It's another exciting week in the world of book-to-screen adaptations! From major casting announcements and returning fan favourites to bestselling romances and fantasy adventures heading to our screens, there's plenty to look forward to. We've rounded up all the latest news in this week's 'Story to Screen Report'!
Cameras Are Rolling on 'Icebreaker'!
Netflix has officially begun filming its adaptation of Hannah Grace’s bestselling hockey romance, with Daisy Jelley and Connor Simos leading the cast as Stassie and Nate. Joining them are Auliʻi Cravalho ('Moana'), Gabriel Tierney ('Rivals') and Aidan Shaw ('Heated Rivalry'), among others. With nearly 5 million copies of the novel sold worldwide, fans are one step closer to seeing this beloved BookTok romance come to life!
'Off Campus' Season 2 Is Skating Back Sooner Than Expected!
Prime Video has officially announced that the hit adaptation of Elle Kennedy’s bestselling hockey romance series will return on April 28, 2027! After the success of its first season, which attracted 36 million viewers worldwide in just 12 days, the spotlight will shift to Allie Hayes (Mika Abdalla) and Dean Di Laurentis (Stephen Kalyn) as their complicated romance takes centre stage. Fans can also look forward to the return of Hannah and Garrett, alongside plenty more love, drama and hockey at Briar University!
Netflix Is Heading Back to Boarding School with 'Prep'!
Curtis Sittenfeld’s bestselling debut novel is getting a Netflix series, following scholarship student Lee Fiora as she navigates friendships, romance and class divides at an elite boarding school. Nicole Taylor ('One Day') will write and serve as showrunner, with the author executive producing. A release date has yet to be announced!
Johnny Depp Brings Scrooge's Christmas Chaos to New York!
The actor caused festive mayhem in Bryant Park while promoting 'Ebenezer', a new take on Charles Dickens' classic 'A Christmas Carol'. Dressed as the infamous miser, he threw cookies, popped balloons, heckled carolers and even knocked over a Christmas tree! Directed by Ti West, the film promises a fresh take on the iconic character, blending his grumpy personality with unexpected humour and charm. It hits cinemas on November 13!
'Scarlet Morning' Sets Sail for the Big Screen!
Amazon MGM Studios is developing a live-action adaptation of ND Stevenson's 2025 novel 'Scarlet Morning', with 'Loki' director Kate Herron set to direct and co-write the screenplay. The fantasy adventure follows two orphans who join a pirate crew on a quest to save their world after years of waiting for their parents to return. Roy Lee, who helped bring 'Nimona' to the screen, is also producing the film!
Nicholas Galitzine Joins Sydney Sweeney in Gothic Romance 'Hollow'!
The 'Red, White & Royal Blue' star is in final talks to play Ichabod Crane in a new adaptation of Lindsey Anderson Beer’s upcoming novel, a reimagining of Washington Irving’s 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow'. Told from the perspective of Katrina Van Tassel, the story follows a dangerous mystery and supernatural love triangle, with Belmont Cameli also starring. Beer will write and direct the film, with her novel set for release in autumn 2027.
'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' Adds More Big Names to Its Cast!
Sky’s upcoming eight-part adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s bestselling thriller has added Jonathan Pryce, Lena Olin, James D’Arcy and Camille Cottin to its star-studded cast. Joining David Oyelowo as journalist Mikael Blomkvist and Viola Prettejohn as hacker Lisbeth Salander, the series follows an investigation into a decades-old disappearance within a powerful Swedish family. Filming is now underway in Sweden and Lithuania, with the story getting a modern-day twist!
'The Great Gatsby' Is Getting a Crime Drama Makeover!
NBC is developing a modern-day police procedural inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, with a surprising gender twist! The series, titled 'Gatsby', reimagines Jay Gatsby as a charming detective with a talent for reading people, while Nick Carraway becomes Nicole 'Nicky' Carraway, a decorated police officer who dreams of becoming a writer. Jake Coburn and Jason Tracey are behind the project, with no release date announced yet.
'Divine Rivals' Finds a New Home at Disney!
Rebecca Ross’s bestselling fantasy romance is getting a fresh start after Disney acquired the film rights following Paramount’s deal expiring. The story follows two rival journalists who fall in love through a magical connection amid a war between gods. With a new screenwriter being brought on board and the author serving as executive producer, the highly anticipated adaptation is back in development!
'The Hunger Games' Is Heading for a Huge Box Office Opening!
The upcoming adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ 'Sunrise on the Reaping' is tracking for a massive US opening weekend of at least $60 million, with some predictions exceeding $70 million! Directed by Francis Lawrence, the highly anticipated prequel could comfortably surpass the $44.6 million debut of 'The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes'. With the film hitting cinemas on November 20, excitement for the return to Panem is building!
'The Birds' Takes Flight Again with Sarah Snook!
The award-winning country and soul singer is sharing her extraordinary life story in 'Vocal', arriving April 2027. From growing up on the road with her family band to breakfast with Roy Orbison, opening for Johnny Cash and even accidentally joining a cult, her unconventional childhood was anything but ordinary. The book promises an entertaining and heartfelt look at the highs and heartbreaks of the music industry, and the songs that shaped her along the way. Available to pre-order now!
Epic Fantasy Series 'The Faithful and the Fallen' Gets TV Adaptation!
John Gwynne’s epic fantasy book series is officially getting a television adaptation! The author has confirmed that the project is in development, although details about the cast, creative team and release date are still under wraps. One for fantasy fans to keep an eye on!
'This Summer Will Be Different' Wraps Filming!
Netflix’s adaptation of Carley Fortune’s bestselling romance has officially finished production on Prince Edward Island and in Toronto! Starring Sophie Nélisse, Roby Attal and Francesca Reale, the 10-episode series follows a young woman who falls for the one person she shouldn’t, her best friend’s brother. With Malin Akerman and Megan Follows also joining the cast, we're one step closer to seeing this sun-soaked love story on screen, although a release date is yet to be announced!
Netflix Tudum
'Butcher & Blackbird' Finds Its Killer Leads!
Brynne Weaver’s bestselling dark romance is heading to Prime Video, with Emma Laird and Thomas Doherty set to star as two competing serial killers who hunt other murderers. As their deadly rivalry turns into an unexpected romance, the pair begin questioning whether they could have a future together. Chris McKay ('The Tomorrow War') will direct the adaptation of the BookTok sensation, with the author serving as executive producer.
Could Idris Elba Be the Voice of Tairn in 'Fourth Wing'?
Fans of Rebecca Yarros’ bestselling romantasy series are campaigning for the actor to voice the powerful dragon in Prime Video’s upcoming adaptation, and he’s certainly noticed! After an Instagram fan casting suggested him for the role, he responded with a cryptic side-eye emoji, sending BookTok into a frenzy. Nothing has been confirmed, but with Esther McGregor and Emilio Sakraya already cast as Violet and Xaden, fans are hoping their dream dragon casting comes true!
'Carrie' Is Back for More Blood-Curdling Drama!
Prime Video has renewed Mike Flanagan’s adaptation of Stephen King’s horror classic for a second season, just two weeks after its debut! Starring Summer H. Howell, the series topped streaming rankings in over 105 countries, with plans to take the story far beyond its infamous prom night. The creator has envisioned a three-season arc, so there could be plenty more terror to come!
Katniss Everdeen Is Officially Returning to 'The Hunger Games'!
Jennifer Lawrence has confirmed she’ll reprise her iconic role in 'Sunrise on the Reaping', alongside Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark and Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy! The actress described reuniting with her former co-stars and crew as an emotional experience. Based on Suzanne Collins’ bestselling prequel, the film follows a young Haymitch, played by Joseph Zada, during the 50th Hunger Games and hits cinemas on November 20!
Who Will Be the Next James Bond?
The search for the next 007 is entering its final stages, with Jack Lowden ('Slow Horses'), Callum Turner ('Fantastic Beasts') and Josh O’Connor ('Challengers') reportedly among the actors offered screen tests. Denis Villeneuve ('Dune') is set to direct the new film, with 'Peaky Blinders' creator Steven Knight writing the screenplay. No casting decision has been confirmed yet, but an announcement is expected before the end of 2026!
With so many beloved books making their way to the screen, our watchlists just keep getting longer! Which upcoming adaptation are you most excited about, and which book do you hope gets the Hollywood treatment next? Let us know, and we'll be back next week with more book-to-screen news!
