Julie Andrews continues her elegant literary legacy, bringing beloved classic literature to new audiences through the magic of her voice. The Oscar-winning icon is expanding her partnership with Noiser, demonstrating that some careers only get more impressive with time.
Sources close to the production say the decision to lock in Season 2 before the first season even wrapped was strategic — Noiser wanted to ensure they retained Andrews' schedule amid growing competition for A-list narrators in the premium audiobook space. The unabridged format means listeners get every word of Austen's original text, no edits.
The announcement comes via Variety on August 19, 2026 — marking Julie Andrews as a multi-season commitment for Noiser's growing catalog of classic literature adaptations. Dame Julie Andrews holds an Oscar (Mary Poppins), BAFTA, and multiple Emmy and Grammy awards across her legendary career.
While this won't generate tabloid headlines, it represents a significant move in the high-stakes audiobook market where celebrity narrators command premium listener attention — and Julie Andrews remains one of the most bankable names in the business.
Dame Julie Andrews is heading back to Regency-era England. The legendary actress and singer has signed on for Season 2 of Noiser's "Jane Austen Stories" podcast series, where she will narrate Austen's beloved novel "Emma" in its entirety — no abridgments, no edits, just the complete text as the author intended it. The announcement, broken exclusively by Variety on August 19, 2026, marks a continued partnership between Andrews and the Noiser Podcast Network.
The stage and screen icon first lent her voice to the series in Season 1, establishing what sources describe as an immediate rapport with the production team. "She brings something special to these stories," one insider noted. "Her delivery transforms the experience into something intimate — like she's reading directly to you." For those unfamiliar with Noiser's approach, the podcast network has carved out a niche in premium audiobook content, focusing on classic literature and historical works narrated by celebrated voices.
The decision to commit Andrews to multiple seasons signals confidence in both her appeal and the viability of their literary catalog strategy. With "Emma," listeners will receive the full unabridged text — all of Austen's witty social commentary, romantic misadventures, and sharp observations about class and courtship delivered directly from one of cinema's most recognized voices. Andrews' credentials in this space are impeccable.
The actress holds an Oscar for her performance as Mary Poppins, a BAFTA, multiple Emmy Awards, and Grammy honors — making her one of the rare performers to achieve EGOT status plus additional accolades. Her voice work extends well beyond film; she has narrated numerous audiobooks and participated in various literary projects throughout her career. The combination of her theatrical training and natural diction makes her particularly suited for bringing Austen's period prose to life.
Industry observers note that celebrity-narrated audiobook projects have become increasingly competitive territory, with streaming platforms and podcast networks vying for high-profile talent. Securing Andrews represents a significant win for Noiser as they look to expand their literary programming. The timing of this announcement — coming amid the broader growth of audio content consumption — underscores how valuable established performers remain in an era of algorithmic playlists and AI-generated narration.
When it comes to prestige audiobook projects, there's simply no substitute for genuine star power. Season 2 of "Jane Austen Stories" with Julie Andrews narrating "Emma" is expected to arrive on Noiser later this year.
