Netflix’s new tackle John Steinbeck’s California-set masterpiece “East of Eden” is already stirring controversy — because of the streaming large’s determination to shoot the Salinas Valley epic over 6,000 miles away in New Zealand.
Critics blasted the choice after manufacturing remodeled elements of Auckland, Dunedin and Oamaru into early Twentieth-century California, regardless of the 1952 novel’s deep roots in Steinbeck’s house state.
Livid followers flocked to X to vent their frustrations after a trailer dropped on-line.
“What a deeply odd selection when the land itself is a very powerful character,” one wrote.
“I’m going to battle to observe it. I lived in Salinas as a lady. The setting on this guide is crucial to me. It feels improper to have it filmed elsewhere. Doesn’t really feel like the identical story,” lamented one other.
“God, I like this guide, however yeah, what a missed alternative…” a 3rd chimed in.
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, with further incentives out there for bigger initiatives.
“We’re sending a transparent message to the world: New Zealand is the perfect place on the earth to make films. Carry your productions right here to reap the benefits of our expertise and places,” Finance Minister Nicola Willis stated in an official assertion final yr.
Filming for the “East of Eden” collection started earlier than President Trump’s announcement of 100% tariffs on movies made exterior the US.
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When asserting the 100% tariffs this month, Trump stated Hollywood was dying a “very quick loss of life” as a consequence of incentives provided by different nations.
“I by no means thought I’d see the day when it might be MORE costly to shoot a film or TV collection in L.A. than wherever else within the nation or world,” one other critic griped on X.
“East of Eden” is taken into account certainly one of California’s defining literary works, centered on the Salinas Valley and deeply tied to the state’s geography and id.
The seven-episode collection, starring Florence Pugh, wrapped filming in New Zealand earlier this yr and is anticipated to debut in 2026.
