# Netflix Adds Four to This Summer Will Be Different Cast

**Published:** 2026-09-15T13:31:01.721Z  
**Topic:** Netflix  
**Sentiment:** neutral  
**Publisher:** TrendWatcher — https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/14a9d76d-0982-46e9-8efe-4b4ee745d64c

Netflix has expanded the cast of its 10-episode series This Summer Will Be Different, adding Malin Akerman and three others to the Canadian production.

Netflix has added Malin Akerman, Megan Follows, Nadine Bhabha, and Matias Lucas to the cast of its upcoming 10-episode drama series, *This Summer Will Be Different* [3]. The expansion of the ensemble cast marks a significant step in the production of the adaptation, which is based on the bestselling romance novel by Carley Fortune [4].

| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Series Length | 10 episodes [3] |
| Production Company | Sphere Media [4] |
| Source Material | Carley Fortune novel [5] |
| Current Status | Filming in Toronto [1] |

## Expanding the Canadian production slate
The new cast members join leads Sophie Nélisse, Francesca Reale, and Roby Attal in a story centered on a romance set across multiple summers on Prince Edward Island [1]. Malin Akerman, known for her role in the Netflix series *The Hunting Wives*, will play Aunt Stacy [2]. Megan Follows, recognized for her portrayal of Anne Shirley in *Anne of Green Gables*, is cast as Cheryl, while Nadine Bhabha will play Farah and Matias Lucas will play Carter [4].

The project is part of a broader strategy by Netflix to grow its Canadian content slate, which officially launched in 2025 [3]. The series, which recently wrapped filming on Prince Edward Island and is currently shooting in Toronto, is helmed by showrunners Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart [4]. The production is managed by Sphere Media, a studio that is also behind other Netflix Canadian titles such as *North of North* and *Wayward* [3].

## Market context and adaptation strategy
*This Summer Will Be Different* follows a trend of Netflix developing romance series based on popular literature, joining a portfolio that includes *Bridgerton* and *Virgin River* [1]. The adaptation of Fortune’s work—which was published on May 7, 2024—is the latest in a series of book-to-screen projects for the streamer [2]. 

The production’s reliance on Canadian talent and settings aligns with Netflix’s ongoing investment in domestic Canadian programming [3]. While other romance-focused projects like *Ransom Canyon* have faced cancellation, the streamer continues to greenlight adaptations of contemporary romance novels, with Fortune’s other work, *Every Summer After*, recently securing a second season renewal on Prime Video [1].

## What to watch
*   **Premiere Date:** Netflix has not yet announced a release date for the series [5].
*   **Production Milestones:** Monitor for the conclusion of filming in Toronto and subsequent post-production updates from Sphere Media [4].
*   **Content Strategy:** Observe whether the performance of this series influences the future volume of book-based romance adaptations within Netflix’s Canadian slate [3].

The addition of established actors like Akerman and Follows signals Netflix’s commitment to the project as it builds out its romance library. Whether the series can replicate the long-term success of established hits like *Bridgerton* remains the primary question for the streamer’s domestic content strategy.

## Sources
1. Variety — ['This Summer Will Be Different' Netflix Series Adds Malin Akerman](https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/this-summer-will-be-different-series-cast-malin-akerman-1236861257/)
2. Deadline — ['This Summer Will Be Different': Malin Akerman, Megan Follows & Two More Join Cast Of Netflix Carley Fortune Adaptation](https://deadline.com/2026/09/this-summer-will-be-different-megan-follows-cast-plus-three-1237099689/)
3. The Hollywood Reporter — [Malin Akerman, Nadine Bhabha, Megan Follows and Matias Lucas Join Netflix's 'This Summer Will Be Different' Adaptation](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/malkin-akerman-nadine-bhabha-this-summer-will-be-different-1236700359/)
4. Thefutoncritic — [Breaking News - Malin Akerman, Megan Follows, Nadine Bhabha...](http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2026/09/14/malin-akerman-megan-follows-nadine-bhabha-and-matias-lucas-join-netflixs-this-summer-will-be-different-334411/20260914netflix04/)
5. TV Series Finale — [This Summer Will Be Different: Four Join Netflix Drama Series Based on Carley...](https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/this-summer-will-be-different-four-join-netflix-drama-series-based-on-carley-fortune-novel/)
6. Tvline — [This Summer Will Be Different Netflix Cast, Dr. Naomi...](https://www.tvline.com/2257984/this-summer-will-be-different-netflix-cast-chicago-med-dr-naomi-howard-exit-season-12/)

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Cite as: TrendWatcher, "Netflix Adds Four to This Summer Will Be Different Cast", https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/14a9d76d-0982-46e9-8efe-4b4ee745d64c