SEASON 2 of PBS’ period drama, Sanditon, kicked off on Monday with a cast table read of the premiere episode.
The show, which is based on an unfinished Jane Austen book, was originally canceled but later had its fate reversed with a two-season renewal.
The official Sanditon Instagram, as well as Masterpiece PBS’, shared a snapshot from the cast table read for episode 1 of season 2, revealing that they’re starting production on the show’s return.
Alongside the photo, the caption read: “Our journey back to Sanditon begins as the cast and crew gather for the first script readthrough today!”
While none of the cast members were visible in the picture, a copy of the “readthrough draft” of the script was featured, as well as a sign revealing that it was star Rose Williams’ copy.
“Sanditon 2, written by Justin Young, adapted from the novel by Jane Austen,” the front page read.
The date on the draft was June 29, which was last Tuesday.
Jack Fox, who plays Edward Denham on the series, shared a photo of his script copy on Instagram, as well.
Rose stars as the female lead of the drama, Charlotte Heywood, and is reprising her role in the new season, though her onscreen love interest and the male lead, Theo James, who plays Sidney Parker, is not returning.
“Although I relished playing Sidney, for me, I’ve always maintained that his journey concluded as I wanted it to,” Theo said shortly after news of Sanditon’s renewal was announced in May.
He continued: “The broken fairy-tale like ending between Charlotte and Sidney is different, unique and so interesting to me and I wish the cast and crew of Sanditon every success with future series.”
The announcement of season 2’s premiere date is likely still a ways away but the readthroughs have begun and “filming [is] expected to begin later this year in and around Bristol,” according to a press release.
Though many fans are upset over Theo’s departure from the series, since his and Rose’s characters left off on an unhappy note at the end of season 1, they’re at least happy to be having the show back.
Viewers were left devastated when it was revealed in December 2019 that Sanditon had been axed after just one season.
A major fan campaign was immediately launched and now they can celebrate as it has finally been recommissioned for nott one but two more seasons.
Belinda Campbell, the joint managing director of production company Red Planet Pictures, said in a release: “We’re thrilled to be able to invite viewers back to Sanditon for not just one but two further visits!
“Justin Young and Andrew Davies’ sensational scripts are relevant, timely and captivating and we can’t wait to share all the exciting new developments we have in store for our much loved characters.
“Now, more than ever, I think we could all do with some joy on our TV screens as well as a healthy dose of fresh sea air.”
