It’s been another huge week for book-to-screen news, and Sacha has rounded up all the biggest adaptation updates in the latest Story to Screen Report, from major casting announcements to BookTok favourites getting the TV treatment.
Kevin Bacon and Andie MacDowell join 'Beach Read' adaptation
The cast of the upcoming adaptation of Emily Henry’s 'Beach Read' is getting even bigger, with Kevin Bacon and Andie MacDowell joining Phoebe Dynevor and Patrick Schwarzenegger. Directed by Yulin Kuang, the film follows rival authors January Andrews and Augustus Everett, who challenge each other to write outside their usual genres while spending a summer as neighbours.
With two Hollywood veterans now on board, anticipation continues to build for one of the most talked-about romance adaptations currently in development.
'Off Campus' becomes one of Prime Video’s biggest hits ever
The adaptation of Elle Kennedy’s 'Off-Campus' series has become a major success for Prime Video, drawing 36 million viewers worldwide in its first 12 days and ranking as the platform’s third most-watched debut season of all time.
The series has also become Prime Video’s biggest-ever debut among women aged 18–34, surpassing other popular titles including 'The Summer I Turned Pretty'. The record-breaking performance has further boosted interest in Kennedy’s books and helped cement 'Off-Campus' as one of the biggest book-to-screen success stories of the year.
Michael Connelly’s 'Nightshade' is getting an HBO Max adaptation
Michael Connelly’s bestselling crime novel 'Nightshade' is heading to HBO Max, with 'The Lincoln Lawyer' creator David E. Kelley developing the series adaptation. Titled 'Welcome to Catalina', the show will follow Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Detective Stilwell, who is reassigned to Catalina Island and finds himself investigating a mysterious body discovered in the harbour.
The project marks another collaboration between Kelley and Connelly and is intended to launch as an ongoing crime drama series for the streamer.
'Off Campus' season 2 is bringing Allie and Dean’s story to the screen
After Hannah and Garrett stole the spotlight in season one, 'Off Campus' is officially moving on to one of the fandom’s favourite couples: Allie Hayes and Dean Di Laurentis. Based on Elle Kennedy’s 'The Score', the new season will follow Dean, Briar’s confident hockey playboy, as he unexpectedly catches real feelings for Allie, who has no interest in becoming another one of his casual flings. Their friends-to-lovers romance is one of the most-loved stories in the series, and fans are already counting down to see the chemistry, chaos and emotional moments that made the book such a standout.
'Reacher' scores an early season 5 renewal
Prime Video has officially renewed 'Reacher' for a fifth season before season 4 has even premiered, showing just how big the Lee Child adaptation has become for the streamer. Starring Alan Ritchson as Jack Reacher, the action series remains one of Prime Video’s most successful franchises, with season 3 pulling in more than 54 million viewers globally in its first 19 days.
The early renewal signals major confidence in the future of the series and means fans can expect even more of Reacher’s investigations, fight scenes and lone-wolf chaos in the years ahead.
Rebecca Yarros’ 'The Things We Leave Unfinished' finds its director
The adaptation of Rebecca Yarros’ 'The Things We Leave Unfinished' is moving forward, with 'Me Before You' director Thea Sharrock officially signing on to direct. The bestselling romance follows a recently divorced woman who returns home and teams up with an author to complete her late great-grandmother’s unfinished World War II love story, uncovering long-hidden secrets in the process.
With a director now attached and Lionsgate backing the project, fans are one step closer to seeing one of Yarros’ most beloved novels brought to life.
'Project Hail Mary' dominates the 2026 Golden Trailer Awards
The adaptation of Andy Weir’s 'Project Hail Mary' was the standout winner at the 2026 Golden Trailer Awards, taking home Best of Show along with awards for Best Drama, Best Fantasy/Adventure and Best Music. The wins cap off an impressive run for the film, which has become a major box office success and one of the year's biggest book-to-screen hits, further cementing its place as a standout adaptation for both sci-fi fans and general audiences.
Filming wraps on 'Into the Deep Blue'
Two fan-favourite stars are officially heading to the same romance adaptation. 'Maxton Hall' breakout Damian Hardung and 'Ginny & Georgia' star Sara Waisglass will lead 'Into the Deep Blue', based on Jennifer Archer’s YA novel.
The story follows Nick and Fiona, two teens navigating grief after the loss of their mothers, whose friendship slowly develops into something deeper.
With filming already wrapped and first-look images released, the adaptation is quickly becoming one to watch for fans of emotional YA romances.
There’s finally hope for an 'ACOTAR' adaptation again
After years of uncertainty, Sarah J. Maas is reportedly shopping 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' to new studios following the expiration of Hulu’s rights to the series. The original adaptation, which was being developed with 'Outlander' creator Ronald D. Moore, was ultimately scrapped, but new reports suggest the project is back in motion behind the scenes.
Maas has previously confirmed that she now has the rights back and wants to be heavily involved in any future adaptation, making it clear she intends to protect her vision for the beloved romantasy series. For fans who thought Prythian would never make it to the screen, this is the most promising update in years.
Tom Ryan’s bestselling mystery novel heads to television
'The Treasure Hunters Club' has been optioned for television by Canadian production company Skywild Pictures. Set in the coastal town of Maple Bay, the story follows three strangers brought together by the search for a legendary pirate treasure, only to become entangled in murders, local secrets and a decades-old mystery.
Skywild said the novel’s rich cast of characters and layered storytelling made it a natural fit for adaptation, though no network, cast or release date has been announced yet.
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 🍿📚