‘Little House on the Prairie’ Finds Its Perfect New Ingalls Family With a Fresh Take on the Classic Story

Netflix is bringing a new version of the Ingalls family to audiences with its upcoming adaptation of ‘Little House on the Prairie’. The series takes inspiration from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s classic books and introduces a new group of actors who are stepping into roles that have been loved for decades.

The original television series, which aired from 1974 to 1983, made stars out of actors like Michael Landon, Karen Grassle, Melissa Gilbert, Melissa Sue Anderson, and Lindsay and Sidney Greenbush. Because those performances became so memorable, finding a new Charles, Caroline, Laura, and Mary Ingalls was one of the biggest challenges for the Netflix production.

Showrunner Rebecca Sonnenshine explained to PEOPLE that the casting process focused on finding actors who could bring something fresh to the characters while still keeping the heart of the original story.

The new series stars Luke Bracey as Charles “Pa” Ingalls, Crosby Fitzgerald as Caroline “Ma” Ingalls, Alice Halsey as Laura Ingalls, and Skywalker Hughes as Mary Ingalls. The story begins before Carrie Ingalls is born, allowing the show to focus on the early years of the family’s journey.

For Sonnenshine, the most important part of casting Charles and Caroline was creating a believable connection between the actors. She explained that the real-life relationship between the characters was a major part of what made the story special.

“That was really [what we were] looking for, a great chemistry,” Sonnenshine told PEOPLE, adding that Charles and Caroline’s relationship was a major reason she connected with the story.

She praised Luke Bracey’s performance as Charles, saying he had the qualities needed to portray the beloved father figure. According to Sonnenshine, Bracey brought both strength and kindness to the role.

“He’s got a gentleness, but he’s also very rugged,” she said. She added that she could imagine him living on the prairie and building a home for his family.

Crosby Fitzgerald also stood out during the casting process. Sonnenshine said the actress was able to show Caroline’s strength, humor, and warmth while creating a natural bond with the rest of the family.

“She’s strong. She’s actually very funny; she’s got great timing,” Sonnenshine said, explaining that Fitzgerald’s chemistry with Bracey and the young actors helped make the family feel real.

The young stars playing Laura and Mary were just as important to building the new series. Sonnenshine revealed that Skywalker Hughes originally auditioned for Laura before the team realized she was better suited for Mary.

“There’s just something about her. She has this extraordinary grace and gentleness,” Sonnenshine said about Hughes. Finding the right Laura was especially important because the story is told through her perspective. Alice Halsey takes on the role of the curious and adventurous young girl who guides viewers through life on the prairie.

Sonnenshine said Halsey had the exact qualities needed for the character, praising her natural curiosity and emotional performances. “I knew right away, that I said, ‘Oh, that’s Laura,’ because she really embodies the spirit of Laura,” the showrunner explained.

The first season follows the Ingalls family as they build a new life on the prairie near Independence, Kansas. Along with the main family members, the cast includes Warren Christie, Jocko Sims, Meegwun Fairbrother, Alyssa Wapanatâhk, Wren Zhawenim Gotts, and Barrett Doss. Sonnenshine believes the new adaptation can connect with both longtime fans and viewers discovering the story for the first time.

“Everybody wants to be Laura,” she said, adding that the series aims to introduce the beloved story to a new generation while honoring what made it special.

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