Netflix trailer for a remake of a “brilliant” Sam Neill film has left some fans fearing the worst.
Sumptuous six-part period drama My Brilliant Career will be launching globally on Netflix next month and takes its cue from Australian author Miles Franklin’s 1901 classic novel of the same name, reports the Express.
The autobiographical book follows Sybylla (played by Philippa Northeast) as she rails against her family’s wishes to marry and instead pursues her dreams of becoming a published author.
My Brilliant Career also stars Pride and Prejudice icon Anna Chancellor, Genevieve O’Reilly from Andor, and Slow Horses actor Christopher Chung.
BBC Breakfast backlash as viewers all say the same thing about Wes Streeting interview
‘Cosy’ period detective drama perfect for Sherlock Holmes fans to return and it’s soon
Netflix recently shared a trailer from the tongue-in-cheek show that sees Sybylla pushing back against society as she daydreams, writes and spends time with the swoon-worthy Harry (Chung).
The Netflix period drama arrives in August 2026(Image: NETFLIX)
The new adaptation comes after the beloved 1979 film version of My Brilliant Career starring Judy Davis as Sybylla and Sam Neill as Harry.
Many fans of the 1979 movie shared their thoughts about the forthcoming iteration of My Brilliant Career on YouTube.
One person said: “Nice try Netflix, but the original movie version with a young Judy Davis portrayed this brilliant novel written in 1901 Australia with way more authentic adolescent sass and much less millennial pop star angst.”
A second wrote: “I’m scared this new one will butcher a beloved story, like ’Anne with an E’ did for me.”
A third commented: “Nothing beats Julie Davis and Sam Neill. I wish that remakes would stop being made unless you’re going to adhere to the original story.”
However, others hit back at the detractors as one person noted: “The original will always have its place. This is just another take on it. Like all the other classic remakes. You don’t need to watch it if it’s not your cup of tea.”
My Brilliant Career is based on a classic 1901 novel(Image: NETFLIX)
Someone else said: “This series going adding more details that Miles Franklin wrote [sic].”
A third wrote: “I look forward to this. I so enjoyed the ’79 version with Judy Davis…this looks to be just as entertaining. ”
A fourth compared it to many other costume dramas: “This is like if they combined every single period piece into one movie it’s got little women, pride and prejudice, Bridgerton etc. I don’t know how they managed to fit every single trope into one.”
Yet another added: “Looks great. Loved the 1979 adaptation and not gonna miss this one.”
My Brilliant Career has been adapted numerous times, with the 1979 movie only being the first one.
The story was also adapted for the stage in a 2020 play and later turned into a musical in 2024.
Netflix’s TV series is just another retelling of the well-loved story of following one’s heart over the strict rules of society.
Treasured star Neill died aged 78 from pneumonia on July 16. His career spanned back to the 1970s and some of his biggest roles include Jurassic Park, Peaky Blinders, ITV’s Tutankhamun, and Event Horizon, among many others.
My Brilliant Career will be released on Netflix on August 13
