Sophie Nélisse Cast as Lead in Netflix’s ‘This Summer Will Be Different’
Netflix has tapped French Canadian actress Sophie Nélisse to star as Lucy in the upcoming television adaptation of Carley Fortune’s bestselling novel, This Summer Will Be Different. Production for the series is slated to begin in Toronto and Prince Edward Island later this summer, according to initial reports on the project.
The series, developed by showrunners Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart, centers on a complex romance blooming across multiple summers in Prince Edward Island. Nélisse, known for her role as Young Shauna in Showtime’s Yellowjackets, will anchor the production alongside a creative team that includes executive producers Jennifer Kawaja and Elise Cousineau of Sphere Media.
The Narrative Arc of Carley Fortune’s Adaptation
While Netflix has not released a formal character breakdown for Lucy, the source material establishes her as a woman caught in a complicated dynamic between her best friend, Bridget, and Bridget’s brother, Felix. The novel, which has sold over four million copies and been translated into thirty languages, follows a romance where Lucy falls for the one person her friend explicitly warned her against.
The story kicks off with a chance meeting in Prince Edward Island involving Malpeque oysters and a missed flight. These initial encounters set the stage for a narrative that relies heavily on the tension of a one-night stand that spirals into a deeper, long-term connection. The adaptation joins a growing list of Canadian-produced content for Netflix, including North of North and Wayward.
Did you know? Beyond the This Summer Will Be Different production, her debut novel, Every Summer After, is also being adapted into a series titled Every Year After for Prime Video, with a second season already in development.
Industry Trends: The Rise of Book-to-Screen Romances
With This Summer Will Be Different having achieved New York Times bestseller status, Netflix is positioning the series to capitalize on an existing fan base.
Production Stakes in Prince Edward Island
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is playing the lead in This Summer Will Be Different?
Sophie Nélisse, known for Yellowjackets, has been cast as the lead character, Lucy.
Who are the showrunners for the Netflix series?
The series is being created and run by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart.
Is the show based on a true story?
No, the series is an adaptation of the 2024 New York Times bestselling novel of the same name by Carley Fortune.
Where will the series be filmed?
Production is scheduled to take place in Toronto and Prince Edward Island.
Are you a fan of Carley Fortune’s novels? Let us know in the comments if you’re excited to see Lucy and Felix come to life on screen. For more updates on the latest book-to-TV adaptations, subscribe to our entertainment newsletter.