“Little House on the Prairie ”Star Skywalker Hughes Used to ‘Constantly Pretend’ She Was in the Books

**New ‘Little House on the Prairie’ Adaptation Explores Deeper Character Connections**

The beloved story of “Little House on the Prairie,” originally penned by Laura Ingalls Wilder, has made a return in a new television adaptation that premiered on Netflix in July. Featured among its young stars are Skywalker Hughes and Alice Halsey, who portray Mary Ingalls and Laura Ingalls, respectively. In a recent Q&A with Harper Kids, both actors reflected on their childhood connections to the original novels and the impact these books had on their early lives.

Skywalker Hughes, 14, shared her fond memories of the series, stating, “I don’t remember much about reading the Little House on the Prairie books for the first time because I was so young when my mum first read them to me.” However, Hughes vividly recounted how the stories permeated her childhood imagination. “I learned to read at three, and from then on, I read the books repeatedly, constantly pretending I was a part of them,” she revealed, emphasising the deep impact these tales had on her.

Alice Halsey, 11, echoed Hughes’ sentiments, noting that the themes of resilience and community present in the original novels resonated with her. Both actresses spoke candidly about the differences in their characters’ portrayal in the new adaptation. Hughes remarked, “The version of Mary in the show is deeper and more complex, as the books were based on Laura’s perspective of her own life.” This evolution provides audiences with a more nuanced look at the beloved characters, who are now brought to life with richer backstories and emotional depth.

Halsey added her perspective on the character of Laura: “Laura in the show is quite similar to the Laura in the books, but there’s a notable difference. In the adaptation, Laura is depicted as more mature and has a better understanding of her family’s circumstances.” The young actresses welcomed the opportunity to explore their roles in greater detail, illustrating a commitment to honouring the legacy of the original work while presenting a fresh interpretation.

As they embraced the historical context of the story, both Hughes and Halsey expressed fascination with the pioneer lifestyle depicted in the series. Halsey remarked on the challenges faced by the Ingalls family, noting their constant struggle to survive, which adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative. “What I find interesting is that the Ingalls always had to make do with what they had, and their community was always in a life-or-death struggle,” she explained.

Hughes was particularly captivated by the fashion of the era, highlighting the intricate details of the costumes. “The calico prints were absolutely beautiful, and I admired how bright and colourful some of their dresses were,” she reminisced. The actress also suggested that the efforts put into creating historical costumes were impressive, noting, “The thought that went into our outfits behind the scenes is incredible.”

The new adaptation, which features Crosby Fitzgerald as Caroline Ingalls and Luke Bracey as Charles Ingalls, has already demonstrated significant promise. The show was renewed for a second season in March, which speaks to its positive reception among audiences. The cast’s commitment to their roles has contributed to the narrative’s appeal, drawing in both new viewers and fans of the original novels.

Halsey recently shared her thoughts with PEOPLE regarding the weight of stepping into such iconic roles. “I felt a significant responsibility to Laura and the writers and [showrunner] Rebecca [Sonnenshine] to portray these characters correctly,” she said. Halsey acknowledged the pressure to honour the legacy and the stories that had inspired countless readers. “She was an amazing woman, a storyteller, and a hard worker,” she added.

The young actress expressed gratitude for her castmates, stating, “I was surrounded by amazing people, which made it a valuable experience.” Their collaboration underlines the importance of teamwork in translating literature to screen while preserving the original spirit of the stories that generations have cherished.

As “Little House on the Prairie” continues to attract audiences, Hughes and Halsey remain focused on their roles, eager to bring new dimensions to the well-known characters. The combination of nostalgia and fresh interpretation may lead to an exciting journey for viewers, broadening their understanding of this classic tale.