From Collider · Greer Riddell · · 1m 50s
Netflix’s East of Eden Actors Share Fear of Steinbeck
Actors reveal terror of adapting Steinbeck’s classic with Netflix’s East of Eden.
In brief
Actors reveal terror of adapting Steinbeck’s classic with Netflix’s East of Eden. Hoon Lee, Joseph Zada, and Joe Anders discuss their fears of misrepresenting John Steinbeck’s East of Eden while creating authentic family dynamics for Netflix. Originally reported by Collider.
Hoon Lee’s Father Figure Role
Hoon Lee explains why his character becomes a devoted father figure to Cal and Aron despite having no blood ties to them.
“Lee explains why walking away would mean "abandoning these babies into the wilderness."”
Zada and Anders’ Brotherly Bond
Zada and Anders bonded over friendship, competition, and the fear of getting Steinbeck wrong.
“They had "extensive conversations and freak-outs" about trying to do the material justice.”
Lee’s Emotional Responsibility
Lee sees Adam’s devotion to Cathy despite her selfish personality and steps up as a father figure when she leaves.
“The greatest fear that a child has is that he won't be loved. Rejection is the hell that he fears.”
Zada and Anders’ Fear of Misrepresentation
Zada and Anders admitted to being "terrified" about getting John Steinbeck’s story wrong.
“They were "terrified" about getting it wrong.”
Inspired by Pugh and Abbott
Zada and Anders found their characters’ identities without imitating Florence Pugh and Christopher Abbott’s performances.
“It was "unbelievable to be able to share any kind of creative space with either of them."”
Cal’s Family History
Cal carries much of the family’s history within him, while Aron enters the world with a positive outlook.
“Aron’s outlook is "positive and hopeful about the future" and has a "freshness" that remains throughout much of the story.”
Lee’s View on Generational Harmony
Lee credits Ellen Lewis’s team for creating a cohesive group that allows natural generational connections.
“Ellen Lewis’s team created "a cohesive company of personalities."”
East of Eden Streaming
East of Eden is now streaming on Netflix.
“East of Eden is now streaming on Netflix.”
Zada and Anders’ Natural Chemistry
Zada and Anders had a natural relationship when they first met, creating instinctive understanding for their roles.
“They had "a really natural relationship when we first met each other."”
Zada’s Focus on Cal’s Identity
Zada focused on Cal’s unique identity without borrowing too heavily from the previous generation.
“You’re doing your own thing. You’re serving your own text and your own character.”
Aron’s Fresh Perspective
Aron enters the world with a positive outlook and a freshness that remains throughout the story.
“Aron’s outlook is "positive and hopeful about the future" and has a "freshness" that remains throughout much of the story.”
East of Eden’s Authenticity
Zada and Anders created authentic family dynamics by drawing from their real friendship and shared fears.
“The key to the authentic fraternal bond we see between Cal and Aron is that Zada and Anders did not have to manufacture their chemistry.”
The short version
Hoon Lee, Joseph Zada, and Joe Anders discuss their fears of misrepresenting John Steinbeck’s East of Eden while creating authentic family dynamics for Netflix.
