Book to Screen
‘Age of Innocence’: Everything We Know About Netflix’s Latest Classic Romance Adaptation
Another day, another adaptation! Netflix is in its classic romance era: Filming is officially underway for the streamer’s Pride and Prejudice miniseries, and next on the docket is Edith Wharton’s The Age of Innocence, a love story set in Gilded Age New York.
Like Pride and Prejudice, The Age of Innocence has made its way to the screen a number of times. Martin Scorsese adapted it in 1993 with Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, Winona Ryder, and Miriam Margolyes in the lead roles. Over three decades later, Netflix revealed that it would make its own version of Wharton’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. We didn’t know who was attached to the project — until now.
What’s more, one of the stars is no stranger to Wharton’s work, having recently starred in Apple TV+’s adaptation of The Buccaneers. Read on for the cast members revealed so far, synopsis, and every other detail we could find about The Age of Innocence.
When is The Age of Innocence coming out?
We’ll have to wait a little while longer for a premiere date. The lead roles were announced by Variety on September 2, so more news should roll out over the next few months.
Who is in The Age of Innocence cast?
Masters of the Air‘s Ben Radcliffe will play Newland Archer, a man torn between cousins Ellen Olenska and May Welland. The former will be portrayed by Daisy Jones & the Six‘s Camila Morrone and the latter by The Buccaneers‘ Kristine Frøseth. The Americans‘ Margo Martindale is taking on the role of Mrs. Manson-Mingott, May and Ellen’s “entertaining, scurrilous, defiant, capricious and stubborn” grandmother.
Radcliffe’s Newland comes from New York’s high society, and he’s an eligible, smart, progressive bachelor who “craves a deeper and more passionate connection to the world and someone in it.” The novel picks up with him on a verge of announcing his engagement to Frøseth’s May, who’s a kind and suitable match. She’s a “traditional, a rule follower and believer in the status quo, but not without rebellion,” according to her character description.
“We meet again, Edith ❤️🙏,” the actress wrote on Instagram. “SO FREAKING EXCITED about this incredible new adaptation; cannot wait to play @shannnnnny @ben_radcliffe @camilamorrone @margomartindale @netflix 🔮❣️!!!”
Playing opposite her is Morrone as Ellen, who’s more of a free spirit compared to her cousin. She’s playful, intelligent, and sure of herself, but she “carries conflict and guilt surrounding her new position in society.” She returns home to New York after her marriage to a Polish nobleman fails.
Who is making The Age of Innocence?
Emma Frost, known for U.K. version of Shameless, The Spanish Princess, The White Princess, and The White Queen, is on board as the show’s executive producer, writer, and showrunner.
Also taking on executive producing duties are Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, Tracey Cook of Chernin Entertainment. Pavlina Hatoupis and Shannon Murphy (Killing Eve) will also executive produce. Murphy will also direct the first three episodes, and Lisa Bruhlmann (also known for Killing Eve) and Natalia Leite (The Handmaid’s Tale ) will take over the following ones.
What is The Age of Innocence about?
The show’s official logline, according to Variety, is: “Based on Edith Wharton’s classic novel of forbidden love in 19th century New York, The Age Of Innocence is a passionate and heart-rending will-they/won’t-they love triangle exploring themes of freedom, duty, identity and love in all its forms.”
It’s also described as a “fresh take” that “speaks to a new generation” but is also true to the source material. The logline asks, “As we traverse the ballrooms and bedrooms of these young people, asking the question what is love — and what is lust? And should we ultimately be driven by our heads or by our hearts?”
Is there an Age of Innocence trailer?
Not just yet! Filming hasn’t started yet, so Netflix doesn’t have any footage at the moment. Check back for updates!
The Age of Innocence, Netflix, TBA
