The world of book-to-screen adaptations is busier than ever, with major casting announcements, exciting new projects, and long-awaited adaptations finally moving forward. Here’s a round-up of everything happening right now.
Anne Hathaway buys the rights to turn ‘Yesteryear’ into a movie
Caro Claire Burke’s buzzy debut ‘Yesteryear’ is already getting the Hollywood treatment. The novel follows a tradwife influencer who suddenly wakes up in the 1800s and has to face the reality behind the aesthetic she’s been selling online - and yes, Anne Hathaway is set to star and produce the adaptation.
The Correspondent Finds Its Lead
Jane Fonda will lead the adaptation of Virginia Evans’ The Correspondent. The novel follows a retired lawyer reflecting on her life, love, and grief through letters. After a competitive bidding war, the project has landed at Lionsgate.
Gwyneth Paltrow to Star in Strangers
Gwyneth Paltrow is attached to star in the Netflix adaptation of Belle Burden’s memoir Strangers. She will also executive produce the project, which explores a shocking marriage breakdown and sparked a major bidding war for the rights.
First Look at The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
The official trailer for Sunrise on the Reaping has dropped. Set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s story, the film follows Haymitch’s time in the arena. The cast includes Joseph Zada, Jesse Plemons, Mckenna Grace, Ralph Fiennes, and Glenn Close, with Francis Lawrence directing.
The Nightingale Back on Track
After years of delays, the adaptation of Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale is officially moving forward. Dakota and Elle Fanning will star as sisters navigating life in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. Filming began in 2026, with a February 2027 release date planned.
Cleopatra and Frankenstein Becoming a TV Series
Coco Mellors’ debut novel Cleopatra and Frankenstein is being adapted into a TV series by Warner Bros. Television. Mellors will adapt the screenplay herself, with Maggie Kiley directing and executive producing.
Kristen Dunst Joins The Housemaid Sequel
The Housemaid universe is expanding with The Housemaid’s Secret. Sydney Sweeney returns, joined by Kristen Dunst, with Paul Feig back as director. The sequel follows the second book in Freida McFadden’s bestselling series and is slated for a December 2027 release.
Beach Read Casting Announced
Emily Henry’s Beach Read adaptation has found its leads. Phoebe Dynevor and Patrick Schwarzenegger will star as rival writers January and Gus. Yulin Kuang is set to write and direct the film.
Taylor Jenkins Reid Adaptation Era Continues
Taylor Jenkins Reid continues to dominate the adaptation space, with multiple projects in development:
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (Netflix film)
- Carrie Soto Is Back (Netflix series)
- Malibu Rising (Hulu series)
- Atmosphere (Laika film)
Following the success of Daisy Jones & The Six, it’s clear her stories are in high demand.
The Midnight Library Heading to the Big Screen
Matt Haig’s bestselling novel The Midnight Library is being adapted into a film by StudioCanal and Blueprint Pictures. The story follows Nora Seed as she explores alternate versions of her life through a magical library between life and death.
Taika Waititi to Direct James
Taika Waititi is set to direct a film adaptation of Percival Everett’s novel James, a reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from Jim’s perspective. The project is being developed by Amblin Partners, with Steven Spielberg executive producing and Everett writing the screenplay.
From buzzy debuts to long-time favourites, the book-to-screen pipeline just keeps getting bigger and better. Whether you’re here for the casting news, the trailers, or finally seeing your favourite characters come to life, there’s a lot to be excited about right now.
Honestly, it feels like every time we add a book to our TBR, it’s only a matter of time before it ends up on our watchlist too and we’re not mad about it.
We’ll keep bringing you the latest in our Story to Screen series, so you never miss what’s coming next.
Which adaptation are you most excited for, and is there a book you’re still waiting to see on screen?