for the big screen, looking to the best film talent possible to make it a massive box office hit."

The Revolutionary Road director will serve as executive producer on the project, which is described as being in an early stage.

Austen was widely praised by critics but struggled in the ratings during its four episode run.