The new limited series East of Eden brings John Steinbeck’s sprawling novel to the screen, moving from the woods of Connecticut to the sun-kissed valleys of California. Creator Zoe Kazan and co-showrunner Jeb Stuart set out to capture the novel’s psychological depth, insisting that even the smallest roles needed to echo the inner monologues that Steinbeck famously wove into his prose.
Translating those layered thoughts into a visual medium required a cast capable of living inside the characters’ private worlds. After an exhaustive search, Kazan settled on three actors whose previous work demonstrated the kind of emotional elasticity the project demanded.
East of Eden’s main players
Florence Pugh assumes the role of Cathy Ames the novel’s unforgettable antihero whose manipulations drive much of the plot. Pugh, also an executive producer, said she was drawn to the challenge of giving voice to a character traditionally viewed as purely evil, hoping to uncover the fragile humanity beneath the darkness.
Christopher Abbott portrays Adam Trask a former army veteran whose naive optimism collides with Cathy’s tempestuous nature. Abbott described Adam as a man whose identity reshapes repeatedly – from a wandering vagabond to a father wrestling with moral dilemmas.
Mike Faist steps into the shoes of Charles Trask Adam’s brooding brother who remains on the family farm while his sibling seeks fortune elsewhere. Faist emphasized Charles’ internal battle, noting that the character’s trauma constantly threatens to erupt, making him a perfect foil to Abbott’s Adam.
Florence Pugh as Cathy Ames
For Kazan, Pugh was the only possible choice to embody Cathy. “I didn’t have a backup,” the director confessed, adding that Pugh’s talent felt almost genius. The actress welcomed the prospect of humanising a figure many readers label as irredeemable, explaining that exploring an “unlikable” role allowed her to practice empathy and broaden her narrative range.
On set, Pugh collaborated closely with Kazan, contributing ideas that helped shape the series’ visual language. She noted, “Being invited to create the world with Zoe was an honour; it felt like a partnership rather than a simple casting decision.” The chemistry between Pugh and Abbott was highlighted as a cornerstone of the show, with Pugh praising Abbott’s “beautiful, deep, sad eyes” that added nuance to their tumultuous on-screen relationship.
Beyond the set: Pugh’s favorite getaways and scent
When she isn’t rehearsing lines, Pugh is an avid traveller who equates a perfect vacation with sun, food, and relaxation. She repeatedly cites Greece as her ultimate sun-lounging destination, praising its “perfect” cuisine – from fresh vegetables to the iconic tzatziki – and the warm hospitality of the local tavernas.
Among modern marvels, Pugh’s heart belongs to the Acropolis, a memory forged while shooting The Little Drummer Girl there at night. The solitary experience of dancing among illuminated columns left her with a “pinch-me” feeling she hopes
Her personal brand of wonder, however, lives in Edinburgh’s Arthur’s Seat, a hill she climbs for panoramic city views, a post-climb snack, and a well-earned pint. She describes the ascent as a ritual that blends physical effort with a rewarding sense of calm.
In the realm of beauty, Pugh recently became the face of Max Mara Eau de Parfum the fashion house’s first major fragrance in over two decades. She likens the scent to “cashmere” – a blend of vanilla, tuberose, sandalwood, and cedarwood that feels both structured and comforting, mirroring the iconic coat that inspired it.
Her daily routine also includes a quirky yet effective thigh-suction cup for lymphatic drainage, which she admits looks odd in the shower but delivers smoother legs. When it comes to makeup, Pugh relies on a classic Armani concealer for a fresh, dewy finish, and she never forgets to limit phone time in favor of a calming cup of tea.
Collecting souvenirs has become a new hobby; she now fills her fridge magnet board with tokens from places like Sri Lanka, a habit she once mocked in her youth. Whether it’s a magnet, a memory of a sunburned holiday in Spain, or the scent of a new perfume, Pugh’s lifestyle choices paint a portrait of an actress who treasures both the grand narratives of fiction and the intimate details of everyday pleasure.
