Summary
Netflix is bringing Jhumpa Lahiri’s award-winning short story collection Unaccustomed Earth to life in an upcoming limited series. Filming begins in September 2025 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and the show promises to be a culturally vibrant drama centered around love, desire, and belonging within a close-knit Indian American community. The plot follows a rekindled romance that threatens to disrupt family ties and community expectations, sparking new conflicts and emotional turmoil.
The eight-episode series stars Freida Pinto and Sarayu Blue, alongside Indraneil Sengupta, Adi Roy, and Iyla Sundarsingh McKaig. With John Wells and Madhuri Shekar writing and Ritesh Batra directing, this adaptation blends nuanced storytelling with cinematic flair. For aspiring actors, this project offers roles that explore identity, tradition, and human connection. Casting opportunities for extras, background performers, and supporting characters are expected throughout filming.
About Unaccustomed Earth
Based on Lahiri’s critically acclaimed short stories, the series delves into the dynamics of family, culture, and desire. Set in Cambridge, Massachusetts, it portrays an insular Indian American community where secrets and passion come to light. The drama explores how tradition and modernity collide when a long-buried affair resurfaces, challenging relationships and cultural loyalties.
Cast
- Freida Pinto
- Sarayu Blue
- Indraneil Sengupta
- Adi Roy
- Iyla Sundarsingh McKaig
Production
Produced by Warner Bros. Television and Patch Bay Productions, the series has a powerhouse team. Jhumpa Lahiri herself is on board as producer, joined by Erica Saleh, Erin Jontow, and Nisha Ganatra. John Wells and Madhuri Shekar are credited as writers and producers, while acclaimed filmmaker Ritesh Batra directs. Filming kicks off in September 2025 and will run through early 2026. Netflix will exclusively stream Unaccustomed Earth, presenting it as both a global release and a culturally rich series.
Outside Insights
Unlike other dramas, Unaccustomed Earth stands out for its deeply personal yet universal themes. It shines a light on immigrant identity, generational divides, and the tension between tradition and desire. For actors, this means layered roles that demand authenticity and emotional range.
Because Netflix seeks inclusive representation, casting directors will look for actors who can bring depth to characters navigating cultural expectations and personal struggles. Extras and background roles will also be vital in depicting the bustling life of the Cambridge community.
Netflix ‘Unaccustomed Earth’ Casting Calls
Netflix’s ‘Unaccustomed Earth’ Casting Call for Featured Role
Nude Body Double for Netflix Series Unaccustomed Earth
Job Description
A Netflix production is seeking a slender Indian female to work as a body double for a medical breast examination scene. This is for close-up insert shots only, and your face will not appear on camera.
Job Responsibilities
- Appear topless on camera for close-up medical scene shots
- Work with the production team to ensure accurate representation
- Follow all on-set directions for timing and positioning
Requirements
- Female, Indian, ages 20s–30s
- Slender build
- Comfortable appearing topless on camera
- Must be 18 or older and local to NYC
- Provide height, weight, clothing/shoe sizes, and current photos (including a fitted top, sports bra, or bikini top)
Compensation
- SAG-AFTRA Principal Contract Pay: $1,246
- Paid professional role with full credit for work
Netflix’s ‘Unaccustomed Earth’ Casting Call for Hospital Scene
Casting Call for Hospital Scene Background – Netflix Series
Job Description
A Netflix series is casting background talent for a hospital scene set in Mumbai. The production is seeking people to portray patients, visitors, nurses, and doctors for this featured sequence.
Job Responsibilities
- Appear as background talent in a hospital setting
- Follow direction from the production team during filming
- Help create an authentic hospital environment on screen
Requirements
- Must be 18 or older
- Open to both SAG-AFTRA and non-union talent
- Local to the NYC area or able to work as a local hire
- Must provide height, weight, and current clothing/shoe sizes for costuming
- Must have full availability for the scheduled shoot date
- Valid ID required for Federal I-9 form
Compensation
- SAG-AFTRA: $224 for 8 hours
- Non-union: $181.50 for 10 hours
Ready to Join the Story?
Do you dream of stepping into a project that balances cultural depth with emotional intensity? Unaccustomed Earth opens doors for both seasoned actors and fresh talent. Casting opportunities will emerge for speaking roles, background performers, and community members who bring the story to life.
Stay connected with Project Casting to access the latest casting calls, audition notices, and updates for Unaccustomed Earth. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this powerful Netflix drama.
