Zoe Kazan Discusses Complexities of Characters in 'East of Eden

WHO:

Variety - Zoe Kazan is the showrunner of "East of Eden."

Variety - Florence Pugh plays the character Cathy in "East of Eden."

WHAT:

Variety - Kazan discusses the complexities of characters in "East of Eden," particularly focusing on Cathy, who is described as both a "murderer" and a "survivor."

Variety - The series "East of Eden" is now streaming on Netflix.

Variety - Kazan reflects on family legacy, noting her grandfather Elia Kazan directed an adaptation of John Steinbeck's work over 62 years ago.

WHY:

Variety - Kazan aims to explore the duality of characters, particularly in how they can embody both good and evil traits.

HOW:

Variety - Kazan has made Lee a central character in the adaptation, indicating a shift in focus from the original narrative.

(UPDATED October 5, 2026 08:13 UTC)

Zoe Kazan is the showrunner of the new Netflix series "East of Eden," where Florence Pugh takes on the role of Cathy, a character described as both a "murderer" and a "survivor." Kazan aims to delve into the complexities of characters, exploring their duality and how they can embody both good and evil traits, while also reflecting on her family legacy, as her grandfather Elia Kazan directed a version of John Steinbeck's work over 62 years ago. In this adaptation, Kazan has made Lee a central character, shifting the focus from the original narrative.