Malin Akerman and Nadine Bhabha are among the new cast members for Netflix’s adaptation of 'This Summer Will Be Different,' based on Carley Fortune's novel.
On September 14, 2026, Netflix officially announced that Malin Akerman, Nadine Bhabha, Megan Follows, and Matias Lucas have joined the cast of its upcoming adaptation of This Summer Will Be Different. The series consists of 10 episodes and is based on Carley Fortune’s popular romance novel of the same name, set against the picturesque backdrop of Prince Edward Island.
As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Akerman will portray Aunt Stacy, while Bhabha takes on the character of Farah. Follows, known for her role in Buried in Barstow, will play Cheryl, and Lucas, recognized for The Order, will portray Carter. The ensemble cast is rounded out by Sophie Nélisse as the lead character, Lucy Ashby, alongside Francesca Reale and Roby Attal, who play Lucy's best friend Bridget and Bridget's brother Felix, respectively.
The series promises a nostalgic exploration of young love, centering on Lucy navigating her twenties and her unexpected romantic feelings for her best friend’s brother. The adaptation is described as a "simmering, sun-soaked romance" spanning multiple summers, fitting seamlessly within the enchanting setting of Prince Edward Island, an area historically linked to themes of love and growth in literature, particularly noted through the iconic Anne of Green Gables.
Filming commenced this summer on Prince Edward Island and has transitioned to locations in Toronto. Carley Fortune, the author and executive producer, expressed excitement about the location and collaboration with Netflix. The show is produced by Sphere Media, which has made significant strides in Canadian storytelling since Netflix's domestic slate launch in 2025. The creative team is headed by co-showrunners Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart, both respected figures within the Canadian television landscape.
The show's casting unites talents from various successful Canadian productions, highlighting Bhabha’s previous collaboration with Nélisse in Heated Rivalry. Megan Follows’ involvement adds an interesting layer, given her prior role as Anne Shirley in the 1985 adaptation of Anne of Green Gables, enriching the narrative's cultural significance. As Netflix continues to diversify its Canadian offerings with titles like North of North and Wayward, audience anticipation is high for how This Summer Will Be Different will resonate with fans of romance and coming-of-age stories.
The addition of Akerman and Bhabha to the cast signifies a strong commitment from Netflix to enhance its growing catalog of engaging romantic dramas. With filming already underway and a beloved source material, expectations are set for a captivating adaptation that appeals to both newcomers and fans of the original novel. As the production progresses, viewers will likely be eager for more updates on this promising series.
Entertainment news
EpisodeBreakdown may use automated tools to assist research, drafting, and formatting. Published pages are governed by our editorial and corrections policies, and source links are shown when they are available in the article record.
Discovery source: The Hollywood Reporter. The source identifies where the topic was discovered; EpisodeBreakdown is responsible for the commentary published on this page.
Reader response
Reactions and poll results are based on real reader responses. No account is required.
