Netflix Adapts Literary Masterpiece, Aims to Rival Bridgerton’s Success

Attention romance enthusiasts! Netflix has greenlit a mini-series adaptation of Edith Wharton’s 1920 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Age of Innocence.

The series, retaining its original title, is penned by Emma Frost, known for her work on series like The White Queen and The White Princess. Frost will also serve as producer and showrunner.

This project was quietly ordered earlier this year, according to Deadline, with production set to start this fall in Europe. Though Netflix has not officially confirmed the project, the announcement was made during World Book Day, highlighting the significance of the literary work.

A Tale of Forbidden Love

Netflix’s version of The Age of Innocence aims to offer a modern take on Edith Wharton’s classic, delving into themes of forbidden love in 19th century New York. The series will feature a love triangle, with characters navigating their desires against societal expectations. Themes of freedom, duty, identity, and love in various forms will be central to the narrative.

This project appears to be geared towards a global audience and is likely to captivate fans of Netflix’s major hit, Bridgerton, which is also a literary adaptation. With elements of romantic drama and a rich historical backdrop, this new series could appeal both to lovers of classic literature and modern romance enthusiasts.

It’s worth noting that the novel was previously adapted into a film by Martin Scorsese in 1993 titled The Age of Innocence, featuring a star-studded cast including Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, Winona Ryder, and Miriam Margolyes. This new series could offer a fresh perspective on the story while staying true to the spirit of the original text.