Netflix to release ‘East of Eden’ series starring Florence Pugh

Netflix is set to release a new seven-episode series adaptation of John Steinbeck’s 1952 masterpiece, ‘East of Eden’, on October 1. Written and executive produced by Zoe Kazan, the series explores themes of family legacy and the struggle between good and evil.

Florence Pugh stars as the complex antiheroine Cathy Ames, a manipulative character whose life intertwines with the Trask family in California. Pugh is joined by Christopher Abbott and Mike Faist, who play brothers Adam and Charles Trask. The narrative spans several decades, set between the American Civil War and World War I.

Zoe Kazan, whose grandfather Elia Kazan directed the 1955 film adaptation, stated that her goal was to create a version that is both epic and intimate, providing a broader telling of the novel’s story. Kazan described Pugh as a ‘genius’ and the only choice for the role of Cathy. The series features direction from Garth Davis and Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre.