Story to Screen - 22/07/26

Welcome to this week's 'Story to Screen Report', where Sacha rounds up the biggest news from the world of book-to-screen adaptations.

This week, we've got first looks at some of the year's most anticipated films and series, exciting casting announcements, new adaptations officially in development, and even the chance for fans to audition for a major Hollywood movie. Grab some popcorn and catch up on everything you might have missed.

After years of rumours, dream casts and fan-made trailers, H.D. Carlton has officially confirmed that her BookTok sensation 'Haunting Adeline' is being adapted into a movie. While no studio, cast, director or release date has been announced yet, the news marks the first official step in bringing the controversial dark romance to the big screen. Fans are already wondering whether sequel 'Hunting Adeline' will follow, with the two books telling one continuous story.

The first official images from the film adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi's bestselling fantasy novel 'Children of Blood and Bone' have arrived, and they look every bit as epic as fans had hoped. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, the first-look photos showcase the breathtaking world of Orïsha and its star-studded cast, including Thuso Mbedu, Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris, Cynthia Erivo, Regina King, Idris Elba, Viola Davis and Chiwetel Ejiofor. The highly anticipated fantasy adaptation is set to arrive in cinemas on 15 January 2027.

Christopher Nolan's new film 'The Odyssey' has stormed into cinemas with a huge US$264 million global opening weekend, making it the biggest debut of his career. The epic adaptation of Homer's classic has already surpassed the opening weekends of 'Oppenheimer' and 'Interstellar', with audiences turning out in force for IMAX screenings. Starring Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway and Zendaya, it's shaping up to be one of the biggest movie events of the year.

Seth Green has revealed he's hoping to join the upcoming TV adaptation of Matt Dinniman's bestselling series 'Dungeon Crawler Carl'. A longtime fan of the books, Green has publicly thrown his hat in the ring to play the fan-favourite character Mordecai, saying he thinks he'd be a perfect fit for the role. While no casting has been announced, the live-action series is currently in development for Peacock with Seth MacFarlane's Fuzzy Door producing.

The first trailer for Ryan Murphy's adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis' bestselling novel 'The Shards' has arrived, offering a tense first look at the psychological thriller. Set in 1981 Los Angeles, the series follows aspiring writer Bret as the arrival of a mysterious new student coincides with a string of brutal murders, leaving him convinced the newcomer is hiding a terrifying secret. Starring Igby Rigney, Homer Gere, Kaia Gerber, Wes Bentley and Evan Rachel Wood, 'The Shards' premieres on 5 August.

Rachel Cusk's upcoming novel 'Life of M' is already generating controversy, with many claiming it acts as a thinly veiled, and allegedly unflattering, portrait of actress Natalie Portman. The novel follows a writer invited to document the life of a world-famous actress known only as M, and has fuelled speculation due to Cusk's reported friendship with Portman. While neither Cusk nor Portman has commented on the similarities, the debate has already begun ahead of the novel's release.

The first trailer for Netflix's adaptation of Alex North's bestselling thriller 'The Whisper Man' has arrived, and it's every bit as unsettling as fans of the novel were hoping. Adam Scott stars as a widowed crime writer whose young son is abducted, forcing him to seek help from his estranged father, a retired detective played by Robert De Niro. The film, directed by New Zealand filmmaker James Ashcroft, begins streaming on Netflix from 28 August.

Lewis Pullman has officially joined Julia Garner in Apple TV+'s upcoming thriller series 'Guilty Creatures'. Based on Mikita Brottman's true crime book 'Guilty Creatures: Sex, God, and Murder in Tallahassee, Florida', the series follows two young, adulterous but deeply religious lovers whose affair leads to murder, forcing them to live with the consequences for the next 18 years. Craig Gillespie ('I, Tonya', 'Pam & Tommy') is directing the series, with Stuart Zicherman serving as showrunner.

Henry James' classic novel 'The Portrait of a Lady' is heading back to the screen in a new six-part limited series from PBS Masterpiece and the BBC. Nell Tiger Free will lead the cast as Isabel Archer, joined by Jim Sturgess, Gemma Arterton, Bill Nighy and Miranda Richardson. Written by Rebecca Lenkiewicz and directed by Aisling Walsh, the series has already begun filming across the UK, Hungary and Croatia. It marks the first television adaptation of the novel in almost 60 years.

Sydney Sweeney has signed on to star in and produce 'Hollow', a new gothic reimagining of 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' for Sony Pictures. Written and directed by Lindsey Anderson Beer, the film is based on Beer's upcoming debut novel and shifts the focus to Katrina Van Tassel, placing her at the centre of a dangerous supernatural mystery rather than the sidelines of the classic tale. LuckyChap and Sweeney's Honey Trap banner are producing, with Sony securing the project after a competitive bidding war.

A remarkable behind-the-scenes archive from David Lynch's 1984 film 'Dune' has gone on sale, offering fans a rare glimpse into the making of the cult sci-fi classic. The collection includes hundreds of production materials, including concept sketches, storyboards, photographs, design plans, slides and other behind-the-scenes documents assembled by artist Ron Miller during the film's production. The archive is being offered for around US$37,000, making it one of the most comprehensive collections of 'Dune' production history ever to become publicly available.

Netflix has found its Lucy, with 'Yellowjackets' star Sophie Nélisse set to lead the adaptation of Carley Fortune's bestselling romance novel 'This Summer Will Be Different'. The 10-episode series follows a young woman whose forbidden romance with her best friend's brother unfolds over multiple summers on Prince Edward Island. Carley Fortune is also on board as an executive producer, with filming set to take place in Prince Edward Island and Toronto.

The live-action adaptation of 'Naruto' is one step closer, with Lionsgate launching a worldwide casting search for the three members of Team 7: Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the long-awaited film is now officially in pre-production, with series creator Masashi Kishimoto sharing his excitement as the search begins for the actors who will bring his iconic characters to life.

Event Cinemas is celebrating 25 years of movie magic with two 'Harry Potter' movie marathons this August. Across one weekend, fans can experience all eight films on the big screen, making it the perfect way to relive the Wizarding World before the new HBO series arrives.

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.