Coastal romance comes to life: Netflix begins production on Carley Fortune’s ‘This Summer Will Be Different’
Netflix has officially rolled cameras on This Summer Will Be Different, the upcoming 10-episode romantic drama series adapted from Carley Fortune’s runaway bestselling novel. Set against the sun-drenched, picturesque shores of Prince Edward Island, the project marks the streaming platform’s latest major investment into the booming contemporary romance genre. With a dynamic young ensemble leading the cast, the beachside love story is officially transitioning from the pages of BookTok fame onto global television screens.
A Sweeping Island Romance Across the Years
At the heart of the series is Lucy, portrayed by Sophie Nélisse (Yellowjackets, The Book Thief), whose life becomes inextricably tangled across multiple formative summer vacations on Canada’s eastern coast. The narrative chronicles Lucy’s intense, complicated bond with Felix (Roby Attal), who happens to be the brother of her fiercely loyal best friend, Bridget, played by Francesca Reale (Stranger Things, Do Revenge).
What starts as an undeniable spark quickly evolves into years of secret emotional friction, unspoken promises, and agonizing romantic tension. Bound by a mutual rule to protect Bridget from heartbreak, Lucy and Felix attempt to bury their feelings each time summer arrives. However, as the characters grow and their life paths diverge, maintaining their emotional distance becomes impossible amid the cozy, oceanfront charm of Prince Edward Island.
Star-Studded Cast and Faithful Adaptation
The casting choices have already drawn immense excitement from literary and television fans alike. Sophie Nélisse brings proven emotional depth and vulnerability to the leading role of Lucy, while Francesca Reale balances the narrative as the vibrant, protective best friend. Roby Attal steps into the role of Felix, embodying the charming yet conflicted romantic interest whose presence continuously disrupts Lucy’s carefully constructed world.
Adapting the novel into an expansive 10-episode format provides the creative team with ample narrative canvas. Rather than condensing years of history into a two-hour feature film, the episodic structure allows for an authentic exploration of the novel’s multi-timeline framework. Viewers will experience the gradual evolution of the central romance alongside the deep, enduring themes of female friendship, personal grief, and the bittersweet transition into adulthood.
Netflix’s Growing Romance Slate
The production kickoff of This Summer Will Be Different reflects Netflix’s broader commitment to translating beloved contemporary romance fiction into high-profile streaming franchises. Following the immense cultural traction of author-driven adaptations across modern media, the coastal aesthetics, nostalgic summer vibes, and high-stakes romantic yearning of Fortune’s work position the series as a prime contender to become a seasonal streaming juggernaut.
With production actively moving forward on location, the idyllic landscapes of Prince Edward Island are ready to serve as the backdrop for one of television’s most anticipated romantic journeys. As filming continues through the season, audiences can prepare for an emotionally charged, sun-soaked drama where breaking the rules might just lead to true love.
