East of Eden limited series begins production as ensemble cast expands

Even though she's no stranger to Netflix, having starred in the streamer's original movies Outlaw King, Malevolent, and The Wonder, Academy Award-nominated actress Florence Pugh's biggest Netflix role is still to come. The talented star will lead the cast of Netflix's upcoming limited series East of Eden, based on the novel of the same name by John Steinbeck.

Pugh first became attached to star when word of the project was revealed by Deadline back in June 2022, but Netflix officially gave the limited series the green light in September 2024. Along with Pugh leading the cast, three additional cast members were announced at the time of the green light: Christopher Abbott, Mike Faist, and Hoon Lee.

On Oct. 21, the ensemble cast of East of Eden was rounded out with Tracy Letts, Matha Plimpton, Ciarán Hinds, Joseph Zada, and Joe Anders. With the cast set, it's reported that production on the seven-episode series has commenced in New Zealand (which is likely the reason Andrew Garfield walked the London premiere of We Live in Time with a cardboard cutout of Florence Pugh).

Here's the full East of Eden limited series cast so far:

• Florence Pugh as Cathy Ames
• Christopher Abbott as Adam Trask
• Mike Faist as Charles Trask
• Hoon Lee as Lee
• Tracy Letts as Cyrus Trask
• Martha Plimpton as Faye
• Ciarán Hinds as Samuel Hamilton
• Joseph Zada as Cal Trask
• Joe Anders as Aron Trask

Everything to know about Netflix's East of Eden limited series

Netflix's East of Eden limited series adaptation comes from executive producer, co-showrunner, and writer Zoe Kazan. The story is in her blood, as Kazan's grandfather Elia Kazan directed the 1955 film adaptation of Steinbeck's book, which starred none other than James Dean and landed four Academy Award nominations. It's a full circle moment for the Kazan filmmaking dynasty.

Upon Netflix officially ordering the series, Kazan shared a statement that touched on her special "familial connection" to the story:

"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. 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 & Anonymous Content for their support."

- Zoe Kazan, writer/executive producer

As previously mentioned, East of Eden will contain seven episodes and film throughout various locations in New Zealand, per Deadline. Pugh also executive produces the series with Jeb Stuart, who's co-showrunner with Kazan. The first four episodes will be directed by Foe director Garth Davis, while the last three episodes will be directed by Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre, who helmed Netflix's Lady Chatterley's Lover adaptation. Both directors are also executive producers.

According to Netflix's official logline for the limited series, this adaptation will be a "modern interpretation of Steinbeck's masterpiece," which suggests that East of Eden won't be a period piece this time around. Also, Kazan's reimagining seems to place Cathy Ames at the forefront of the story as an "indelible antihero," as hinted at by Pugh's casting in the leading role. There's so much intrigue surrounding this title, and it's sure to be among the most highly anticipated Netflix releases.

Take a closer look at Netflix's logline for the limited series:

"This modern interpretation of Steinbeck's masterpiece will explore the multigenerational saga of the Trask family, focusing new attention on its indelible antihero, Cathy Ames."

Since production began in October 2024, filming will likely last throughout the remainder of 2024 and possibly into 2025. Once filming officially wraps, post-production will begin, and that process of editing, dubbing, and more movie magic can take up to six months or more. For now, we're predicting a release for East of Eden sometime before the end of 2025, which would make the series a major awards season contender. We'll share more information as it's announced by Netflix.

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