Netflix fans fear streamer has butchered Florence Pugh’s psychological drama: ‘I’m concerned’

The first trailer for Netflix’s long-awaited adaptation of East of Eden has finally dropped — and fans of the classic novel are already panicking that the streamer may have softened one of literature’s most terrifying women.

The upcoming seven-part series stars Florence Pugh as Cathy Ames, the manipulative and deeply disturbing antihero from John Steinbeck’s 1952 masterpiece.

But while many viewers praised the trailer’s sweeping visuals and stacked cast, others immediately zeroed in on one concern: Cathy doesn’t seem nearly psychopathic enough.

‘My only worry is that they won’t take her far enough,’ one fan wrote on X. ‘Cathy is E V I L & I hope they actually show it.’

Another warned: ‘They better not be making Cathy the main character.’

Others accused the adaptation of potentially misunderstanding the entire point of the novel.

‘Ah yes, East of Eden. The story of Cathy the underdog hero,’ one viewer sarcastically posted, while another wrote: ‘This book destroyed me. This movie better capture that. There is nothing “nice” about this story.’

The backlash seems to stem from Netflix describing the series as focusing ‘new attention on its indelible antihero, Cathy Ames,’ wording that some readers interpreted as a sign the adaptation could attempt to make the character more sympathetic for modern audiences.

Which, judging by reactions online, many Steinbeck fans would consider roughly equivalent to remaking Jaws but insisting the shark was simply misunderstood.

Still, not everybody is worried.

Several fans argued Pugh is exactly the kind of actor capable of balancing Cathy’s charm and menace without flattening her into a cartoon villain.

‘Florence Pugh as Cathy is gonna cook,’ one person wrote. ‘Hope they don’t soften her too much tho.’

Another added that the adaptation ‘could be really strong if they nail the tone.’

The series was first announced back in 2022, with writer Zoe Kazan attached to adapt the sprawling multigenerational novel for television.

Alongside Pugh, the cast includes Mike Faist, Christopher Abbott, Ciarán Hinds and Martha Plimpton.

The adaptation arrives during an absurdly busy period for Pugh, who is also set to appear in both Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part Three, two of the biggest films currently scheduled for release next year.

But despite all the excitement surrounding the project, one thing already seems clear: if Netflix turns Cathy Ames into a misunderstood girlboss with a sad playlist and trauma-coded lighting, the internet may never recover.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.