The Latest Book-to-Film and TV Adaptations
The world of literature constantly provides a rich source of captivating stories and characters, making it a natural wellspring for Hollywood adaptations. This article explores the latest book-to-film and TV adaptations news, covering recent acquisitions, confirmed projects, and rumours. It also examines some of the broader trends shaping this dynamic landscape.
One notable trend is the prominent role of streaming services, notably Netflix, in acquiring and developing these projects.
Confirmed Projects
Several book adaptations are already in the works, with confirmed release dates and exciting casts. Here are a few highlights:
- The “Slough House” series by Mick Herron
An espionage thriller series that follows a group of disgraced MI5 agents who have been relegated to Slough House, a dilapidated administrative purgatory. The irascible Jackson Lamb leads these “slow horses” in dangerous plots and conspiracies. The series has been adapted into a critically acclaimed television show by Apple TV+, with Gary Oldman starring as Jackson Lamb. The first four seasons, adapting the first four books in the series (“Slow Horses,” “Dead Lions,” “Real Tigers,” and “Spook Street”), have already been released, and the show has been renewed for a fifth season, which will be based on the fifth book, “London Rules.” 1 - “Three Bags Full” by Leonie Swann
A novel that features a flock of sheep who turn into amateur detectives to solve the murder of their shepherd. With its blend of humour and mystery, “Three Bags Full” offers a fresh perspective on the crime genre. Amazon MGM Studios is adapting the book into a film, with Kyle Balda (“Minions: The Rise of Gru”) directing and Craig Mazin (“The Last of Us”) writing the screenplay3. Hugh Jackman and Emma Thompson are set to star alongside a talented ensemble cast3. The film is scheduled to be released on February 20, 20263. - “In the Likely Event” by Rebecca Yarros 4
A romance novel set against the backdrop of the war in Afghanistan tells the story of a U.S. soldier and a congressional aide who find love amidst challenging circumstances. Netflix has acquired the film rights, with Lindsey Ferrentino adapting the screenplay5. No release date or cast has been announced yet. - “The Housemaid” by Freida McFadden 6
A psychological thriller that follows Millie, a troubled young woman who takes a job as a live-in housemaid for a wealthy family. As she becomes entangled in their secrets and lies, she finds herself in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Lionsgate has acquired the film rights, with Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried set to star7. Paul Feig, known for directing comedies like “Bridesmaids” and “Spy,” will direct the film, which is scheduled to be released on December 25, 20257. - “Funny Story” by Emily Henry 8
A charming and witty romance novel that follows Daphne, a children’s librarian, and Miles, a successful author, who find themselves unexpectedly thrown together. As they navigate their complicated pasts and undeniable chemistry, they discover that love can be found in the most unexpected places. Lyrical Media and Ryder Picture Company have acquired the rights to adapt “Funny Story” into a feature film, with Henry herself involved in the adaptation process8. No release date or cast has been announced yet.
Recently Acquired Titles
Several captivating books have recently been optioned for film or television, promising exciting adaptations shortly. Here are a few notable examples:
- “The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman 9
A cozy crime novel, set in a retirement village, that follows amateur sleuths investigating a local murder. With its charming characters and witty dialogue, “The Thursday Murder Club” has garnered critical acclaim and captured readers’ hearts worldwide. Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment acquired the film rights in 2020, and Netflix has since secured distribution rights10. The film adaptation, directed by Chris Columbus (“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”), is expected to be released in 202413. The star-studded cast includes Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, and Ben Kingsley13. - “My Oxford Year” by Julia Whelan 14
A romance novel that tells the story of Ella Durran, an American student who embarks on a life-changing year at Oxford University. While pursuing her academic dreams, she falls in love with a charming and enigmatic professor. The book, published by William Morrow Paperbacks on April 24, 201815 has been acquired by Netflix for a feature film adaptation. Sofia Carson and Corey Mylchreest are set to star16. Filming took place in England in September 2024, and the film is expected to be released sometime in 202516. - “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt 17
A heartwarming and whimsical novel that follows Tova Sullivan, a widowed woman who finds solace in her job cleaning an aquarium. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she forms a friendship with Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus. Netflix is adapting the book into a film, with Sally Field set to star and Olivia Newman directing17. Filming is scheduled to begin in Vancouver in March 202518.
Rumored Adaptations
Several book adaptations have been whispered about. Here are a few titles that have sparked speculation:
- “Children of Blood and Bone” by Tomi Adeyemi 19
A young adult fantasy novel that, inspired by West African mythology, follows Zélie Adebola as she embarks on a quest to restore magic to her people and overthrow a tyrannical king. While no official announcement has been made, “Children of Blood and Bone” has been rumoured to be in development as a film adaptation by Paramount Pictures for several years20. Gina Prince-Bythewood (“The Woman King”) is slated to direct, with a potential release date of January 15, 202721. The film is expected to showcase a cast of predominantly Black actors, further highlighting the growing trend of diverse representation in Hollywood22. - “The Dog Stars” by Peter Heller 23
This post-apocalyptic novel tells the story of Hig, a pilot who survives a global flu pandemic and lives a solitary life with his dog, Jasper. When he receives a radio transmission that suggests there may be other survivors, he embarks on a dangerous journey in search of hope and connection. 20th Century Studios has confirmed that a film adaptation is in development, with Ridley Scott directing and Jacob Elordi in talks to star24. - “Quicksilver” by Callie Hart 25
This fantasy romance novel, the first in the “Fae & Alchemy” series, follows Lennon and Cillian as they navigate a world of magic, danger, and forbidden love. While no official adaptation has been announced, “Quicksilver” has generated significant buzz online, with fans expressing their desire to see this captivating story brought to the screen26.
The increasing popularity of adapting Young Adult (YA) novels like “Children of Blood and Bone” is a notable trend in Hollywood19. These stories often feature strong protagonists, imaginative worlds, and themes that resonate with a younger audience, making them ripe for adaptation.
Conclusion
The landscape of book adaptations constantly evolves, with a diverse range of genres and stories being optioned and developed. There’s something for everyone, from espionage thrillers to romances and fantastical adventures. As Hollywood continues to draw inspiration from literature, fans can anticipate many captivating stories brought to life on screens in the years to come.
However, it’s essential to acknowledge the challenges of adapting books with complex narratives or unconventional storytelling. As noted by one industry expert, “If you are flowing through vast swaths of time… or summarising a lot of your book, then that’s difficult to make into a movie.” This highlights the need for careful consideration and creative adaptation to capture the book’s essence while creating a compelling cinematic experience.
Despite these challenges, the trend of book adaptations shows no signs of slowing down. With streaming services playing an increasingly important role in this landscape and a growing demand for diverse representation, the future of book-to-film and TV adaptations is bright.
Works cited
1. Slough House (novel series) – Wikipedia, accessed on February 7, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slough_House_(novel_series)
2. Slow Horses – Wikipedia, accessed on February 7, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slow_Horses
3. Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Movie – Wikipedia, accessed on February 7, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Bags_Full:_A_Sheep_Detective_Movie
4. In the Likely Event by Rebecca Yarros, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®, accessed on February 7, 2025, https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/in-the-likely-event-rebecca-yarros/1142843869
5. Netflix Developing Film Adaptation of Rebecca Yarros Novel ‘In the Likely Event’ (Exclusive), accessed on February 7, 2025, https://www.imdb.com/news/ni64900564/?ref_=nm_nwr_1
6. http://www.amazon.com, accessed on February 7, 2025, https://www.amazon.com/Housemaid-Freida-McFadden/dp/1538742578
7. The Housemaid (2025 film) – Wikipedia, accessed on February 7, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Housemaid_(2025_film)
8. Funny Story (novel) – Wikipedia, accessed on February 7, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funny_Story_(novel)
9. A Novel (A Thursday Murder Club Mystery): 9781984880963: Osman, Richard: Books – Amazon.com, accessed on February 7, 2025, https://www.amazon.com/Thursday-Murder-Club-Novel/dp/1984880969
10. The Thursday Murder Club – Wikipedia, accessed on February 7, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Thursday_Murder_Club
11. It Ends with Us – Wikipedia, accessed on February 7, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_Ends_with_Us
12. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo – Wikipedia, accessed on February 7, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Seven_Husbands_of_Evelyn_Hugo
13. The Thursday Murder Club potential release date, cast and more – Digital Spy, accessed on February 7, 2025, https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a43628089/thursday-murder-club-movie-release-date/
14. My Oxford Year: Julia Whelan: 9781538502211 – Books – Amazon.com, accessed on February 7, 2025, https://www.amazon.com/My-Oxford-Year-Julia-Whelan/dp/1538502216
15. My Oxford Year: A Novel: Whelan, Julia – Books – Amazon.com, accessed on February 7, 2025, https://www.amazon.com/My-Oxford-Year-Julia-Whelan/dp/0062740644
16. My Oxford Year – Wikipedia, accessed on February 7, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Oxford_Year
17. Remarkably Bright Creatures – Wikipedia, accessed on February 7, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remarkably_Bright_Creatures
18. Netflix Movie REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES With Sally Field Filming in Vancouver, accessed on February 7, 2025, https://hollywoodnorthbuzz.com/2025/01/netflixs-remarkably-bright-creatures-with-sally-field-shooting-in-vancouver-this-march.html
19. Children of Blood and Bone – Wikipedia, accessed on February 7, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Children_of_Blood_and_Bone
20. Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, & Viola Davis Among 12 Stars Cast In Paramount’s Long-Awaited Adaptation Of Best-Selling Fantasy Book – Screen Rant, accessed on February 7, 2025, https://screenrant.com/children-blood-bone-movie-cast-erivo-elba-davis/
21. Amandla Stenberg Joins a Stellar Ensemble for ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ Movie, accessed on February 7, 2025, https://collider.com/children-of-blood-and-bone-cast-amandla-stenberg/
22. The ‘Children of Blood & Bone’ Cast Is Stacked to the Rafters – Telly Visions, accessed on February 7, 2025, https://tellyvisions.org/article/children-blood-bone-cast-whos-who-black-talent
23. The Dog Stars – Wikipedia, accessed on February 7, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dog_Stars
24. Ridley Scott’s Post-Apocalyptic Movie Loses Lead Star & Now Jacob Elordi Is In Talks To Replace Him – Screen Rant, accessed on February 7, 2025, https://screenrant.com/the-dog-stars-movie-jacob-elordi-replacing-paul-mescal-casting-update/
25. Quicksilver by Callie Hart, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®, accessed on February 7, 2025, https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/quicksilver-callie-hart/1145866827
26. ‘Quicksilver’ Movie: Cast, Release Date & More Adaptation Updates – Swooon, accessed on February 7, 2025, https://www.swooon.com/1165979/quicksilver-movie-updates-cast-release-date-news/
The Original Writers Group 