Netflix Signs Up for Anne of Green Gables Adaptation

LOS ANGELES/TORONTO: Netflix has joined forces with CBC for the new series Anne, based on Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic Anne of Green Gables novel.

Netflix and CBC are working with showrunner Moira Walley-Beckett and Miranda de Pencier’s Northwood Entertainment on the project. Eight one-hour episodes have been greenlit. The show will stream globally on Netflix and be broadcast in Canada on CBC in 2017.

Niki Caro (Whale Rider, McFarland USA, Zookeeper’s Wife) has signed on to direct the two-hour premiere episode. Walley-Beckett (Breaking Bad, Flesh & Bone) is writing the entire first season of the series produced by de Pencier (Beginners, Thanks for Sharing).

“Anne Shirley is one of Canada’s greatest gifts to the world, known and loved internationally, so we’re thrilled to be working with the CBC and Northwood to bring this charismatic character to both new and old fans around the world,” said Elizabeth Bradley, Netflix’s VP of content.

“I am thrilled and inspired to be joining this incredibly talented team, and honored to collaborate on material that brings this iconic character to life in such a bold, fresh and exciting way,” said Caro.

Walley-Beckett added: “I adore Anne! Exploring and expanding her story with new depth for a new generation has been exhilarating!”

“Moira Walley-Beckett has written eight riveting, funny, emotional, surprising, beautiful hours of television. With the extraordinary talent of Niki Caro at the helm, we can’t wait to deliver our show to Netflix, CBC and the world,” said Northwood’s de Pencier, who brought the idea of the series development to Walley-Beckett, the CBC, and Netflix under her Northwood Entertainment banner. “Netflix as our global partner means Anne’s indomitable spirit can now enter homes and hearts all over the world.”

Additionally, Netflix unveiled a new comedy series, Friends from College, from Nick Stoller (Neighbors, Neighbors: Sorority Rising, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Get Him to the Greek) and Francesca Delbanco. The husband-and-wife team will serve as executive producers and writers on the series, and Stoller will also direct all eight episodes. Production will begin this fall in New York.

Cindy Holland, Netflix’s VP of original content, commented: “Nick is a comedic mastermind. With Friends from College, he and Francesca have created a world that is both moving and very, very funny. We are thrilled to be working with them and this incredible cast, and look forward to audiences around the world laughing with and at these relatable characters.”