- Feel Good
- 25th Jul 2025
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- 0 minute
9 upcoming novel adaptations to read before they hit the screen
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship with no idea of who he is and why he’s there, surrounded by corpses. His memory slowly returns as he begins to understand the terrible circumstances that led him to his current predicament. The Earth faces an extinction-level event as a new organism is causing the sun to dim, and he is humanity’s only chance at finding a solution and save the world. Project Hail Mary comes from the author of The Martian, Andy Weir, so fans can expect a mix of action, humour and science.
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Klara and the Sun is the eighth novel by Booker and Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro, delving into the rather timely and frightening world of AI. We follow Josie (Mia Tharia and Klara (Jenna Ortega), who is Josie’s artificial friend. Directed by Taika Waititi, the film will question our emotional relationship with AI and where we draw the line between human and machine.
The Odyssey
Christopher Nolan’s new movie tells the story of Homer’s ancient Greek poem, The Odyssey and follows Odysseus (Matt Damon) on his perilous journey home after the Trojan War. Along the way he encounters Polyphemus, the Sirens and the mysterious Circe (Charlize Theron), before finally reuniting with his wife Penelope (Anne Hathaway). This star-studded adaptation also stars Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o as part of an all-star cast.
Frankenstein
The upcoming adaptation of Mary Shelley’s timeless tale is directed by Guillermo del Toro who is known for his impressive visuals and dark storytelling (Pan’s Labyrinth) The film is expected to explore the timeless questions about humanity and the consequences of unchecked ambition when Victor Frankenstein strives to restore life to the dead and succeeds in creating a horrific creature. Oscar Isaac, Mia Goth and Jacab Eloridi) star. This Frankenstein could redefine the classic 1818 story for a new generation while also staying true to its Gothic roots.
Wicked For Good
The story of how a green skinned woman framed by the Wizard of Oz becomes the Wicked Witch of the West. This will be the second of a two-part film adaptation of the popular Broadway musical. After challenging the Wizard’s regime in Oz Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) must grapple with her identity as the Wicked Witch of the West. Meanwhile Glinda (Ariana Grande) has been given the title Glinda the Good and soon becomes the nation’s defender against Elphaba. The two witches must make decisions that seal their fates. Also stars Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum.
Hamnet by Maggie O Farrell
Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley are set to star in the heartbreaking adaptation of Maggie O Farrell’s bestselling novel. The historical tale reimagines the family life of Shakespeare, focusing on the death of his young son Hamnet who died of the plague and how it effects William and his wife Agnes.
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried star in this gripping tale of deception and manipulation from bestselling author Freida McFadden. The adaptation follows Mille, a young woman hired to work for the wealthy Winchester family and soon discovers that her new employers seemingly perfect lives hold many disturbing secrets. As Millie begins to uncover the truth, she herself is soon ensnared in a dangerous game of lies and survival. The housemaid promises to be a captivating psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
Explores Panem 24 years before Katniss Everdeen entered the Hunger Games, we follow Haymitch Abernathy (Joseph Zada) on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, a special anniversary version of the death matches which sees 48 people enter the arena. The new movie has a hugely impressive cast which includes Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket and Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman. Along with Glenn Close and Billy Porter. To say I am excited for this one is an understatement!
Honourable mention – The Night Always Comes – Netflix – 15th Aug
Adapted from the 2021 novel The Night Always Comes by Willy Vlautin. Lynette (Vanessa Kirby) rises each morning before sunrise to juggle multiple jobs while also caring for her mother Doreen (Jennifer Jason Leigh) and older brother Kenny (Zack Gottsagen). Lynette has been hardened by life; her bedroom houses the washer-dryer, an oil furnace and a utility sink. There’s little or no money for new clothes or for treats. Lynette has gone without so she can save cash to purchase the ramshackle home her family has rented for decades in an area where the working classes are being pushed outta town. A plan had been in place to raise a mortgage on the property, but when that’s derailed, she’s forced to undertake a desperate odyssey in a city of greed. Lynette must confront dangerous people who owe her money.
Chris Kingston
Entertainment Writer
Chris is Laura's brother and the font of all knowledge when it comes to anything related to TV, film and books. He provides our popular round-ups on what to watch at the cinema, the TV not to miss, and new cultural releases.
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