If you’re a fan of historical drama series, Netflix’s ‘Little House on the Prairie’ should be on your watchlist. It looks promising with its stellar cast, and there are new additions, including Willa Dunn.
The story walks us through themes of family, survival, and much more. It is profound, complex, and Dunn’s role adds to the charm. What’s even more fascinating is the rustic and relevant adaptation of the 1935 novel, and here’s why!
Willa Dunn Joins The Cast Of Netflix’s House on the Prairie
Deadline recently confirmed Willa Dunn’s addition to the cast of Netflix’s House on the Prairie in their latest exclusive feature.
The actress will join Season 2 for the role of Nellie Olsen, who was played by Alison Arngrim in the 1974 series.
House on the Prairie follows the journey of the Ingalls, who live in Wisconsin but travel back and forth. The story is non-linear, and their travels and stay are hindered.
Nellie Olsen comes into the picture when the family travels to Minnesota. She is a rich, entitled, spoiled brat on the surface, but there’s more to her demeanor.
In reality, she struggles with self-acceptance, a constant need for validation, and comparison that brings out the real bully in her. It is also due to her overbearing mother.
Dunn seems the perfect fit considering her filmography. She is known for her roles in Only Murders in the Building, The Runarounds, Coup, and so on.
This Netflix adaptation is also not your bog-standard TV series, no. Rather, it takes a spin on how it shifts perspectives, and it would be safe to say, it’s a rustic reboot, and here’s why!
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A Rustic Yet Relevant Reboot
While the 1974 series was more from Pa’s perspective, here it switches completely to Laura’s POV. The 1935 book Little House on the Prairie is semi-autobiographical and talks about author Laura Ingalls Wilder’s own experience of her childhood.
The story is set in the 1870s and the 1880s and follows the Ingall family’s relocation while addressing the conflict between the settlers and the indigenous folk as well.
The 1974 series offered comfort and calm and was toned down. This Netflix version? Not so much, especially with how it brings themes of survival, brutality of nature, and environment into the picture.
The show also brings authenticity and a realistic portrayal of indigenous people by hiring indigenous actors and writers. It is contrary to the 1974 adaptation that was pandered to the sugarcoating of narratives.
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Here, the showrunners change that very norm and challenge it. It is a refreshing, relatable, and rectified portrayal compared to past versions. The Netflix version also aligns itself with a more book-accurate representation. It doesn’t conform or succumb to misrepresentation in any case.
Aside from that, season 2 will flesh out Laura’s trials and tribulations as she faces financial hardships. It also expands on the family’s survival as they face constant storms and tornadoes alongside a piling debt.
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