Regional Filmmaking: From Cheltenham to Salinas Valley: Auckland’s Role in East of Eden

Netflix has released the first teaser for its upcoming adaptation of East of Eden, giving audiences an early look at the seven-part limited series ahead of its release in late 2026.

Adapted from John Steinbeck’s classic novel by Zoe Kazan, the series stars Florence Pugh, Christopher Abbott and Mike Faist, and is due to premiere on Netflix in autumn 2026 in the Northern Hemisphere, September to November for New Zealand audiences.

For Aotearoa, the release marks another chance to see local locations transformed for the international screen.

Part of the production, working under the title Timshel, filmed in Cheltenham, Devonport in late February, following filming in Ōamaru and Central Otago. Over four days, the Auckland shoot brought up to 200 cast and crew into the area, with local streets transformed to resemble California’s Salinas Valley in the early 20th century.

Ahead of filming, Auckland-based location managers worked with residents to prepare selected homes and streetscapes for the production. This included arranging for a notable 1906 villa on Cheltenham Road to be painted in period-appropriate colours for filming, then returned to its original colour afterward. Landscaping was also arranged and paid for by the production.

The transformation extended beyond individual houses. Parts of Cheltenham Road and nearby streets were covered with gravel, while vintage cars, horses and extras in early 20th-century costume drew attention from locals and onlookers.

According to feedback shared with Screen Auckland, residents responded positively to the scale, organisation and communication around the shoot. Locals praised the crew’s friendliness, the low level of disruption, and the way the production kept the neighbourhood informed throughout the process.

As a thank you, the production company later hosted residents at a wrap event at McHugh’s of Cheltenham.

Screen Auckland worked closely with the production team to support a smooth process and help minimise disruption for residents and local businesses.

Matt Horrocks, Screen Auckland Manager, said the series would showcase Cheltenham and its historic character to an international audience, while also supporting Auckland crew, talent and the wider regional screen economy.

The project comes as production activity continues across Tāmaki Makaurau, with several international productions underway in the region alongside domestic television work. There has also been movement in the studio sector, with Ariki Group announcing the purchase of Studio West, following Xytech Group’s purchase of Auckland Film Studios.

Together, these developments point to continued confidence in Auckland as a screen production hub, from locations and crew through to studio infrastructure.

Watch the official East of Eden teaser HERE

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Photo credit: Devonport Flagstaff

This article draws on information originally shared by Screen Auckland