Florence Pugh has opened up about Netflix’s East of Eden and its adaptation of John Steinbeck’s classic novel. Created by Zoe Kazan, the seven-episode limited series stars Pugh as Cathy Ames. The actress believes the series can draw in audiences who have never read the book.
Pugh shared her thoughts in a new Netflix featurette with Kazan and the cast. She said she felt it was “such an honor” when Kazan invited her to help bring the world of East of Eden to life. According to Pugh, the adaptation “stepped off with Cathy’s POV of the world,” making her perspective central to the story. She also described the story as “dangerous and alive.”
Pugh said the cast and crew wanted to ensure the story did not feel distant from viewers. She explained, “No one wants to feel like it’s far away.” Instead, everyone wanted audiences to feel like they could “jump into that world” and become part of the characters’ lives. She also highlighted the production’s scale, describing the episodes as “huge” and emphasizing the production’s epic landscapes.
The actress acknowledged that bringing the story to life was challenging because “the story is complex and it was hard.” However, she also emphasized how much she enjoyed the experience, calling it “so fun to do.”
Zoe Kazan’s new adaptation gives Steinbeck’s characters more room to come alive
The series allows Kazan to explore Steinbeck’s story in greater detail than the 1955 film. Her grandfather, Elia Kazan, directed that acclaimed film, which adapted only part of the novel. The seven-episode Netflix series has more room to develop the larger family conflict and its central relationships.
The longer format also allows Kazan to explore characters such as Cathy, Lee, and Charles in greater depth. Cathy, in particular, becomes a major focus by approaching the story from her perspective.
With Pugh leading the cast alongside Christopher Abbott, Mike Faist, and Hoon Lee, East of Eden brings Steinbeck’s multigenerational story to television. The series offers both longtime readers and newcomers a new way to experience the story.
East of Eden arrives on Netflix on October 1, 2026.
Originally reported on ComingSoon.net.
