With the massive popularity of the recently released Heated Rivalry series and season four of Bridgerton, book adaptations are at an all-time high. However, they aren’t new. We all remember Twilight, The Lord of the Rings, and The Handmaid’s Tale. Indeed, propulsive, interesting, and vibrant stories are forever finding themselves on the big screen. Moreover, as more and more people tune in, writers are swiftly seeing their work options in film and television expand. Consequently, this trend highlights the increasing demand for captivating narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. Ultimately, it seems clear that the cinematic universe continues to embrace these beloved tales, bridging the gap between literature and visual storytelling.
We won’t get into the debate of whether a book is better than its visual media counterpart; however, all of this is subjective. What I do know is that, increasingly, more and more announcements continue to be made. Consequently, these books are getting more people interested in them. Furthermore, no genre is off limits, which adds to the excitement of this trend.
Big Screen Adaptations
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir – March 20
I am hoping I will like this more than I did the book. Starring Ryan Gosling as science teacher Ryland, we follow along as he wakes up on a spaceship light-years away and is not quite sure how he got there. Gradually, as things slowly come back to him, he remembers that he is on a mission to study the substance that is causing the sun to die. Additionally, he might not be alone in this vast space. Ultimately, the unfolding events will determine how he navigates this mysterious journey.
The Odyssey by Homer – July 17
Based on Homer’s Epic, this fantasy action film follows Odysseus (Matt Damon) as he embarks on a journey home after the end of the Trojan War. Along the way, he battles monstrous creatures like Cyclops and Circe. Additionally, other notable stars include Anne Hathaway, Elliot Page, Zendaya, Tom Holland, and Robert Pattinson.
Sunrise on the Reaping by Susan Collins – Nov 20
Susan Collins continues to bring us back into this universe that we love to hate so much. In particular, this prequel focuses on Haymitch Abernathy’s (Joseph Zada) story and how he came to win the Quarterquell, which is a Hunger Game with twice as many tributes. Moreover, other notable stars include Elle Fanning, Ralph Fiennes, Jesse Plemons, and Jennifer Lawrence.
Honourable Mentions:
- Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte – Feb 13
- Frankenstein by Mary Shelley March 6 (called the Bride)
- Verity by Colleen Hoover – Oct 2
- Remain by Nicholas Sparks and M. Night Shyamalan – Oct 3
Little Screen Adaptations
Scarpetta based on the novels of Patricia Cornwell – Amazon Prime March 11
At one point in my early 20s, I would have confidently said I was a Scarpetta completionist. Specifically, Dr. Kay Scarpetta, portrayed by Nicole Kidman, is a forensic pathologist who, with the help of family and friends, works tirelessly to unmask a serial killer. Furthermore, the film features other notable stars, such as Jamie Lee Curtis and Simon Baker, who add depth to the story. Overall, the combination of compelling characters and gripping plotlines made it an enthralling experience.
Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe – Apple TV – April 15
Margo (Elle Fanning) is unemployed and, after recently dropping out of college, has just had an unplanned baby. Consequently, faced with mounting bills, she decides to start an OnlyFans account. To help her navigate this new venture, she enlists the support of her ex-wrestler dad and her roommate, Susie. Additionally, other notable stars in the cast include Nicole Kidman, Nick Offerman, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Greg Kinnear.
While the above have release dates, the number of announcements of future adaptations are exciting. Here are just some of the ones I am most excited for.
- Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
- The Wedding People by Alison Espach
- Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
- The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
- God of the Woods by Liz Moore
- Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty
- The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
- I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jeannette McCurdy
- Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashimo
- Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
- Yellowface by R.F Kuang
- The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah
Three Books I Would Like to See as Adapted
Millicent Quibb Series by Kate McKinnon
The adventure of three sisters, a mysterious mad scientist and the creatures and villains they find themselves having to fight. Reluctantly.
A dystopian reality show where you must complete challenges for the basics to survive, you must stay coupled with someone from the opposite sex or be removed, and more popularity means better things.
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower
Emma is a young woman who has returned from the country to her inherited home in the quirky neighbourhood of St. Crispin, only to discover her ridiculous uncle has squandered away her money. Through journal entries, we listen as Emma tries to find work to improve her financial standing and how the eccentric community around her slowly draws her in. Through friendship with three very different men who see more in her than societal norms, she slowly begins to build a life of her own.
What book would you like to see adapted for television or a movie?