Elisha Cuthbert Breaks Down Sue’s Shocking Decision in “Every Year After”, Why It ‘Makes Total Sense’ (Exclusive)

**New Series ‘Every Year After’ Features a Surprising Twist in Adaptation of Carley Fortune’s Novel**

The latest adaptation to hit Prime Video, “Every Year After,” brings significant changes from Carley Fortune’s original book, “Every Summer After.” The much-anticipated series, which depicts the complex relationship between childhood friends and first loves Percy (played by Sadie Soverall) and Sam (Matt Cornett), takes a dramatic turn when it deals with the aftermath of a family tragedy.

At the heart of the story is Sue Florek, portrayed by Elisha Cuthbert, who makes a pivotal decision that differs from her character’s arc in the book. Following her death, Sue’s will reveals a major twist; she leaves the family’s cherished restaurant, The Tavern, to Percy, sparking mixed emotions among her sons, Sam and Charlie (Michael Bradway).

Cuthbert, reflecting on the decision made by her character, expressed that it felt like a natural addition to the narrative. “It just felt organic when I read the script,” she shared with PEOPLE. The actress noted that she hadn’t communicated the change with either showrunner Amy B. Harris or Fortune, as she felt the decision aligned with Sue’s character and relationships.

The dynamic shared between Sue and Percy is reminiscent of a mother-daughter bond, as Cuthbert explained. “Percy really feels like a daughter,” she stated, suggesting that at their most crucial moments, both women support one another in their lives. The acquisition of The Tavern is Sue’s way of affirming Percy’s place in the family, indicating that she has always viewed her as “a third child.”

The decision not to leave the restaurant to her biological sons took deliberation, as Harris revealed. “When I pitched out the Tavern, it was like, ‘Does [Percy] get 50%? All of it?’” she recalled, showcasing the creative tension leading to this alteration. Ultimately, Harris fixed on a pivotal scene from episode eight, where the characters don tiaras. During this moment, Sue implies to Percy that she understands her boys will embark on different paths, but she believes Percy could honour the legacy of The Tavern.

Harris elaborated that the act of passing on the tiara was symbolic of trust and legacy. “This life,” she explained, represents more than just the restaurant, framing Percy as the one who could uphold Sue’s beliefs and the family’s history.

Significantly, this creative decision serves to expand the narrative, transforming the series into a meditative exploration of choices and familial connections that transcend life and death. “Even if Sam and Sue’s relationship takes various turns, Sue’s message remains clear: she has a deep affinity for Percy and acknowledges their bond,” Cuthbert affirmed.

Released on Prime Video, all episodes of “Every Year After” are now available for viewers to explore the emotional complexities and unexpected turns of the story. As audiences delve into the series, they will likely encounter a rich narrative woven with the threads of love, loss, and the significance of chosen family.

This fresh adaptation raises poignant questions about legacy and acceptance, showcasing how change can lead to strengthening bonds even amidst grief.