Exclusive: Sense and Sensibility star doesn't see Mr Willoughby as a 'red flag'

Sense and Sensibility star Frank Dillane has spoken about his character John Willoughby, with the actor believing that the controversial figure isn't a "red flag" despite his various mistakes.

The upcoming period drama is based on Jane Austen's 1811 novel of the same name, with the story following the Dashwood family as they are forced out of their lavish estate into a modest cottage.

Mr Willoughby is the love interest of Marianne Dashwood (Esmé Creed-Miles), though - without getting into any spoilers - it isn't a straightforward romance as he often makes unwise and regrettable decisions.

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Due to his various actions, Mr Willoughby has long been considered a poor romantic partner, though Dillane has offered some sympathy for his character's plight despite admitting his faults.

"I'm going to have to push back on that claim that my character is a red flag because obviously I play Willoughby, so I may be the only person in the world who is going to be in his corner," the actor exclusively told Digital Spy at the film's world premiere.

"I don't see Willoughby as a red flag. I think he means what he says. I think he's as much a victim of the time as anyone else. Definitely he makes mistakes, but these are young people, [and] young people make mistakes."

"I see Willoughby as a rainbow boy - light, loving and sensitive. He sort of wakes up in a car crash and has to piece his life together. He's a tragic character," added the star, who has also appeared in The Essex Serpent and Urchin.

We also spoke with actor Chloe Pirrie at the world premiere, with the star playing Lady Middleton in Sense and Sensibility. She isn't a stranger to Austen's work, having previously appeared in Autumn de Wilde's adaptation of Emma back in 2020.

Related: Exclusive: Sense and Sensibility writer explains why Marianne has her hair down following backlash

When asked if the author could inspire those dating in the modern age, Pirrie noted: "There's a lot in Austen where the family has a feeling about somebody, and they might see through to someone's intentions before the person involved does."

"Less of the stuff about if that person's rich you should, or if that person's not rich enough you shouldn't. That's not great. But I feel like there's so much in Austen of sisters understanding what each other needs," she added.

Sense and Sensibility is in UK cinemas on 25 September, and US cinemas on 16 October.

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Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media.  His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.