In a turn of events that has set the hearts of “Anne Nation” ablaze, whispers of a potential fourth season of Anne with an E have reignited hope among fans of the beloved Canadian series. Created by Emmy-winning showrunner Moira Walley-Beckett, the Netflix and CBC co-production, which reimagines Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic Anne of Green Gables, was abruptly canceled after its third season in 2019. However, recent developments suggest that Walley-Beckett may have secret plans to bring Anne Shirley-Cuthbert back to the screen, and the fanbase is buzzing with anticipation.

Since its premiere on CBC in March 2017 and its international debut on Netflix in May of that year, Anne with an E captivated audiences with its bold, modern take on the 1908 novel. Starring Amybeth McNulty as the spirited orphan Anne, the series delved into darker, more contemporary themes like feminism, bullying, racial diversity, and Indigenous rights, earning critical acclaim and a devoted following. It won Canadian Screen Awards for Best Dramatic Series in 2017 and 2018, with praise for its “documentary level of realism” and diverse storytelling, as noted by producer Miranda de Pencier. Yet, despite its success, the show was canceled after its third season, leaving fans heartbroken and storylines unresolved.

The cancellation, attributed to financial disagreements between Netflix and CBC, sparked one of the most passionate fan campaigns in recent memory. Dubbed “Anne Nation,” fans mobilized on social media with hashtags like #renewannewithane, amassing over 1.5 million signatures on a Change.org petition to revive the series. Even celebrities like Ryan Reynolds joined the chorus, tweeting his support for the show’s heartfelt narrative. Moira Walley-Beckett herself expressed her devastation in a 2019 Entertainment Weekly statement, saying, “Creating Anne with an E was my heart project… I’d love to write an AWAE finale feature film.” This glimmer of hope kept fans dreaming of Anne’s return.

Now, in August 2025, fresh rumors have surfaced that Walley-Beckett is quietly working on a new chapter for Anne. Sources close to the production, though unconfirmed, suggest that the showrunner has been in talks with streaming platforms to either produce a fourth season or a standalone film to wrap up the story. While no official announcement has been made, a cryptic Instagram post by Walley-Beckett in July 2024, as reported by Okdiario.com, hinted at something big: “For my Anne with an E family: I miss you too! Different is not bad, it’s just not the same.” The post, accompanied by a purple flower emoji, sent fans into a frenzy, speculating that a revival might be on the horizon.

What could Season 4 of Anne with an E look like? Walley-Beckett’s vision for the series has always been to push boundaries, weaving modern social issues into the Edwardian setting of Prince Edward Island. In Season 3, she introduced storylines about Indigenous residential schools through the character Ka’kwet, explored LGBTQ+ representation with characters like Cole and Aunt Josephine, and deepened Anne’s romantic arc with Gilbert Blythe. According to TheTelevixen.com, Walley-Beckett described Season 3 as a turning point where Anne gained “more agency and maturity,” suggesting that a fourth season could see her fully embracing her role as a trailblazer.

Insiders speculate that Season 4 would pick up where the third season left off, with Anne pursuing her education at Queen’s College and navigating her budding romance with Gilbert. The unresolved cliffhanger of Ka’kwet’s fate in the residential school system could take center stage, offering a poignant exploration of Canada’s historical treatment of Indigenous peoples. Walley-Beckett’s commitment to diversity, as highlighted in a 2018 Romper interview, would likely continue, with expanded roles for characters like Sebastian “Bash” Lacroix and the marginalized community of The Bog. Fans are also clamoring for more of Miss Stacy, the progressive teacher played by Joanna Douglas, whose influence on Anne’s feminist ideals was a highlight of the series.

The show’s unique blend of historical authenticity and contemporary relevance has been a hallmark of Walley-Beckett’s approach. As she told Collider in 2017, “The conversations in the world right now—feminism, bullying, gender parity—are inherent in Anne’s story.” A fourth season could dive deeper into these themes, perhaps exploring Anne’s growth as a writer and activist, while maintaining the lush cinematography and detailed production design that earned praise from critics like Neil Genzlinger of The New York Times.

The fan campaign remains a driving force behind the revival rumors. Posts on X, such as those from @AnneNation and @BernadetteClaxt, have kept the momentum alive, with fans sharing fan art, rewatch parties, and calls for Netflix or another streamer like Amazon Prime to pick up the series. The campaign’s success in keeping Anne with an E in the public eye mirrors other revived shows like Lucifer, which Netflix saved after cancellation. Could a similar fate await Anne? Walley-Beckett’s recent departure from Amazon’s Fourth Wing project, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter in July 2025, might free her schedule to focus on her “heart project” once more.

However, challenges remain. The original cancellation was driven by financial considerations, with Walley-Beckett noting on Instagram in 2019 that “Art and Commerce is never an easy marriage.” Negotiations with Netflix or CBC would need to address these economic hurdles, and the availability of the cast, including McNulty, Geraldine James, and Lucas Jade Zumann, could complicate production. Still, the show’s global fanbase and critical acclaim make it a strong candidate for revival, especially as streaming platforms seek content with built-in audiences.

As Anne with an E fans await official news, the prospect of Season 4 feels tantalizingly close. Whether it takes the form of a full season or a feature film, Walley-Beckett’s vision for Anne’s next chapter promises to deliver the same heart, grit, and inspiration that made the series a cultural touchstone. For now, Anne Nation continues to dream of Green Gables, holding fast to Anne’s own words: “Isn’t it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about?” Stay tuned—Anne’s story may not be over yet.