All Emily Henry Romance Novels Adapted into Movies and TV Shows

Emily Henry has rapidly established herself as a leading voice in the romance genre, with numerous titles consistently landing on the New York Times bestseller list. The increasing popularity of her novels has paved the way for adaptations into film and television. From her inaugural adult romance, Beach Read, to her most recent release, Funny Story, each of Henry’s works published within the last five years is now in development for screen adaptations, many backed by major studios and production companies.

Henry’s engaging narratives and relatable characters make her works ideal candidates for romantic book-to-screen adaptations. If filmmakers adhere closely to the source material, these adaptations could become enduring classics in the romantic comedy landscape. While the projects are at varying stages of production, updates regarding casting, writing, directorial choices, and progress have surfaced. Although specific release dates remain largely undisclosed, early rumors suggest that one of the adaptations might debut as early as late 2025.

5 People We Meet On Vacation

Netflix & 3000 Pictures

A composite image of Tom Blyth and Emily Bader posing in front of the cover illustration from People We Meet on Vacation — Custom Image by Dalton Norman

Announced in October 2022, People We Meet on Vacation is set to be adapted into a movie by Netflix under the production of 3000 Pictures. The recent cast announcement confirmed Emily Bader (known for My Lady Jane) and Tom Blythe (star of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes) will portray Poppy and Alex—the story’s central characters. Their previous experience in adapting literary works makes them well-suited to depict Henry’s poignant tale of friends navigating the complexities of unspoken feelings.

As of August, Yulin Kuang is set to adapt the screenplay and has nearly completed the script. Acclaimed director Brett Haley, known for adapting numerous popular novels, including Looking for Alaska and All the Bright Places, has joined the project as well. Filming commenced in September 2024, with glimpses of behind-the-scenes activity in New Orleans surfacing online in October, though details about the project’s completion remain unclear.

4 Beach Read

20th Century Studios

Emily Henry’s debut adult romance, Beach Read, is also in line for a film adaptation, spearheaded by 20th Century Studios. This rivals-to-lovers narrative follows two authors, previously college foes, who challenge each other to step beyond their writing boundaries, leading to witty dialogues and heartwarming moments. The adaptation was officially announced in April 2023, with Yulin Kuang again taking the helm as the writer and director—marking a significant milestone in her career.

Since the initial announcement, information regarding the project has been sparse, with fans eagerly awaiting news. However, Henry revealed to Variety in March 2024 that a promising first draft already exists. Speculation surrounding the casting, particularly involving Ayo Edebiri and Paul Mescal for the roles of January and Gus, has stirred excitement amongst fans, although no official confirmations have emerged yet.

3 Book Lovers

Tango Entertainment

Published in 2022, Book Lovers quickly gained traction on platforms like BookTok, culminating in its being optioned for a film adaptation by Tango Entertainment a year later. This novel is cherished by readers for its refreshingly relatable characters and its departure from cliché romantic tropes, making it a strong candidate for adaptation success.

While no director has been announced yet, the talented Sarah Heyward, noted for her tenure on Modern Love and Girls, is set to craft the screenplay. While updates on the project’s status have been limited, many anticipatory fans are hopeful for news regarding Book Lovers‘ adaptation by 2025.

2 Happy Place

Netflix & Nuyorican Productions

July marked the announcement that Happy Place would be adapted into a Netflix series, produced by Jennifer Lopez’s Nuyorican Productions. Leveraging their successful track record with Netflix films, the collaboration aims to do justice to Henry’s story of Harriet and Wyn—a couple who must navigate their facade of romance during an annual vacation with friends following their breakup.

This series format is particularly advantageous, as it allows for a more nuanced exploration of the characters and storyline over multiple episodes. It is anticipated that the series will consist of approximately eight episodes, providing ample opportunity to delve into the intricacies of the narrative while remaining faithful to the original material.

1 Funny Story

Lyrical Media and Ryder Picture Company

Among the standout romance novels of 2024, Funny Story has garnered attention, with a film adaptation in the works from Lyrical Media and Ryder Picture Company. With Henry herself set to executive produce and write the screenplay, the adaptation has high expectations and presents a promising opportunity for her debut in screenwriting.

The narrative blends humor with heartfelt moments, following protagonists Daphne and Miles as they navigate their complex feelings through a scheme of “fake-dating”to invoke jealousy in their exes. Given the initial enthusiasm around its adaptation, momentum for Funny Story may help streamline the production timeline.

In conclusion, as Emily Henry’s novels make their transition to visual storytelling, it is clear that her distinctive voice and compelling characters are poised to make a significant impact in the romantic film genre.

Source: Variety

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