Netflix has sent ripples through the entertainment world with the announcement of its glittering ensemble cast for the upcoming adaptation of Edith Wharton's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Age of Innocence.
Leading the lavish period drama is Phoebe Dynevor (Bridgerton), who takes on the coveted role of May Welland. She is joined by Hollywood heavyweights Michelle Pfeiffer, returning to the world of Wharton after her iconic performance in the 1993 film, and the acclaimed Michael Fassbender.
A New Generation of Old Money
This fresh take promises to delve deeper into the original text, exploring the complex love triangle set against the backdrop of 1870s New York high society. Dynevor's May Welland is the beautiful, seemingly naive fiancée at the story's heart.
Pfeiffer is set to play the enigmatic Countess Ellen Olenska, a role that earned her an Oscar nomination in Martin Scorsese's original film. Fassbender will step into the shoes of Newland Archer, the young lawyer torn between duty and desire.
Completing the Opulent Picture
The streaming giant has pulled out all the stops, rounding out the cast with an impressive roster of talent:
- Jenna Coleman (Victoria) as the manipulative socialite Mrs. Lemuel Struthers.
- Sinéad Cusack (V for Vendetta) as the formidable matriarch, Mrs. Manson Mingott.
- Toby Stephens (Lost in Space) as the charismatic Julius Beaufort.
- David Dawson (The Last Kingdom) as the pivotal character Larry Lefferts.
- Rosemarie DeWitt (La La Land) as the meddling Mrs. Welland.
- Patrick Kennedy (War & Peace) as the noble Ned Winsett.
Behind the Scenes Power
Helming this ambitious project is BAFTA-nominated director Shekhar Kapur (Elizabeth), with the screenplay penned by Greta Bellamacina. The combination of Kapur's visual grandeur and Bellamacina's contemporary storytelling lens has sparked immense anticipation for this classic tale of scandal and repression.
With production underway, Netflix is positioning this adaptation as a major awards contender and a must-watch event for fans of literary drama and sumptuous period storytelling.
