Netflix shares major update for 'epic' star-crossed romance based on best-seller

Netflix has just announced three new actors set to grace the screen in its upcoming romance drama, Unaccustomed Earth.

Adapted from the critically acclaimed collection by author Jhumpa Lahiri, the series will delve into the experiences of Indian Americans as they grapple with cultural identity and love.

The official description from Netflix teases: "Unaccustomed Earth is an epic, soapy drama about an immigrant community navigating love, desire, and belonging with Freida Pinto at the centre as Parul Chaudhury."

It continues: "When a star-crossed romance between a devoted wife and her long-lost love comes to light, a scandalous affair is born and new battle lines are drawn in the elite, insular Indian American community of Cambridge, Massachusetts."

Netflix

Pinto, who shot to fame with her role in the Oscar-sweeping Slumdog Millionaire, takes the lead. Sengupta, cast as Jai, is recognised for his roles in Kahaani and Netflix's The Fame Game.

Meanwhile Roy, a Broadway performer known for Aladdin and Jagged Little Pill, steps into the shoes of Kaushik.

Mckaig, a young talent known for Emmerdale and Netflix's Toxic Town, will portray Herna. The Yorkshire-born 18-year-old expressed excitement over local actors making waves on the global stage following the casting news.

She remarked: "Yorkshire actors are more than just the place they come from. There's real talent if you look at actors like Dominic West, Jodie Whittaker, Sean Bean in films and shows like Phantom Menace, The Crown, Lord of the Rings, Doctor Who.

"We have so much more to offer to global productions, and it's so nice to see that really being recognised now."

The upcoming eight-part series boasts executive producers John Wells (Shameless) and Madhuri Shekar (3 Body Problem), with Shekar also taking on the role of showrunner.

Joining them as executive producers are Nisha Ganatra (Freakier Friday), Erica Saleh (One of Us Is Lying), Erin Jontow (The Pitt), and Celia Costas (Meet Joe Black).

BAFTA-nominated Ritesh Batra is also on the production team and will direct the first two instalments.

The release date for Unaccustomed Earth is yet to be announced.