Netflix Releases East of Eden Adaptation Led by Florence Pugh

Netflix’s seven-episode adaptation of John Steinbeck’s East of Eden became available to stream on October 1, with Florence Pugh starring as Cathy Ames, a character the series places at the center of the family saga. Created by Zoe Kazan, the adaptation follows the Trask family across generations and gives Cathy’s perspective a larger role than in the familiar 1955 film, according to coverage of the series and Pugh’s comments about its approach. The story retains the conflict between brothers Adam and Charles Trask, played by Christopher Abbott and Mike Faist, respectively. Their family tensions extend to the next generation, including the twin sons Cal and Aron, played by Joseph Zada and Joe Anders. The cast also includes Hoon Lee as Lee, Tracy Letts as Cyrus Trask, Martha Plimpton as Faye and Ciarán Hinds as Samuel Hamilton. Steinbeck’s 1952 novel explores jealousy, family expectations and the choices people make, drawing on the biblical story of Cain and Abel. The series is set in California’s Salinas Valley in the early 20th century.