When Anne with an E first aired on Netflix in 2017, it quickly became a fan favorite show with its heartfelt take on the classic Anne of Green Gables novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery.
Created by Moira Walley-Beckett, the Canadian show follows Anne Shirley-Cuthbert, a red-haired orphan girl sent to live with the Cuthberts in Avonlea. Played by Amybeth McNulty, Anne is placed in a new school where she meets new friends and her first love – although she does come face-to-face with challenges along the way. The cast also features Geraldine James as Marilla Cuthbert and R.H. Thomson as Matthew Cuthbert.
Take a look at these incredible facts about Anne with an E, from its cool episode titles to the behind-the-scenes secrets – including Amybeth McNulty (Anne) and Lucas Jade Zumann (Gilbert). Find out whether the Netflix series will live beyond Season 3, and facts about the beloved cast members.
Interestingly, Anne with an E named its episodes after classic literature. Season 1’s titles are inspired by Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre (1847), while Season 2 was named after George Eliot’s Middlemarch (1871). In Season 3, the titles were taken inspiration from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1818).
Why was Anne With An E After Season 3?
We all know how huge of a fanbase Anne With An E had, but despite this, the series was still canceled. The reason was due to the split between Netflix and CBC, which meant that the show couldn’t live beyond season 3.
Spoiler alert: In season 3, episode 10, we see Anne start a new chapter in life as she heads for college. Her romance with Gilbert also comes to a head when the pair finally reunite and share a passionate kiss.
It was a pivotal moment in the show, as fans watched dearly as the pair struggled to be open and honest about their feelings toward each other in the past. Thankfully, Gilbert bravely writes a letter confessing his love to Anne, although she never receives it and believes he isn’t interested in her. Upon learning this, Gilbert rushes to Anne’s school, and the couple finally share a moment fans had been longing for.
How Fans Tried to Save Anne With An E
Okay so after the show’s cancellation fans definitely didn’t give up without a fight. Many fans fans flooded Twitter with the hashtag #RenewAnnewithanE, in hopes of bringing the show back. Sadly, despite all the effort, it wasn’t enough to bring the series back for a fourth season or a movie.
Some might know this already but Miranda de Pencier, who served as an executive producer on Anne with an E, has a connection to the show. She played Josie Pye in the 1985 Anne of Green Gables miniseries and its sequels.
The Year Anne With An E Takes Place
Anne With An E’s later season is said to be set in the year 1899. It’s confirmed when Bash reads an obituary in a local newsletter in a Season 3 episode, with the date written in the obituary notes. This hints that the third season takes place in 1899, suggesting Season 1 began in 1896.
Gilbert Blythe’s Actor Lucas Jade Zumann Age In The Show and His Connection to Greta Gerwig
Fans were quick to swoon over Lucas Jade Zumann, who plays Gilbert Blythe. Born in 2000, the young actor was around 17 during the filming of Anne with an E’s first season.
Before landing the role of Gilbert, Zumann starred in the 2016 film 20th Century Women, alongside Annette Bening, Elle Fanning, Greta Gerwig, and Billy Crudup.
Amybeth McNulty Didn’t Change Her Hair for the Role of Anne Shirley
As you may have already guessed there were plenty of actors with red hair that turned up to auction as Anne Shirley. But thankfully Amybeth McNulty, a natural redhead, beat off stiff competition. But it wasn’t just her hair that made her a perfect fit for the role but her bundles of energy and her acting ability.
The Iconic Shows and Movies Dalila Bela Who Plays Diana Barry Starred In
Dalila Bela, who plays Diana Barry in Anne with an E, started her career at a young age, appearing in numerous Canadian productions. Some of her notable roles include parts in the hit TV series The 100 and The Odd Squad, as well as films like The Space Between, The Best of Me, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
Matthew Cuthbert star R.H. Thomson
R.H. Thomson, who plays Matthew Cuthbert in Anne with an E, is an accomplished Canadian actor with a long career in television, film, and theatre. He has appeared in shows like Road to Avonlea and films such as Ticket to Heaven.
Amybeth McNulty and Lucas Jade Zumann’s Chemistry
Amybeth McNulty (Anne) and Lucas Jade Zumann (Gilbert) shared undeniable chemistry onscreen. This was due to the fact the pair formed a close friendship during filming, which translated into their heartfelt portrayal of the iconic couple.
Anne With An E Tidbits & Cast Interviews
If you’re a fan of Anne with an E, you’ll love hearing what the cast had to say about the show! Amybeth McNulty, who plays Anne, talked about how her character changes over time, saying: “Anne is so full of life and spirit, and as the show goes on, she learns to accept who she is and all the things that make her unique.”
Meanwhile, Dalila Bela, who plays Diana, shared how surprised she was when the show got canceled. She said, “I didn’t expect it at all. We were all so passionate about it.”
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