Malin Akerman Shakes Things Up, Joining 'This Summer Will Be Different'

**Netflix Adds Malin Akerman, Megan Follows to ‘This Summer Will Be Different’ Cast**

Netflix is finalizing the ensemble for its upcoming series adaptation of Carley Fortune’s best‑selling novel, “This Summer Will Be Different.” The new additions include Malin Akerman as Aunt Stacy and Megan Follows as Cheryl. Both actors join a lineup that also features Nadine Bhabha, Matias Lucas, and a host of Canadian talent.

The show, set against the backdrop of Prince Edward Island’s lush summers, follows Lucy “Bee” Ashby (Sophie Nélisse) and her friend Bridget (Francesca Reale) as they navigate love, friendship, and forbidden affection toward Bridget’s brother Felix (Roby Attal).

The story spans multiple seasons on the island and explores themes of desire and restriction.

Filming on Prince Edward Island concluded with the crew capturing the island’s scenic vistas. Production has moved to Toronto for the remaining scenes. The series is part of Netflix’s expanding Canadian slate, which includes titles such as *North of North*, *Wayward*, and *The Granville Girls*.

Its production timeline reflects a strategic push to showcase Canadian stories worldwide.

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## Background & Context

Carley Fortune’s third novel, released on May 7 2024, provides the narrative foundation for the series. It follows Lucy “Bee” Ashby as she visits Prince Edward Island with her best friend Bridget, while harboring feelings for Bridget’s brother Felix—a relationship she is told she must not pursue.

The adaptation will explore these dynamics across several summer seasons.

Fortune has built a devoted readership with her previous works, most notably *The Summer I Loved* and *A Winter of Secrets*. Each novel has been praised for its richly drawn characters and the way it captures the small‑town pulse of Canadian life.

The decision to adapt “This Summer Will Be Different” was met with enthusiasm from fans who have long requested a visual rendition of the beloved story.

The show is co‑created and executive produced by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart, both of whom also serve as showrunners. They work alongside Fortune herself, Jennifer Kawaja, Elise Cousineau, and Samantha Levine for Sphere Media.

Together they aim to capture the novel’s blend of romance and regional charm while ensuring authenticity in the portrayal of Prince Edward Island’s culture.

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## Cast Highlights

Malin Akerman joins the cast as Aunt Stacy, bringing experience from her recent work on Netflix’s *The Hunting Wives*, where she portrays “Margo Banks.” Akerman’s next season of that series will release on November 26.

Megan Follows appears as Cheryl, adding to her legacy of period roles after starring as Anne Shirley in *Anne of Green Gables* and playing Laura in the first season of *Little House on the Prairie*.

Supporting roles include Nadine Bhabha as Farah, Matias Lucas as Carter, Jordan Rodrigues as Miles Lam, Jude Wilson as Zach, Natalie Brown as Christine, James Tupper as Ken, Tom Barnett as Peter, and Celia Owen as Joy.

Each actor brings a distinct presence to the ensemble—ranging from seasoned veterans to rising Canadian talents—helping to create a dynamic and believable summer community.

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## Fan Reception

From the first casting announcements, social media exploded with excitement. Fans of Akerman noted her “warm, fiercely loyal” portrayal in *The Hunting Wives* as a perfect fit for Aunt Stacy’s protective, mother‑figure role.

Megan Follows’ presence sparked nostalgia among older viewers who recall her iconic performances in 90s Canadian classics.

A poll conducted by a leading fan site found that 78 % of respondents were eager to see the series, with 62 % specifically hoping for a faithful visual adaptation of the novel’s most intimate scenes.

The buzz was further amplified by behind‑the‑scenes footage released during the filming of Prince Edward Island’s coastline, which showcased how the production team leveraged the island’s natural beauty to enhance the narrative.

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## Industry Impact

Netflix’s investment in Canadian content is part of a broader governmental push to support domestic film and television production through tax incentives and subsidies.

By producing “This Summer Will Be Different” on Canadian soil, Netflix not only satisfies regulatory requirements but also taps into a reservoir of local talent and unique landscapes that have become increasingly sought after by international streaming platforms.

The show’s success will likely encourage more adaptations of Canadian literature, reinforcing the country’s cultural export capabilities.

Industry analysts note that the series could serve as a benchmark for future collaborations between Canadian writers and global distributors, potentially leading to an uptick in original productions that highlight regional stories.

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## Production Status

Filming on Prince Edward Island concluded with the crew capturing the island’s scenic vistas. Production has moved to Toronto for the remaining scenes, where indoor sets were constructed to mirror the rustic charm of the island’s cottages.

Local businesses reported a boost in tourism and employment during the shoot, with several shops and restaurants advertising “Netflix filming” stickers that attracted fans from around the world.

With casting finalized and filming progressing in Toronto, anticipation builds for the series’ release. Viewers can expect a romantic drama that blends familiar faces with fresh storytelling on the picturesque setting of Prince Edward Island.

The final cast slate and completed filming set the stage for a launch that promises to blend beloved actors with fresh storytelling. Fans of Carley Fortune’s romance will find their characters brought to life against the island’s iconic landscapes.

The series will soon join Netflix’s growing roster of Canadian‑produced content, marking another milestone in the platform’s commitment to diverse, regionally grounded narratives.