Story to Screen - 29/07/26

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

 Grab some popcorn!

This is the news 'Dungeon Crawler Carl' fans (us) were hoping for. Jeff Hays, the voice behind the hugely popular audiobooks, has officially been cast as the voice of Princess Donut in Peacock's live-action adaptation. It feels like the perfect choice, and with the first casting announcement now locked in, we're one step closer to seeing Carl and Donut's chaotic adventure come to life on screen. 

Charles Dickens' classic is getting a seriously dark makeover. The first trailer for 'Ebenezer' has arrived, with Johnny Depp stepping into the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in a gothic reimagining from horror director Ti West. The trailer leans heavily into the ghost story at the heart of the classic tale, and with a cast that includes Ian McKellen, Rupert Grint, Daisy Ridley and Sam Claflin, this is looking like one of the most intriguing literary adaptations still to come this year. 

The trailer for Anna Todd's 'The Last Sunrise' has officially dropped, starring Maia Reficco, Fernando Lindez and Eva Longoria. Set against the stunning backdrop of Mallorca, it looks like it's bringing all the romance, heartbreak and summer vibes we've come to expect from Anna Todd. If you're already adding adaptations to your watchlist, this is definitely one to keep an eye on. It lands on Prime Video on 26 August.

Fantasy fans, this one looks incredible. The first trailer for Tomi Adeyemi's bestselling 'Children of Blood and Bone' has dropped, and it gives us our first proper look at the magical world of Orïsha on the big screen. The cast is absolutely stacked too, with Thuso Mbedu leading alongside Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris, Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Regina King, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Cynthia Erivo and Lashana Lynch. If the trailer is anything to go by, we're in for breathtaking visuals, epic battles and a whole lot of magic when it arrives in cinemas in Jan!

One of Comic-Con's biggest surprises is finally official. After years of fan casting and rumours, Ryan Gosling has been confirmed as Ghost Rider in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with Shawn Levy directing the film. Gosling has openly said this is the Marvel character he's always wanted to play, so seeing it finally happen feels like a perfect match. Now the countdown to its 2028 release begins. 

This is a huge milestone for Cosmere fans. Brandon Sanderson has officially completed the first draft of the screenplay for the long-awaited 'Mistborn' movie, sharing the update to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the first book. There's still plenty of work to do before cameras start rolling, but after years of waiting, the adaptation has taken one very big step closer to becoming a reality

Stephen King's 'Carrie' is getting a fresh new adaptation, and the first teaser has officially arrived. Mike Flanagan is taking on the iconic horror story as an eight-episode Prime Video series, reimagining Carrie's terrifying journey for a modern audience. The teaser doesn't give too much away, but it's packed with eerie atmosphere and hints at a darker, more contemporary take on the classic. If you're a horror fan, this is definitely one to add to your watchlist before it premieres on 7 October. 

The author behind the Oscar-winning story 'I'm Still Here' is getting another screen adaptation. Netflix has announced a series based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva's acclaimed memoir 'Happy Old Year', a deeply personal coming-of-age story inspired by the accident that left him quadriplegic at just 20 years old. Filming hasn't started yet, but if the success of 'I'm Still Here' is anything to go by, this is definitely one to keep on your radar. 

Another romance series is making the jump from page to screen! Sarah Adams' bestselling 'When in Rome' books are officially being adapted into a TV series by Rebelle Media and MGM Television. Set in the charming small town of Rome, Kentucky, the series follows burnt-out pop star Rae Rose as an unexpected stopover changes her life forever. No casting news just yet, but we already can't wait to meet the Walker family on screen. 

We're one step closer to seeing Hannah Grace's bestselling romance hit our screens. Casting is officially underway for Netflix's adaptation of 'Icebreaker', with producers currently searching for talented ice hockey players, figure skaters and supporting cast members. We still don't know who'll be playing Anastasia and Nate, but with filming set to begin in Vancouver this September, those casting announcements hopefully aren't too far away.

As if we weren't already impatiently waiting for the 'Fourth Wing' TV series, Rebecca Yarros has just scored another adaptation. Apple TV+ has snapped up the rights to her upcoming novel 'Peculiar Stars' before it's even been released, with Yarros also on board as an executive producer. The romance follows Callista, who becomes stranded on a deserted island with her fiancé's cousin, and it's already heading to our screens before readers even get their hands on the book this November.

We're heading back to Wonderland... but this time, it's all about the Mad Hatter. Amazon MGM Studios is developing a brand-new animated film centred on the iconic tea-loving character, with 'The Grinch' co-director Scott Mosier attached to the project. Plot details are still being kept under wraps, but we're already very curious to see what a Mad Hatter-led adventure will look like. 

If you're already counting down to more Belly, Conrad and Jeremiah, there's another exciting milestone to celebrate. The feature film adaptation of 'The Summer I Turned Pretty', written and directed by Jenny Han herself, has officially wrapped filming in North Carolina. The cameras started rolling back in April, and the much-loved trio of Lola Tung, Christopher Briney and Gavin Casalegno are all returning for the big-screen adaptation. Now the wait begins, with the film currently on track for a Summer 2027 release.

Christopher Nolan's epic adaptation of 'The Odyssey' might be dominating the box office, but one person isn't impressed. Emily Wilson, whose acclaimed translation of Homer's epic helped inspire the film, has delivered a scathing review, saying she'd "be ashamed" to have written the screenplay. She praised the renewed interest in the classic but argued the film misses the emotional depth and complexity that have made the story endure for thousands of years. 

Before Season 4 has even premiered, Prime Video has confirmed what's coming next. Alan Ritchson revealed at San Diego Comic-Con that Season 5 of 'Reacher' will adapt Lee Child's thriller 'Make Me', which sees Jack Reacher arrive in the tiny town of Mother's Rest before uncovering a dark conspiracy. Even better? Season 5 is already in production, so fans won't have to wait too long for Reacher's next case.

We've officially met the cast of Prime Video's adaptation of Elsie Silver's 'Rose Hill' series. Jake Weary will play rancher West Belmont, Sean O'Pry takes on billionaire Ford Grant, Hannah Galway stars as Rosie Belmont, and Sadie Dickerson will play country singer Skylar Stone. Even better? Production is already underway, which means we're one step closer to seeing 'Wild Love' come to life on screen.

If you've been waiting for Netflix's adaptation of 'Lights Out', this is a very good sign. Author Navessa Allen has officially read the completed script and couldn't be more excited, calling it "immaculate" before telling fans it's "so hot, and so funny." With the screenplay now signed off by the author, the adaptation is moving one step closer to casting, and the dream fan-casting discussions are already in full swing.

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.