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WOKE EXPECTATIONS: Stephen Knight's 'Great Expectations' slammed for destroying classic tale

Steven Knight is known for his work on 'Peaky Blinders,' 'Spencer,' and he also wrote and developed the series

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The year is for remakes or sequels, and the highly watched show 'Peaky Blinders' creator, Steven Knight is coming out with a little altered live-action version of 'Great Expectations' written by Charles Dickens. Set in 19th-century England and explores themes such as class, ambition, love, betrayal, and redemption. 'Great Expectations' is considered one of Dickens's greatest works, and it continues to be widely read and studied today for its rich character development, vivid imagery, and social commentary.

Starring the biggest names in British television, the show follows the story of a young boy named Pip, (played by Fionn Whitehead) who dreams of becoming a gentleman and rising above his humble beginnings. From the creator of 'Peaky Blinders,' 'Great Expectations' is easily one of the shows to watch out for in March 2023. However, because of the alterations Knight has faced some major backlash. 

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'This is not an attempt to say the book is wrong'

Apparently BBC has adding anticolonial message into its adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic novel 'Great Expectations,' it has been revealed. As per recent conjectures, in one scene of the upcoming period drama series criminal Magwitch, one of the central characters, describes the British Empire as having been 'built on the lies of privileged white men', The Telegraph reports. When Knight was asked by the newspaper about whether he is concerned his version of the beloved tale may upset traditionalists, Knight said: "It's everyone's right to react in the way they want to react but I would say that the book exists, it is still there. This is not an attempt to say the book is wrong or this is better."

'History rewritten again for who though?'

After this news surfaced online fans seemed to be incredibly unimpressed. A fan said, "I was going to watch this, now I think I’ll give it a miss." A fan wrote, "Thought that was the point of Dickens. He criticised the legal system, the workhouses, debtors’ prisons etc etc. He fought for social justice and was a champion of those without a voice," while another adds, "Dickens was a social justice warrior. Anyone who’s read his work knows that already. Sounds like one to miss then. So bored with the BBC and their whole agenda ." A fan tweeted, "Was actually looking forward to watching I but will give it a miss . History rewritten again for who though?"

A fan shared, "We were looking forward to watching this great story again by the genius which was Dickens, but won't bother now. We're strong enough to deal with history and appreciate story accuracy. Anyone having a problem with history, should make their own, don't destroy the works of others," while another wrote, "This is a joke right? Anyone who has read even one page of Dickens should realise that he absolutely did care about social justice."

'Great Expectations' officially premieres on March 26, 2023. The show will air the first two episodes on its initial release date.

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