Whether you avidly read novels or just walk down the aisle of a bookstore, you’ve probably seen the name Emily Henry. A young adult and adult fiction writer from Cincinnati, Henry has taken the literary world by storm in recent years—and now her compelling (and often racy) tales of modern romance are getting the Hollywood treatment.
Since the publication of her first novel for adults, beach reading, in 2020 Henry published a book a year – People we meet on holiday, book lovers, happy place And Funny story. While Funny story only hit shelves in April, the first four novels are on their way to being made into a film.
Here’s a look at all of Henry’s upcoming customizations, starting with her most recent option.
Happy place
Year it was published: 2023
What is it about? College sweethearts Harriet and Wyn were once the perfect couple, but they haven’t spoken in six months since their brutal break-up, which they have yet to tell their friends about. Unable to avoid each other, the exes find themselves on their annual friend group vacation where everyone thinks they are still together. Harriet and Wyn agree to hide the truth about their relationship status, but soon realize that neither has actually moved on.
What happens with the adjustment: Netflix chose Jennifer Lopez’s Nuyorican Productions for the novel, Deadline reported on June 25. The streamer plans to adapt the book as a series and is in the early stages of assembling a writers room.
Rumored cast: Henry confirmed on Instagram that no one has been cast yet.
“If they are, they will be actors in their late 20s to early 30s,” she wrote. “Feel free to drop your fancasts below.”
Expected release: To be defined
Beach reading
Year it was published: 2020
What is it about? When January Andrews, a disillusioned novelist, meets her neighbor Augustus Everett, an acclaimed literary fiction author, she initially despises him. But after discovering that they are both in a creative rut, the pair make a deal to write a novel in each other’s genre. From rom-com marathons to impromptu interviews with former cult members, Andrews and Everett quickly grow closer than they ever expected.
What happens with the adjustment: In April 2023, Deadline reported that Yulin Kuang, a fellow novelist and Emmy-nominated writer-director, would write and direct the film for 20th Century Studios. Earlier this year, Henry told Variety that she had read the “fantastic” first draft of the film.
Rumored cast: In March 2024, Henry sent fans into a frenzy after posting a St. Patrick’s Day selfie The bear actress Ayo Edebiri and Normal people actor Paul Mescal.
“I think they would be great. I saw them being discussed [online] for different roles – and I definitely have a favorite,” Henry told Variety of Edebiri and Mescal’s rumors Beach reading casting. “But it’s nice, because different adaptations would either have one of them playing against type, or one of those adaptations would have them both playing against type, and one of them would have them both playing against type. It’s a interesting thing. I mean, they’re great, they can do anything.”
Expected release: To be defined
Book lovers
Year it was published: 2022
What is it about? At her little sister’s request, career-driven literary agent Nora Stephens agrees to accompany her on a month-long vacation to Sunshine Falls, NC. There, unfortunately, Nora still encounters Charlie Lastra, a brooding book editor who is just as murderous as she is. . Over the next month, the pair grow from enemies to lovers and discover that their love of books isn’t the only thing they have in common.
What happens with the adjustment: News of the upcoming book adaptation broke in March 2023, when Deadline revealed it Girls writer-producer Sarah Heyward would write the screenplay, produced by Tango Entertainment.
“I’m so happy to have partners for this project who understand that, who appreciate the essential role this kind of art plays in our lives. They understand why THIS story, about two broken people trying to open themselves up enough to truly be known, is important to me and us,” Henry wrote on Instagram. “This movie goes [be] funny, cozy, moving and messy. I can not wait.”
Rumored cast: There are no casting updates as of June 2024.
Expected release: To be determined
People we meet on holiday
Year it was published: 2021
What is it about? The university’s top students, Poppy and Alex, have been going on a week-long holiday every year for the past ten years – until two years ago, when they had a big row. In an attempt to repair their friendship, Poppy contacts Alex in hopes of spending one last holiday with her best friend. When he miraculously agrees, they find themselves alone together, on the brink of confronting their feelings.
What happens with the adjustment: In October 2022, Deadline revealed that Brett Haley would direct and Kuang would write the screenplay for the 3000 Pictures adaptation. Henry told Variety in March 2024 that the script “has gone through a lot of different drafts” but will be “finished very soon.”
“It’s so different than I thought I would approach it. It feels like a big swing, which I’m totally going for, because I think the worst a movie can be is boring and mediocre. If we’re going to do this, let’s really go for it,” Henry said.
Rumored cast: While there is no news on the casting, Henry did say that she has full confidence that her staff will choose the right Poppy and Alex. “I think they really understand,” she told Variety.
Expected release: To be determined
