Netflix will revisit a classic novel for its latest prestige series.
The streamer has formally greenlit East of Eden, a seven-episode limited series based on John Steinbeck’s 1952 novel. The book was previously adapted for a 1955 movie directed by Elia Kazan that was notable as James Dean’s first lead role.
Zoe Kazan, Elia Kazan’s granddaughter, is adapting the novel and will serve as co-showrunner with Jeb Stuart (Die Hard, Vikings: Valhalla). Florence Pugh heads the cast, with Christopher Abbott, Mike Faist (playing the role Dean had in the film) and Hoon Lee also starring. Fifth Season and Anonymous Content are producing.
“In the process of bringing this family saga to life, the resonance of my own familial connection to the material has not been lost on me,” Kazan said in a statement. “But it is Steinbeck’s writing — personal, shocking, profound and free — that has kept me enthralled to East of Eden since I first read the book as a young teen. Working on this has been the greatest joy, and I am thrilled by the cast and crew we are assembling – and deeply grateful to Netflix, Fifth Season and Anonymous Content for their support.”
Added Peter Friedlander, vp scripted series (US and Canada) for Netflix: “Zoe’s thoughtful and artistic vision pays homage to her grandfather’s revered film adaptation while beautifully honoring and introducing new audiences to a true canon of American literature. She is an inspiring, creative force and we can not wait for everyone to see what she and Jeb, alongside the brilliant cast led by Florence Pugh, bring to screen.”
The project has been in development since 2022, when Netflix landed it following a bidding war. Pugh has been attached from the start and will also be an executive producer.
Kazan, Stuart and Pugh will executive produce East of Eden with directors Garth Davis (Top of the Lake), who will helm the first four episodes, and Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre (Impeachment: American Crime Story), who will take the last three installments; and Antoine Douiahy and Zack Hayden.
Source: Hollywoodreporter
