Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: First teaser trailer shows Lily James as a truly brutal Elizabeth Bennet

It's Jane Austen's Pemberley as you've never seen it before

Lily James as Elizabeth Bennet in a decidedly 'different' take on Pride and Prejudice (Lionsgate)

“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains.” Jane Austen aficionados, hide your eyes, as the first UK teaser trailer for Pride and Prejudice and Zombies has finally arrived.

Lily James and Sam Riley star in the leads as Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy, while Jack Huston, Bella Heathcote, Douglas Booth, Suki Waterhouse, Matt Smith and Game of Thrones stars Charles Dance and Lena Heady also feature.

“To succeed in polite society, a young woman must be many things: kind, well-read and accomplished,” Elizabeth says in voice-over over a montage of traditional, romantic images of dancing, horse-riding and that famous lake scene.

What's a Pride and Prejudice spin-off without a reenactment of that lake scene? (Lionsgate)

“But to survive in the world as we know it, she’ll need… other qualities.”

Cue a hilariously dramatic change in tempo to some seriously kick-ass zombie bashing, and some pretty gross bloodied make-up.

Based on the book by Seth Grahame Smith, the official synopsis reads: “A mysterious plague has fallen upon 19th century England, the land is overrun with the undead and feisty heroine Elizabeth Bennet is a master of martial arts and weaponry.

“Casting aside personal and social prejudices, Elizabeth and Mr Darcy must unite on the blood-soaked battlefield to rid the country of the zombie menace and discover their true love for one another.”

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies arrives in UK cinemas on Friday 12 February 2016, whether you want it to or not.

Best lines from Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

“Elizabeth lifted her skirt, disregarded modesty, and delivered a swift kick to the creature's head.”

“Thank you, sir, but I am perfectly content being the bride of death.”

“Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr Collins and I will never see you again if you do; for I shall not have my best warrior resigned to the service of a man who is fatter than Buddha and duller than the edge of a learning sword.”

“I dare say she means to keep you from his attentions. Your honour demands she be slain.”

“She remembered the lead ammunition in her pocket and offered it to him. 'Your balls, Mr Darcy?' He reached out and closed her hand around them. 'They belong to you, Miss Bennet'.”