MoviesVariety · August 4, 2026

‘This Summer Will Be Different’ Netflix Series Adds 6 to Cast as Production Begins

What's happening

Netflix has announced six new recurring cast members joining the adaptation of Carley Fortune's novel "This Summer Will Be Different" as production officially begins on Prince Edward Island. The streaming service is moving forward with bringing the popular book to the screen with an expanded ensemble cast.

Who's involved

Netflix, the American subscription streaming service, is producing the adaptation of a novel by Carley Fortune, a Canadian writer from Toronto known for her 2022 and 2023 novels "Every Summer After" and "Meet Me at the Lake." Production is taking place on Prince Edward Island.

Why it matters

The casting expansion signals Netflix's commitment to the project and suggests the streamer sees significant commercial potential in adapting Fortune's contemporary fiction for television audiences. Success with this adaptation could establish Fortune's works as a reliable source for prestige streaming content and expand the market for Canadian literary adaptations.

The story

Netflix is moving forward with its adaptation of "This Summer Will Be Different," announcing six new recurring cast members as production kicks off on Prince Edward Island. According to Variety, the streaming giant has assembled an ensemble cast to bring Carley Fortune's novel to life for audiences on its platform.

Carley Fortune, a Canadian writer based in Toronto, Ontario, has built a notable career in contemporary fiction. Her previous novels "Every Summer After" and "Meet Me at the Lake," released in 2022 and 2023 respectively, have established her as a compelling voice in the genre. "This Summer Will Be Different" continues in that vein, and Netflix's decision to adapt it reflects growing interest in her work among major streaming platforms.

The production's location on Prince Edward Island carries particular significance, as the Atlantic Canadian setting likely figures prominently in the source material. The announcement of six new recurring cast members suggests the production will feature an ensemble-driven narrative with multiple storylines woven throughout the series.

Netflix's expansion of the cast as production begins indicates the streamer has finalized its creative vision for the project. The timing of the announcement and the scale of the cast additions suggest the production is moving into an active phase with sets, locations, and schedules already in place.

The adaptation represents Netflix's continued investment in literary properties, particularly contemporary fiction aimed at adult audiences. With Fortune's recent novels gaining traction and positive reception, the timing appears strategic for converting her fanbase into streaming viewers.