Mendes makes Lost in Austen film

18th century Elizabeth Bennett ends up in a modern reader's flat

ITV's hit drama Lost in Austen is to be remade for the big screen with Oscar-winner Sam Mendes producing.

The time-travelling miniseries followed Amanda, a modern day fan of Jane Austen, who swapped places with her favourite character from the books.

The original writer, Guy Andrews, has signed to pen the screenplay but the film's cast has not been confirmed.

Jemima Rooper starred in ITV's version as Amanda with Gemma Arterton taking the role of Austen's Elizabeth Bennett.

Since the broadcast of the television series, Arterton has made a mark on Hollywood with roles in the Bond film Quantum of Solace and Prince of Persia opposite Jake Gyllenhaal.

The company behind Quantum of Solace, Sony Pictures will be making the film version of Lost in Austen but a director is yet to be announced.

Mendes' latest work Revolutionary Road, starring wife Kate Winslet, is currently nominated for three Academy Awards.