Welcome to this week's 'Story to Screen Report', where Sacha rounds up the biggest news from the world of book-to-screen adaptations.
Grab some popcorn!
'Clueless' sequel series officially in the works
More than 30 years after the original film, 'Clueless' is officially returning with a sequel series at Paramount+. Alicia Silverstone is back as Cher Horowitz, now a successful businesswoman and mum navigating life with a teenage daughter. The beloved 1995 film was famously a modern retelling of Jane Austen's 'Emma', and original writer and director Amy Heckerling is also returning as an executive producer. Filming is expected to begin in 2027.
Stephen King's 'Desperation' heads back to the big screen
Another Stephen King adaptation is on the way, with ‘Desperation’ heading back to the big screen at Searchlight Pictures. Horror legend Sam Raimi is producing, while ‘Final Destination: Bloodlines’ directors Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein are set to direct. The supernatural thriller follows a group of travellers trapped in a remote Nevada town where an ancient evil has taken hold.
'You Are Here' adaptation casts Claire Foy and Matthew Macfadyen
David Nicholls' bestselling novel ‘You Are Here’ is heading to the screen, with Claire Foy and Matthew Macfadyen set to lead the new BBC and Starz adaptation. The eight-part romantic drama follows two lonely strangers who unexpectedly find love while walking across the English countryside, bringing Nicholls' heartfelt story of second chances to life.
Colson Whitehead's 'Harlem' trilogy is getting a TV adaptation
Colson Whitehead's acclaimed 'Harlem' trilogy is officially being adapted for television. Based on the bestselling novels 'Harlem Shuffle', 'Crook Manifesto' and the recently released 'Cool Machine', the crime saga follows furniture salesman Ray Carney as he becomes increasingly entangled in Harlem's criminal underworld. The series will be adapted by 'Silo' creator Graham Yost, with Oscar-winning filmmaker Barry Jenkins serving as an executive producer.
'Better Than the Movies' movie finds its Liz and Wes
The leads for the highly anticipated adaptation of Lynn Painter's bestselling romance 'Better Than the Movies' have officially been cast. Beatrice Kitsos ('Percy Jackson and the Olympians') will play rom-com-loving Liz Buxbaum, while David Iacono ('The Summer I Turned Pretty') has been cast as fan-favourite Wes Bennett. The beloved enemies-to-lovers romance is heading to Netflix, with Julia Hart directing the adaptation.
'Fake Skating' movie lands director
Lynn Painter's bestselling YA romance 'Fake Skating' has found its director, with 'The Fault in Our Stars' and 'Regretting You' filmmaker Josh Boone officially signing on to helm the adaptation. The fake-dating hockey romance follows childhood friends Dani and Alec, whose pretend relationship begins to feel a little too real. The film is currently slated to arrive in cinemas in July 2027.
Grady Hendrix's 'The Final Girl Support Group' is heading to the big screen
Grady Hendrix's bestselling horror novel 'The Final Girl Support Group' is officially getting a feature film adaptation, with Christopher Landon attached to write and direct. The story follows six women who survived real-life massacres inspired by classic slasher films, only to find themselves hunted once again years later.
A new live-action story inspired by 'The Princess and the Frog' is in the works
Disney is developing a new live-action film inspired by 'The Princess and the Frog', with Colman Domingo and acclaimed playwright Robert O'Hara in talks to write the screenplay. Rather than being a direct remake, the project will tell an original story centred on Princess Tiana, expanding her world in a fresh way following the cancellation of the planned animated 'Tiana' series.
First teaser drops for 'Neuromancer'
The first teaser for the TV adaptation of William Gibson's groundbreaking sci-fi novel 'Neuromancer' has officially arrived. Starring Callum Turner as hacker Case, the series offers a first look at the neon-soaked cyberpunk world that helped define an entire genre. The 10-episode adaptation premieres on 22 January 2027.
That's a wrap on this week's 'Story to Screen Report'! Which adaptation are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below, and don't forget to check back next week for more casting news, trailers, first looks and all the latest book-to-screen updates.
