Welcome to this week's Story to Screen Report, where Sacha rounds up the biggest book-to-screen news. From new adaptation announcements and casting updates to first looks and publishing deals, here's everything you need to know about the stories making the jump from page to screen.
Alex Cooper Is Bringing BookTok Favourite 'Icebreaker' to Netflix
Alex Cooper is adding another major project to her growing media empire. The Call Her Daddy host has signed on as an executive producer for Netflix's upcoming adaptation of Hannah Grace's bestselling novel 'Icebreaker'.
The BookTok favourite follows the romance between competitive figure skater Anastasia Allen and hockey captain Nate Hawkins, and has sold millions of copies worldwide since its release. Amanda Lasher, known for Gossip Girl and The Bold Type, will serve as showrunner. While Netflix hasn't announced a cast or release date yet, the series is already shaping up to be one of the platform's next big romance adaptations.
'The Housemaid's Secret' Adds Rising Star Paul Anthony Kelly to the Cast
Paul Anthony Kelly is taking his rising Hollywood career to the big screen. Fresh off his breakout role as John F. Kennedy Jr. in FX's Love Story, the actor has joined the cast of Lionsgate's 'The Housemaid's Secret', the sequel to the Sydney Sweeney-led thriller 'The Housemaid'.
Kelly will play Douglas alongside Sweeney, Kirsten Dunst and returning star Michele Morrone. Directed by Paul Feig and based on Freida McFadden's bestselling novel, the film is set to begin production later this year ahead of its December 2027 release.
First Look at 'The Love Hypothesis' Is Finally Here
Prime Video has released the first official photos from 'The Love Hypothesis', giving fans their first look at Lili Reinhart as Olive Smith and Tom Bateman as Adam Carlsen.
Based on Ali Hazelwood's bestselling romance novel, the film follows a PhD student who enters a fake relationship with her notoriously intimidating professor. Alongside the new images, Prime Video confirmed that the adaptation will premiere on September 23, with fans already buzzing over how closely the film appears to match the beloved BookTok favourite.
'Off Campus' Team Speaks Out Against Harassment Ahead of Season 2
The team behind Prime Video's 'Off Campus' is asking fans to keep things respectful as the hit romance series gears up for season two. In a statement shared on social media, the show's official accounts urged viewers to show respect for the cast and the people in their lives, warning that accounts engaging in targeted harassment will be blocked.
The message comes as excitement builds for the next season, which will shift focus to fan-favourite couple Dean DiLaurentis and Allie Hayes.
'Die Hard' writer signs three-book graphic novel deal
Steven E. de Souza, the screenwriter behind action classics including 'Die Hard' and 'Commando', is expanding his work in the graphic novel world.
The writer has signed a deal with Gungnir Books for three new projects, including 'Sheena: Frostline', a new chapter in the 'Sheena: Queen of the Jungle' franchise, alongside two original stories titled 'Earth Patrol Tonight!' and 'Gulliver'. The slate marks a continuation of de Souza's long-running connection to the Sheena character while also introducing new sci-fi, fantasy and horror-inspired stories.
Netflix Drops First Trailer for Its New 'Little House on the Prairie'
Netflix has released the first full trailer for its upcoming adaptation of 'Little House on the Prairie', offering a fresh take on Laura Ingalls Wilder's beloved book series. Starring Alice Halsey as Laura, alongside Luke Bracey and Crosby Fitzgerald as Pa and Ma Ingalls, the series follows the family as they leave everything behind to build a new life on the American frontier.
Showrunner Rebecca Sonnenshine has described the adaptation as both a family drama and survival story, with a broader look at the realities of life in the American West, including Indigenous perspectives that were largely absent from earlier versions. The series premieres on July 9.
Simon & Schuster Is Making Book Hunting Easier for Hollywood
Simon & Schuster is giving Hollywood a new way to discover potential screen projects. The publisher has partnered with The Black List to add more than 6,000 backlist titles to the platform's searchable database, putting its catalogue directly in front of producers, studios and streamers looking for adaptation opportunities.
The move comes as demand for book-to-screen content continues to grow, with Simon & Schuster titles already finding success on screen through projects like 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' and 'The Last Thing He Told Me'. By making its library easier to browse, the publisher is hoping even more books will make the jump from page to screen.
Peacock Is Turning Andrea Mara's Latest Thriller Into a New Series
Peacock is doubling down on Andrea Mara adaptations. The streamer is developing a series based on the author's bestselling novel 'Such a Nice Girl', reuniting the creative team behind the hit thriller 'All Her Fault'.
Writer and executive producer Megan Gallagher is attached to adapt the book, with Carnival Films also returning. The story begins after a luxury wedding, when two mothers discover blood, a smashed lamp and an abandoned phone in the room their daughters shared, setting off a twist-filled mystery that threatens to unravel lifelong friendships.
Prime Video Orders Lucy Score's 'Things We Never Got Over' to Series
Prime Video is officially bringing Lucy Score's bestselling romance 'Things We Never Got Over' to the screen. The streamer has handed out a series order for the adaptation, which follows runaway bride Naomi Witt as she lands in the small town of Knockemout, Virginia, where she finds herself caring for a teenage niece and clashing with a grumpy local who may be exactly what she needs.
Ringer creators Eric Charmelo and Nicole Snyder will serve as showrunners, with Score also attached as an executive producer. The pickup marks Prime Video's latest investment in romance adaptations following the success of series including 'Off Campus' and 'We Were Liars'.
LeVar Burton Reveals Cover for Long-Awaited Memoir
LeVar Burton is finally telling his own story. The beloved actor, author and literacy advocate has unveiled the cover of his upcoming memoir 'Take My Word for It', which arrives this November.
Best known for 'Roots', 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' and 'Reading Rainbow', Burton says the book explores the defining moments of his life and career, from his childhood during the Civil Rights Movement to his experiences as a parent, storyteller and advocate. The memoir marks Burton's first full life story and promises a personal look at the lessons and experiences that shaped one of pop culture's most recognisable voices.
Sadie Sink to Star in FX's 'The Marriage Plot'
Sadie Sink has found her next major TV role. The 'Stranger Things' star is set to lead and executive produce FX's adaptation of Jeffrey Eugenides' bestselling novel 'The Marriage Plot'.
The limited series follows three recent college graduates caught in a complicated love triangle as they navigate love, identity and the realities of adulthood. The project comes from 'Succession' writer Will Arbery and director Hiro Murai, with A24 producing. Sink is currently the only cast member attached, with additional casting details still to come.
And that’s a wrap on this week’s Story to Screen Report! We’ll be back soon with more casting news, trailers, adaptation announcements, and all the latest book-to-screen news 🍿📚