Netflix adaptation of epic California novel ‘East of Eden’ slammed for filming in New Zealand
Netflix’s new tackle John Steinbeck‘s California-set masterpiece “East of Eden” is already stirring controversy — as a result of streaming large’s choice to shoot the Salinas Valley epic over 6,000 miles away in New Zealand.
Critics blasted the decision after manufacturing reworked components of Auckland, Dunedin and Oamaru into early Twentieth-century California, regardless of the 1952 novel’s deep roots in Steinbeck’s house state.
New Zealand has lengthy lured main Hollywood productions with beneficiant government-backed tax rebates, providing worldwide studios as much as 20% again on qualifying manufacturing prices. Netflix
“East of Eden” is taken into account one of California’s defining literary works Getty Images
Furious followers flocked to X to vent their frustrations after a trailer dropped on-line.
“What a deeply odd choice when the land itself is the most important character,” one wrote.
“I’m going to struggle to watch it. I lived in Salinas as a girl. The setting in this book is essential to me. It feels wrong to have it filmed elsewhere. Doesn’t feel like the same story,” lamented one other.
“God, I love this book, but yeah, what a missed opportunity…” a 3rd chimed in.
The novel is centered on the Salinas Valley and deeply tied to the state’s geography and identification wolterke – inventory.adobe.com
New Zealand has lengthy lured major hollywood productions with beneficiant government-backed tax rebates, providing worldwide research as much as 20% again on qualifying manufacturing prices, with extra incentives out there for bigger tasks.
“We are sending a clear message to the world: New Zealand is the best place in the world to make movies. Bring your productions here to take advantage of our talent and locations,” Finance Minister Nicola Willis stated in an official statement final yr.
Filming for the “East of Eden” collection started earlier than President Trump’s announcement of 100% tariffs on films made outside the US.
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For many devoted followers, the choice appears like a betrayal. Netflix
New Zealand’s tempting monetary perks and adaptive manufacturing scene made it far easier—and cheaper—to recreate Steinbeck’s world than filming on California’s precise soil. Netflix
When asserting the 100% tariffs this month, Trump stated Hollywood was dying a “very fast death” because of incentives supplied by different nations.
“I never thought I’d see the day when it would be MORE expensive to shoot a movie or TV series in LA than anywhere else in the country or world,” one other critic griped on X.
“East of Eden” is taken into account one of California’s defining literary works, centered on the Salinas Valley and deeply tied to the state’s geography and identification.
The seven-episode collection, starring Florence Pugh, wrapped filming in New Zealand earlier this yr and is anticipated to debut in 2026.
