What to read: 7 bestsellers recently optioned for film, TV
Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Bibliophiles who revel in seeing their favorite literary worlds come to life on screen have a lot to anticipate. Bestselling novelists Colleen Hoover, Emily Henry and Elin Hilderbrand are bringing their stories to the screen once more, while emerging authors Shelby Van Pelt, Jessica Anya Blau and Gabrielle Zevin will see their works adapted for the first time.
Here are the seven novels making their way to film and television.
'Remarkably Bright Creatures' by Shelby Van Pelt
In Remarkably Bright Creatures, an aquarium janitor forms a unique bond with an octopus who helps her uncover details surrounding her son's disappearance decades prior. Tova Sullivan picked up the Sowell Bay Aquarium job following her husband's death, and Marcellus, the octopus, becomes fond of her. The book has already sold over 2 million copies and is Shelby Van Pelt's first.
Sally Field is in talks to star in the movie adaptation, which will stream on Netflix. Field is well-known for her work in Forrest Gump, Steel Magnolias, Mrs. Doubtfire and 80 for Brady. Olivia Newman, who directed the film adaptation of Where the Crawdads Sing, will direct.
'Funny Story' by Emily Henry
In Funny Story, two people seek revenge on their ex-partners, who are now dating. When Daphne's fiancé, Peter, leaves her for his best friend Petra, Daphne bunks with Miles, Petra's ex. Then, she and Miles attempt to solicit jealousy by pretending to date each other.
The Funny Story film adaptation is the latest Emily Henry novel to be optioned for the big screen, but it marks the first that Henry is taking on as scriptwriter. Earlier this month, Netflix announced Emily Bader and Tom Blyth as the stars of People We Meet on Vacation, based on Henry's book of the same name. Cast members have not yet been named for Funny Story.
'Verity' by Colleen Hoover
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni star in the adaptation of Hoover's novel, It End's With Us, out now in theaters. Verity is the second Hoover book to receive the movie treatment. In Verity, writer Lowen Ashleigh is hired to help bestselling author Verity Crawford finish a book project, but the collaboration brings haunting secrets to light.
Hillary Seitz (The Unforgivable) is writing the script and Nick Antosca and Alex Hedlund, of Eat the Cat, will produce. The cast of Verity has not yet been announced.
'Regretting You' by Colleen Hoover
In Hoover's Regretting You, a mother and daughter who don't get along lose the person holding their family together. Chris is Morgan's husband and 16-year-old Clara's father, and he dies unexpectedly. The story explores whether Morgan and Clara can rebuild their relationship after the loss pushes them further apart.
The film will star Allison Williams (Girls, Get Out) and McKenna Grace (Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire). Susan McMartin is writing the script and Josh Boone will direct. The producers include Robert Kulzer, Brunson Green and Anna Todd.
'The Five Star Weekend' by Elin Hilderbrand
In The Five Star Weekend, a grieving food blogger invites significant people from her past on vacation. Hollis Shaw's husband, Matthew, has just died in a car accident, and Hollis is processing both the challenges in that relationship and the struggles she faces with her daughter. The getaway involves old friends, an early love and a new acquaintance.
The book has inspired a series, which will be executive produced by Sue Naegle and Ali Krug of Dinner Party Productions, author Elin Hilderbrand and scriptwriter Bekah Brunstetter. The Five Star Weekend will stream on Peacock. Hilderbrand's novel The Perfect Couple has been adapted for a Netflix series starring Nicole Kidman, which premieres on Sept. 5.
'Mary Jane' by Jessica Anya Blau
In Mary Jane, a 14-year-old girl takes a nannying job in a home that starkly contrasts her prim upbringing. The child that Mary Jane is babysitting is a psychiatrist's daughter, and the clinician happens to be detoxing a rock star (and harboring the musician's famous wife) in his home. The novel, set in the 1970s, shows how a new environment helps Mary Jane better understand who she is.
Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum (Gossip Girl, Vampire Diaries) will direct the adaptation. Jessica Anya Blau, the book's author, will write the script and 3000 pictures will produce it. Cast members have not been announced.
'Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow' by Gabrielle Zevin
In Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, two college students design a video game that changes their lives forever. Sam and Sadie, who were friends when they were younger, reconnect while Sam studies at Harvard, and together, they create the massively successful Ichigo. The pair must navigate the ups and downs prompted by their early achievement.
Gabrielle Zevin, who wrote the book, will serve as the executive producer for the Paramount Pictures adaptation, which had been planned even before the novel was published. Sian Heder (CODA) will direct Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow. Cast members have not yet been announced.
