Dearest gentle readers, as you're waiting for updates on the star-crossed love affair between Benedict Bridgerton and his Lady in Silver—oh wait, wrong romance novel-verse. I'm actually here to inform you that Bridgerton alum Phoebe Dynevor has joined another project worth gossiping about: The film adaptation of Emily Henry's best-selling book, Beach Read.
Here's everything we know about the latest film adaptation destined to be picked apart by BookTok:
What is Beach Read about?
Published in 2020, Beach Read is the first best-selling adult romance novel by rom-com titan Emily Henry. The book spans a sun-soaked summer as a jaded romance writer and her college literary rival agree to swap genres in hopes breaking through similar bouts of writer's block.
Basically, August “Gus” Everett is used to pretentious prose and killing off his characters, while January Andrews feels trapped by Happily Ever Afters in the wake of her father's death. When the pair find themselves staying in neighboring lake houses in Michigan, they make a bet: Gus must give his next novel a happy ending, while January will produce a more serious piece of literary fiction.
The caveat: Gus makes January “promise not to fall in love with me,” while they embark on multiple “research” field trips that feel a whole lot like dates.
Who is Emily Henry?
Emily Henry is a 35-year-old romance writer who's penned six best-selling adult romance novels over the past five years, selling over 10 million copies worldwide. Her books' popularity has sparked multiple Hollywood deals and a strong partnership with Netflix.
Though Beach Read was Emily Henry's first foray into adult romance—she'd already penned three YA books—it's not her first project to be made into a film. That honor went to People We Meet on Vacation starring Tom Blythe and Emily Bader, which was released on Netflix this past January.
After redefining modern romance across six best-selling novels in five years, Henry is watching her most beloved love story make the leap to the big screen with People We Meet on Vacation.
Who has been cast in Beach Read?
So far, only one name has been attached to 20th Century Studios' adaptation of Beach Read. On February 19, Deadline announced that Bridgerton alum Phoebe Dynevor will take on the role of January Andrews.
We caught up with the star just hours after season two of the hit Netflix series was announced.
Prior to this announcement, many fans were rallying for Ayo Edibiri and Paul Mescal, but many readers are still excited to watch Dynevor bring “two beloved book characters to life 🥹.”
The actor set to play Gus remains a mystery, but I have my heart set on Dev Patel. But then again, I always have my heart set on Dev Patel.
Who is working behind-the-scenes?
After co-writing the script for People We Meet on Vacation, filmmaker and author Yulin Kuang is stepping into the driver's seat as the 20th Century Studios film's writer and director. Deadline first announced this news back in April 2023.
When is the Beach Read release date?
TBD. Watch this space.
This article will be updated.
