One of the most enduring classics of American literature is coming to Netflix later this year. The streaming giant is adapting East of Eden, John Steinbeck‘s allegorical masterpiece. We now have a first look at the seven-episode miniseries, which introduces Florence Pugh as Cathy Ames, one of literature’s most despicable villains.

In the clip, Thunderbolts* star Pugh seems to be beautiful and charming; however, her exterior belies her true nature, which is manipulative and cruel. She uses her attractiveness to control and ultimately destroy others for her own amusement. Among those victims is Adam Trask (Christopher Abbott, Wolf Man), the man who will become her husband and father her two sons. He has a troubled relationship with his brother, Charles (Mike Faist, Challengers), stemming from their unequal treatment by their father. First published in 1952, East of Eden is regarded as Steinbeck‘s magnum opus; the new miniseries will examine the character of Cathy Ames as its focal point and will officially debut on Netflix in the fall.

Who Are the Creatives Behind ‘East of Eden’?

The series is written by Zoe Kazan. Best known for her roles in Olive Kitteridge and The Big Sick, Kazan previously penned the films Ruby Sparks and Wildlife (co-writing the latter with husband Paul Dano). Kazan also co-showruns with Jeb Stuart (Die Hard). Garth Davis (Lion) directs the first four episodes, while Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre (The Act) directs the final three episodes; both will also executive produce alongside Pugh, Kazan, Stuart, Antoine Douiahy, Zack Hayden, Steve Golin, David Levine, and Jill Arthur. In addition to Pugh, Abbott, and Faist, it will also star Hoon Lee (Your Friends and Neighbors), Tracy Letts (Ford v Ferrari), Ciarán Hinds (Rome), Martha Plimpton (Raising Hope), Joseph Zada (We Were Liars), and Joe Anders (Bonus Track).

East of Eden is a family affair for Zoe Kazan. It was previously adapted for the screen by her grandfather, legendary director Elia Kazan. The elder Kazan‘s film only adapted the latter part of the book, and starred Jo Van Fleet as Cathy, as well as Raymond Massey, Julie Harris, Burl Ives, and, in his only feature film to be released during his short lifetime, James Dean. Van Fleet won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in the picture.

East of Eden will premiere on Netflix this fall; no precise release date has yet been announced.

via Collider