Netflix Finalizes Cast for 'This Summer Will Be Different' with Akerman, Follows

Key points

• Malin Akerman, Megan Follows, Nadine Bhabha, and Matias Lucas have joined the cast of 'This Summer Will Be Different'.
• The series is a 10-episode adaptation of Carley Fortune’s 2024 novel, set on Prince Edward Island.
• Sophie Nélisse stars as the lead, Lucy Ashby, alongside Francesca Reale and Roby Attal.
• Filming has wrapped on Prince Edward Island and is currently underway in Toronto.
• The show is produced by Sphere Media, with Fortune, Dane Clark, and Linsey Stewart serving as executive producers.

Background

In August 2026, Deadline reported that Malin Akerman’s other Netflix project, 'The Hunting Wives,' was set to premiere its second season on November 26. This new casting announcement for 'This Summer Will Be Different' expands Akerman’s presence on the platform. The series is part of a broader trend of Netflix investing in Canadian-produced content, following the launch of its domestic slate in 2025.

How outlets are covering it

Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, and Variety all confirmed the four new cast members on September 14, 2026. While all outlets agreed on the core facts, they emphasized different angles: Deadline highlighted the 'Anne of Green Gables' connection for Megan Follows; THR noted the 'Heated Rivalry' reunion between Nélisse and Bhabha; and Variety contextualized the show within Netflix’s broader romance strategy, comparing it to 'Bridgerton' and 'Virgin River.'

Why it matters

The completion of the cast signals that the series is in its final production stages, reinforcing Netflix’s commitment to Canadian-led storytelling and YA romance adaptations. The involvement of high-profile actors like Akerman and the return of Fortune to the screen suggests a significant marketing push for the upcoming release.

What to watch

The series is currently filming in Toronto. Once production concludes, the project will move into post-production. No specific release date has been announced, but it is expected to join Netflix’s Canadian slate in 2027.