East of Eden series starring Florence Pugh in development at Netflix

Netflix is ​​revisiting a classic novel for its latest prestige series. The streamer has officially greenlit East of Eden, a seven-episode limited series based on John Steinbeck's 1952 novel. The book was previously adapted for a 1955 film directed by James Dean's Elia Kazan first leading role.



Zoe Kazan, Elia Kazan's granddaughter, is adapting the novel and will serve as co-showrunner alongside Jeb Stuart (Vikings: Valhalla). Florence Pugh (pictured) leads the cast, with Christopher Abbott, Mike Faist (playing Dean's role in the film) and Hoon Lee in the lead roles. Fifth Season and Anonymous Content production.

“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 (U.S. 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 acquired it after a bidding war. Pugh has been involved from the beginning and will also be an executive producer.

Kazan, Stuart and Pugh produce East of Eden alongside directors Garth Davis (Top of the Lake), who directs the first four episodes, and Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre (Impeachment: American Crime Story), who helms the final three episodes takes, and Antoine Douaihy and Zack Hayden.