Story to Screen - 21/10/26

It's been another huge week in the world of book-to-screen adaptations! From record-breaking trailers and exciting casting announcements to beloved bestsellers finally making their way to the big screen, there's plenty to get excited about. Whether you're a fantasy fanatic, a romance lover or a thriller enthusiast, we've got all the latest news right here in this week's 'Story to Screen Report'!

The first trailer for Greta Gerwig’s 'The Magician’s Nephew' has racked up an incredible 481.3 million views in just seven days, surpassing 'Barbie', 'Wonka' and 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie'. The highly anticipated adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s beloved novel also made music history, becoming the first film trailer granted permission to use Led Zeppelin’s iconic 'Stairway to Heaven'. Featuring a star-studded cast including Emma Mackey, Daniel Craig, Carey Mulligan and Meryl Streep, the film is set to hit US cinemas on February 12, 2027.

Gabriel Basso has joined Julia Garner, Lewis Pullman and Maddie Hasson in Apple TV’s upcoming series 'Guilty Creatures'. Based on Mikita Brottman’s true-crime book 'Guilty Creatures: Sex, God, and Murder in Tallahassee, Florida', the story follows two young lovers whose passionate affair leads to murder, exploring the emotional toll of living with their deadly secret for 18 years. Directed by Craig Gillespie, the series will also feature Mary-Louise Parker, although details of Basso’s role are still being kept under wraps.

Apple TV’s hit spy thriller is expanding its cast, with Varada Sethu, Ethan Moorhouse, Tuppence Middleton, Merab Ninidze and Joshua McGuire joining the upcoming season, alongside returning star James Callis. Based on Mick Herron’s novel 'Bad Actors', the new instalment will see Gary Oldman’s Jackson Lamb and his team racing to uncover a mole within the British government before they can bring down the state. The award-winning series has already been renewed for an eighth season, with plenty more espionage and dark humour still to come.

Ashley Avis, known for Disney+'s 'Black Beauty', is set to write and direct a new adaptation of Joanne Greenberg's acclaimed 1964 novel 'I Never Promised You a Rose Garden', after spending a decade pursuing the film rights. Inspired by the author's own experiences, the story follows Deborah Blau, a teenager living with schizophrenia who retreats into an elaborate imaginary world and develops a powerful bond with her psychiatrist. The novel has sold millions of copies worldwide and was previously adapted into an Oscar-nominated film in 1977.

David D. Magee’s powerful true story of addiction, recovery, love and loss is being adapted into a feature film, with production already underway in Mississippi. Directed by Andrew Hyatt, the film stars Matt Passmore as a struggling father who embarks on a 2,000-mile road trip to California with his eldest son, only to discover they are both battling addiction. Also starring Emily Rose, Gabriel Nagy and Hudson Macready, the story explores a family confronting painful truths, finding hope and discovering a new purpose through a son’s final request.

Pierce Brown’s hugely popular sci-fi series 'Red Rising' is officially heading to the big screen, with Paramount acquiring the film rights and Francis Lawrence set to direct the first instalment. The story follows Darrow, a miner on Mars who discovers his people have been enslaved by the ruling Gold caste, leading him to infiltrate their society and join a rebellion against the oppressive hierarchy. With Justin Rhodes ('Terminator: Dark Fate') writing the screenplay and the author serving as executive producer, the adaptation is in development, although a release date has yet to be announced.

Netflix has released the trailer for 'Guarding Stars', the upcoming adaptation of Katherine Center’s bestselling novel 'The Bodyguard', starring Leighton Meester and Jared Padalecki. The story follows Hannah Brooks, a no-nonsense bodyguard hired to protect a famous actor from a stalker, only to find herself pretending to be his girlfriend while visiting his family in Montana for Christmas. With plenty of romantic tension, hilarious moments and festive charm, the film is set to premiere on Netflix on November 18.

Disney+ has announced 'Night Tales Club', a six-part supernatural anthology series based on short stories by acclaimed Japanese horror author Ichi Sawamura. Starring Takayuki Yamada as a wealthy businessman obsessed with paranormal phenomena, the series follows his offer of a huge reward to anyone who can provide proof of a genuine supernatural encounter. Featuring acclaimed directors Kiyoshi Kurosawa ('Cure') and Takashi Shimizu ('Ju-on'), the chilling new series is set to premiere in January 2027.

The hit TV adaptation of Rachel Reid’s bestselling 'Game Changers' series is getting a special collector’s edition Blu-ray and DVD release in November, featuring deleted scenes, bloopers, behind-the-scenes footage and exclusive merchandise. Creator Jacob Tierney has also released 'I’ll Believe in Anything', a companion book packed with annotated scripts, photographs and secrets from the making of the show. Meanwhile, season two is aiming for a spring 2027 release and will draw from the novels 'The Long Game' and 'Role Model'.

The highly anticipated Prime Video adaptation of Rebecca Yarros’ bestselling romantasy series has reportedly cast Emilio Sakraya ('Warrior Nun') as Xaden Riorson, alongside Esther McGregor ('We Were Liars') as Violet Sorrengail. Set in the deadly world of Basgiath War College, the story follows a young woman forced to train as a dragon rider, where she encounters a mysterious and powerful wing leader who becomes her love interest. Produced by Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society, the series has yet to announce a premiere date, but fans finally have faces to put to their favourite characters!

The upcoming adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling novel boasts an incredible cast, including Idris Elba, Viola Davis, Regina King and Amandla Stenberg. Set in the kingdom of Orïsha, where magic has been banished, the story follows Zélie as she crosses paths with a prince sent to stop magic. Damson Idris, who plays Prince Inan, described the experience of bringing this Afrofantasy world to life as something fresh and completely new, celebrating its rich heritage, culture and extraordinary talent. The January 2027 release date can't come fast enough!

With so many exciting adaptations on the horizon, our watchlists are getting longer by the week! We're especially excited to see some of our favourite books brought to life, but as always, the big question remains: will the screen versions live up to the books? Let us know which adaptations you're most looking forward to, and check back next week for another round of book-to-screen news!