She Still Hasn’t Read Reviews: Florence Pugh Was Nervous to Release East of Eden, Saying It Was Too Much
Pugh avoids the reviews
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter at a Friday FYC event, Florence Pugh said she could not bring herself to look at public or critical reactions to East of Eden. She described the experience as overwhelming and said she remained glad she had not read the reviews.
Pugh explained that making the series took a long time and felt deeply personal. She said she had worried audiences might not understand or enjoy it, but added that she had heard people liked it.
A personal role in production
Pugh stars in and executive produced the limited series, adapted from John Steinbeck’s 1952 novel. Christopher Abbott and Mike Faist also appear, while Zoe Kazan is the writer and co-showrunner.
Pugh said working on the project strengthened her interest in producing and joining projects from their beginnings. She described the payoff as deeper when she helps shape a production and sees ideas develop on set.
Kazan reacts to its success
Kazan said the series’ success felt overwhelming and expressed gratitude that it had found an audience. She noted the contrast between the book’s critical reception and the show’s popular following.
The adaptation draws on a literary source and is a period piece, Kazan said, making its broad audience especially meaningful to her. She said she had believed viewers for the story existed, while also feeling relieved that they were finding it.
Key points
- East of Eden became a major Netflix hit after its release last month.
- Pugh stars in and executive produced the series adapted from Steinbeck’s 1952 novel.
- Pugh said she has avoided reading the public and critical reaction.
- Zoe Kazan said she felt grateful the adaptation had found a large audience.