Meanwhile, the Netflix series explored all four parts of the American classic, including the mirrored dynamic between Cal and Aron’s dad Adam Trask (Christopher Abbott) and his brother Charles Trask (Mike Faist).
“This was a really different character position in a really different way in the narrative,” Kazan added. “I’m really proud of him. I’m also just so proud of him as a person. He’s the loveliest boy.”
For the 43-year-old, making East of Eden—also starring Florence Pugh, Martha Plimpton, Hoon Lee, Ciaran Hinds and more—meant it was essential that her remake be separate from her grandfather’s.
“We never talked about his work,” she recalled to E! of her childhood. But after eventually pressing play when she got older, Kazan reflected, “My grandfather’s work redefined American theater and American film and theatrical acting. I live in the tradition that my grandfather helped establish.”