Netflix‘s new adaptation of Little House on the Prairie is moving full-steam ahead.
Netflix has chosen Alice Halsey, known for her role in Lessons in Chemistry with Brie Larson, to play Laura Ingalls in an upcoming series. Halsey made her acting debut with this role and has since appeared in shows like Night Court, Days of Our Lives, and had a recurring part in Kindergarten: The Musical.
The series, which was first adapted into the hit NBC series in 1975, will be adapted for the screen once again by Rebecca Sonnenshine.
The streaming platform expressed excitement about Halsey’s casting, highlighting Laura Ingalls as a character that resonates with audiences due to her disruptive nature. Describing her as the viewers’ gateway to the story’s adventure, Netflix emphasized the unique perspective Laura brings to the narrative.
According to Netflix, the children living in the 19th century, including Laura, faced high stakes and had different responsibilities and freedoms compared to modern times. The streaming service pointed out the contrast between the upbringing of children then versus the more monitored approach prevalent in contemporary society. The upcoming series is expected to explore these themes.
Little Fires Everywhere actor Luke Bracey was also cast to play Charles Ingalls in a series regular role described as “the original Girl Dad.”
Crosby Fitzgerald is set to play Charles’ wife and Laura’s mother, Caroline Ingalls, described as “quiet and patient and practical – but with a core of steel.”
Skywalker Hughes will play Mary Ingalls, Laura’s older sister who is her polar opposite. “Laura and Mary are oil and water. Best friends and mortal enemies. They love each other deeply and hate each other intensely. But in the end, they always have each other’s backs,” Netflix’s statement notes.
The series logline describes it as, “Part hopeful family drama, part epic survival tale, and part origin story of the American West, this fresh adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s iconic semi-autobiographical Little House books offers a kaleidoscopic view of the struggles and triumphs of those who shaped the frontier.”
Lessons in Chemistry director Sarah Adina Smith is currently attached to direct the first episode with Sonnenshine serving as showrunner and executive producer.
Halsey will be inheriting the role from Melissa Gilbert, who praised the series and defended it from criticisms.
“Anything that works for the Little House legacy floats all the boats,” she proudly said on Good Morning America when the revival was announced.
A premiere date has not yet been confirmed for the series.
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