PBS' Little Women Adaptation Gets Big Names and Fresh Faces

Set against the backdrop of the Civil War, Little Women follows the four March sisters' lives as they create their own identities, experience first loves, and suffer from devastating loss. Though published in the late 1800s, the story's portrayal of family love and women's roles has stood the test of time. Who hasn't referred to themselves as a Jo, Meg, Beth, or Amy at some point in their lives? 

While Little Women has been adapted before (see also: the Japanese anime series from the 80s—no, we're not kidding), we're excited by the mix of fresh and familiar faces this latest interpretation promises.

[SPOILER] And maybe, just this once, Beth won’t die? Please?

Related: 13 Books Like Little Women 

Dame Angela Lansbury is the crotchety, but tender-hearted, Aunt March.

The iconic film, television, and stage actress hardly needs an introduction, but in case you need a refresher—she played Jessica Fletcher in the Agatha Christie-based Murder, She Wrote and cast spells on a magical bed in Bedknobs and Broomsticks.

Emily Watson is Marmie, the March matriarch and fictional mother you mentally adopted as a kid.

Ms. Watson turned heads with her stunning performance in Lars Von Trier’s 1996 award-winner, Breaking the Waves. She recently starred in The Theory of Everything and Genius.

Maya Hawke is the spirited and tom boy protagonist, Jo March.

Playing the fictionalized version of Louisa May Alcott is a daunting first gig—but with Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke as parents, we think she’ll do just fine.

Related: 5 Little Women Quotes We Still Love Today 

Willa Fitzgerald is the responsible, eldest March sister, Meg.

Willa Fitzgerald is fresh from her role in MTV’s adaptation of the classic teen horror film, Scream. 

Annes Elwy is the quiet and lovable Beth (*sniffles*).

Annes will also be starring in Ronald D. Moore (Battlestar Galactica, Outlander) and Bryan Cranston's (Breaking Bad) upcoming anthology series Electric Dreams, which is based on the works of sci-fi legend Philip K. Dick.

Kathryn Newton is the youngest and artistically-gifted March sister, Amy.

If you watched HBO’s recent hit, Big Little Lies, you’ll remember Kathryn as Reese Witherspoon’s rebellious teenage daughter. 

Michael Gambon is Mr. Laurence, the March family’s elderly next-door neighbor. 

Gambon comes from an illustrious theater background, though you may know him best as Albus Dumbledore from the Harry Potter film franchise. 

Jonah Hauer-King as Mr. Laurence’s charming grandson—and Jo’s scorned love interest—Laurie.

This young actor has made a name for himself on the Broadway stage, though he has several exciting movie projects on the horizon—including the World War II drama, Ashes in the Snow, and a Mary Shelley biopic with Elle Fanning.

Featured photo: Cover of Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott