‘Age of Innocence,’ ‘Unaccustomed Earth’ Series Adaptations Set at Netflix

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Netflix is significantly investing in television adaptations of timeless novels, having given the go-ahead for series based on “The Age of Innocence” and “Unaccustomed Earth.

Edith Wharton penned ‘The Age of Innocence’, which first hit shelves in 1920. The Netflix adaptation presents a captivating, emotional journey through a complex love triangle, focusing on themes like freedom, responsibility, self-discovery, and love in its myriad manifestations. This modern retelling stays faithful to Wharton’s original work but resonates with contemporary audiences as we delve into the lives of these young characters, questioning what constitutes love – is it passion or desire? Should our actions be guided by reason or emotion?

Emma Frost, recognized for her contributions to series such as “The Spanish Princess,” “The White Princess,” and “The White Queen,” has been appointed as a writer, executive producer, and showrunner. Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, and Tracey Cook from Chernin Entertainment will also serve as executive producers. In addition, Chernin Entertainment, which is affiliated with The North Road Company, will also be involved as executive producers.

As a fervent admirer, I’d like to express my deep appreciation for the timeless masterpiece, “The Age of Innocence.” This remarkable novel, published in 1920, was not only a literary sensation but also claimed the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1921. Over the years, it has graced our screens on numerous occasions, with Martin Scorsese’s 1993 adaptation being particularly memorable. This film, featuring Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, Winona Ryder, and Miriam Margolyes, garnered a total of nine nominations at the Academy Awards and Golden Globes. Among these nods, it took home the Oscar for Best Costume Design, and the talented Winona Ryder was honored with the Golden Globe for her captivating performance as Best Supporting Actress.

Frost is repped by Curtis Brown Group, UTA, and Yorn Levine Barnes.

Jhumpa Lahiri’s ‘Unfamiliar Ground,’ a compilation of her short stories, was released in 2008. Currently, Netflix is planning to adapt it into eight episodes.

The series is a richly layered drama set within an Indian American community in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It explores themes of love, yearning, and identity, all while showcasing the vibrancy of their culture. ‘Unaccustomed Earth’ delves deep into this exclusive Indian-American society, revealing a passionate tale involving a secret romance between a married woman and an old flame. This illicit relationship sets off a chain reaction, causing fresh conflicts to arise within this tightly interwoven immigrant community.

John Wells (“The Pitt,” “Shameless”) and Madhuri Shekar (“The Nevers,” “3 Body Problem”) are teaming up to write the adaptation. They will both serve as executive producers, with John Wells taking on the role of showrunner through his production company, John Wells Productions (JWP). Nisha Ganatra will direct the first episode and also executive produce. Lahiri, Erica Saleh, Erin Jontow from JWP, and Celia Costas are also set to executive produce. Warner Bros. Television, where John Wells has an ongoing contract, will be in charge of production.

The most recent work by author Jhumpa Lahiri has been chosen for a screen adaptation. Back in 2006, her book “The Namesake” was transformed into a movie featuring actors like Kal Penn, Tabu, and Irrfan Khan.

Welles is represented by the firm Hansen Jacobson. Shekar is represented by IAG, Redefine Entertainment, and Jackoway Austen Tyerman. Lastly, Lahiri is represented by WME. In simpler terms, each of them has different talent agencies or firms handling their representation.

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2025-04-23 21:19