Mia Wasikowska has admitted that she sought out a Jane Eyre project because she was desperate to play the character after reading the book.
The actress take on the title role in Cary Fukunaga's movie this week alongside Michael Fassbender as Rochester.
Speaking to MSN New the actress said: "I started reading the book in 2009. I was halfway through the novel when I emailed my agent and asked if there was a project planned, because I thought it would be an incredible role to play."
And while there was no project in the pipeline when she enquired it wasn't long before a script came her way.
"I met with Cary [Fukunaga, the director] and found we shared similar ideas.
"What I love about her character is, despite all the hardship she faces throughout her life, she has this innate sense of self-respect and an incredible ability to do what's right by herself as an individual.
The movie has so far been met well by the critics as it sees Wasikowska take on the period drama for the very first time.
And it will be a busy end to the year for the actress as she is also set to star in Restless later this autumn.
Jane Eyre is out now.
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