Brief
Zoe Kazan explains cuts to Steinbeck’s East of Eden for Netflix adaptation
Kazan says the adaptation omits the Hamiltons, adds Lee and hopes the show will boost sales of Steinbeck’s novel.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Writer Zoe Kazan told The Independent that Netflix’s seven‑episode adaptation of John Steinbeck’s East of Eden had to leave out large parts of the Hamilton family storyline, a decision she says “hurt her heart”. The series, starring Christopher Abbott, Mike Faist, Florence Pugh and Ciarán Hinds, streams from 1 October.
What happened
Kazan compressed the decades‑spanning novel into seven episodes, omitting the Hamiltons – an Irish‑immigrant family that serves as the moral centre in the book – and adding the character Lee, played by Hoon Lee, who was absent from the 1955 film directed by her grandfather Elia Kazan.
What was said
“The incredible thing about this book is there’s much treasure in it that you couldn’t possibly put it all into seven hours,” Kazan said to The Independent. “There are things I had to leave behind that hurt my heart – there’s so much of the Hamiltons’ storyline that’s not in there, and the Hamiltons are some of my favourite characters in the book.” She added that the series has already driven a 250 % rise in sales of Steinbeck’s novel. Florence Pugh, who plays Cathy, said the casting process for Lee was “so clear” when she received his tape.
How it came about
The adaptation was announced in Felo’s weekly streaming roundup, noting Netflix’s focus on literary re‑imaginings. Kazan had previously told Time she wanted eight episodes, but the final cut was seven.
Key facts
- Netflix’s East of Eden adaptation consists of seven episodes and streams from 1 October. (independent.co.uk)
- Zoe Kazan said the Hamilton family storyline was largely omitted, which she described as heartbreaking. (independent.co.uk)
- The series adds the character Lee, played by Hoon Lee, a role not present in the 1955 film. (independent.co.uk)
- Kazan claims the show has boosted sales of Steinbeck’s novel by 250 %. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “East of Eden creator on changing John Steinbeck’s novel for Netflix”
