Full Breakdown
Sophie Nélisse Leads Netflix’s “This Summer Will Be Different”
7/17/2026, 12:15:38 AM
Core Casting Announcement
French-Canadian actress Sophie Nélisse has been confirmed as Lucy “Bee” Ashby, the titular protagonist of Netflix’s upcoming ten-episode romance series *This Summer Will Be Different*. The adaptation of Carley Fortune’s 2024 novel will begin production later this summer in Prince Edward Island and Toronto, with Nélisse joining the cast alongside yet-to-be-named actors for the roles of Felix and Bridget.
Background & Context
Fortune’s novel topped the New York Times bestseller list after its 2024 release, selling more than four million copies worldwide and being translated into thirty languages. The story’s coastal setting aligns with Netflix’s expanding Canadian slate, which in 2025 launched a domestic lineup that now includes *North of North*, *Wayward*, *Who Killed the Montreal Expos?*, *BELOW* and *The Granville Girls*.
Key Figures & Production Team
- Sophie Nélisse – lead actress, known for *Yellowjackets* and *Heated Rivalry*.
- Carley Fortune – author and executive producer.
- Dane Clark – co-showrunner (credits: *Suze*, *One More Time*) and executive producer.
- Linsey Stewart – co-showrunner (credits: *Workin’ Moms*, *North of North*) and executive producer.
- Jennifer Kawaja, Elise Cousineau, Samantha Levine – additional executive producers for Sphere Media.
Production Details & Economics
Principal photography will occur on Prince Edward Island and in Toronto during the summer months. The province is contributing a $5 million rebate, positioning the series as the largest production ever filmed on the island. Premier Rob Lantz highlighted the investment as a boost for local visibility.
Data & Statistics
- Book sales: > 4 million copies; 30 languages.
- Canadian market: fourth-bestselling Canadian title in 2024 among independent bookstores.
- Series format: 10 episodes slated for Netflix release (date not announced).
Official Statements & Responses
- Carley Fortune emphasized the personal significance of filming on location, noting that the island’s scenery matches her vision for the story.
- Rob Lantz framed the production as an opportunity to showcase Prince Edward Island’s appeal to a global audience.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the casting of Nélisse is confirmed, the identities of Felix (the love interest) and Bridget (Lucy’s best friend) remain undisclosed. No official release date has been provided, and details about the series’ adaptation fidelity to the novel are pending.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Filming on Prince Edward Island is such a dream of mine,” — Carley Fortune, author
- “Danielle [Woodrow] and Tara [Woodbury], who head up Netflix Canada, we had had a drink together before they had even read it, and I loved them. Their view on TV and film just aligned so much with how I saw things.” — Carley Fortune
- “It's great for those of us who want the world to know everything that's wonderful about Prince Edward Island,” — Rob Lantz, Premier of Prince Edward Island
- “The series is executive produced by Dane Clark, Linsey Stewart, Fortune, and Jennifer Kawaja (Sort Of, Wayward) and Elise Cousineau (Cardinal, Small Achievable Goals) and Samantha Levine for Sphere Media.” — Netflix press release
