AceShowbiz - Georgia Oakley is standing by her decision to cast Eliot Sumner, the nonbinary child of musician Sting, as Mr. Palmer in her new adaptation of Sense and Sensibility. The film opened in theaters on Friday, October 16, 2026.

In an interview with Evie Magazine, Oakley addressed questions about the casting, which has been the subject of debate. A review in Spiked titled "A nonbinary nepo-baby has ruined the new Sense and Sensibility" criticized the decision, while Evie Magazine's own review, "Sense and Sensibility Looks the Part but Misses the Point," saw writer Theresa Olohan question how the casting fits Oakley's stated desire for a timeless adaptation.

Oakley told Evie Magazine that her approach to the classic novel was rooted in tradition rather than modernization. "I'm more drawn to kind of, a classic way of telling the story, or something that feels in some way timeless, than I am interested in taking something which I believe didn't need to be modernized in order to be relatable to modern audiences," she said.

When asked whether casting a nonbinary actor is itself a modern choice, Oakley rejected the suggestion. "I don't think it's out of place at all. Eliot can play Mr. Palmer just as well as the next person," she said.

The director also explained that the role was filled through an audition process. She said she saw "lots of people for the role" and that Sumner was the "most standout person."

Sumner is the child of Sting and actress Trudie Styler. The casting has become a point of contention among some critics, with the Spiked review arguing that it breaks the illusion of the period drama. Evie Magazine's review raised similar questions about whether the choice aligns with Oakley's stated goal of a timeless adaptation.

Oakley's adaptation of Jane Austen's novel opened in theaters on Friday, October 16, 2026.