Brief
Florence Pugh says Zoe Kazan’s collaboration on Netflix’s East of Eden boosted her confidence
Pugh praised Kazan’s faith in her and the chance to shape the series as key to her growing self‑assurance.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Florence Pugh told The Hollywood Reporter at the New York premiere of Netflix’s limited series East of Eden that working closely with creator Zoe Kazan and serving as an executive producer on the show significantly boosted her confidence.
What happened
Kazan approached Pugh in 2020 for the central role of Cathy Ames, saying she had “no backup” and believed Pugh was the exact fit. Pugh accepted, later adding that Kazan also invited her to join the production as an executive producer, giving her a say in shaping the adaptation.
What the report adds
The article notes Kazan’s rationale for casting Pugh: she saw a blend of feminine presentation and a “Jungian… masculinity” in her soul that matched Steinbeck’s description of Cathy. Kazan also referenced Pugh’s 2019 performance in Midsommar as evidence of “generational talent.”
What was said
“I didn’t have a backup,” Kazan told Netflix, adding that Pugh was “the exact right person to play Cathy.” Pugh said, “She really wanted me to be a part of the process; she wanted to create it with me. And that was just huge,” and described the opportunity as “the beginning of feeling truly confident about yourself.”
How it came about
Pugh’s involvement began when Kazan, who adapted Steinbeck’s novel for Netflix, identified her as the sole actress for Cathy Ames. The collaboration grew into a dual acting‑producing role, which Pugh says has been a pivotal moment in her career.
Key facts
- Florence Pugh was cast as Cathy Ames in Netflix’s East of Eden after Zoe Kazan approached her in 2020. (hollywoodreporter.com)
- Pugh also serves as an executive producer on the series, giving her creative input. (hollywoodreporter.com)
- Kazan said she had no backup actress and believed Pugh embodied the novel’s description of Cathy. (hollywoodreporter.com)
- Pugh said the collaboration boosted her confidence and marked a major career moment. (hollywoodreporter.com)
Sources
- [1] hollywoodreporter.com — originally reported as “Florence Pugh on How Zoe Kazan ‘East of Eden’ Collaboration Helped Boost Her Confidence”
