Nick Robinson and Laura Donnelly Explain the Creative Risk Behind Ditching the Famous Kennedy Accent

Published 06/23/2026, 5:56 AM EDT

via Imago

The Kennedys are one of the most famous families in the world. While much about the family is well known, even to younger generations, Netflix's upcoming drama series Kennedy will bring a lesser-known chapter of their story, spanning 1931 to 1944. From the costumes to the streets, the series will time-travel back in time. However, one detail will be noticeably different, and that is the famous Boston accent. 

As cast members Nick Robinson and Laura Donnelly have hinted, there is a good reason the series chose not to use the family's accent.

Nick Robinson and Laura Donnelly explain the accent switch in Kennedy

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During a Variety interview, Nick Robinson explained that the cast deliberately avoided using the Boston accent. This was because the way the Kennedys spoke in the 1930s was different from the Boston accent people recognize today. Instead, the actors used only a subtle hint of the accent.

“Also, that accent has sort of changed over the years. It was initially like this mid-Atlantic upper-class accent, and then it sort of changed to [what] I feel modern audiences associated more with working-class Boston,” he told Variety at the premiere of his new Netflix rom-com Voicemails for Isabelle.

The decision to tone down the accent came as a surprise to some of the cast. Laura Donnelly revealed to Variety that she and Michael Fassbender had already practiced the Boston accent for the series. However, after arriving on set, they were told about the creative change. So, they toned down their accents, leaving only a subtle hint.

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With the creative choices now revealed, fans are eager to know when Kennedy will finally arrive on Netflix.

Release date of Kennedy on Netflix

Production on Netflix's Kennedy has officially begun. Although filming, which took place in London, has wrapped, Netflix has not yet announced an official premiere date for the series. Based on the current production timeline, Kennedy is expected to debut in late 2026 or early 2027.

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The drama will explore the Kennedy family's story from 1931 to 1944. It will star two-time Oscar nominee Michael Fassbender as the family patriarch, Joe Kennedy Sr. Meanwhile, Laura Donnelly has been cast as Rose Kennedy, while Nick Robinson will play the couple's eldest son, Joe Kennedy Jr. With several films and series having documented the Kennedy family, the expectations are high for the Netflix show.

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What do you think about the accent switch in Kennedy? Let us know in the comments.

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Pritha Debroy

850 articles

Pritha Debroy is an Entertainment writer at NetflixJunkie who can seamlessly switch between breaking down an NBA play and obsessing over the latest K-drama twist. She has written over 3,400 NBA and NFL articles, but her true joy lies in diving into Netflix’s trendiest shows—unpacking themes, stories, and yes, the occasional celebrity chaos. When she is not writing, you’ll find her devouring thrillers (anything by Freida McFadden is an instant yes), revisiting comfort classics like 10 Things I Hate About You and 27 Dresses, or hunting for her next binge-worthy series.

Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui

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