Olivia Newman’s Where The Crawdads Sing has been released in theaters, albeit met with mixed reactions from critics. Nevertheless, viewers can finally watch the southern drama on the big screen, especially book readers who enjoyed Kya’s story from the titular award-winning novel, written by Delia Owens.
Though Newman delivers her own vision of the murder-mystery story onto the big screen, Where The Crawdads Sing is not audiences’ only opportunity to see their favorite book come to life. There are plenty of novel adaptations on the way in all genres, ranging from classic children’s tales to gritty historical dramas.
The Storied Life Of A. J. Fikry – TBD
The Storied Life Of A.J. Fikry follows lonely bookstore owner A. J. Fikry whose life is changed by an unexpected package at his door. The novel is written by Gabriella Zevin. Those who are fans of the book know that it explores powerful themes of loss, love, and grief, and a film adaptation could certainly leave many watchers in tears if the story is perfectly executed.
In May 2022, Deadline reported that the film was acquired by Vertical Entertainment, with hopes of a potential release in 2022. Nevertheless, A.J. Fikry’s story will be envisioned by director Hans Canosa, with a cast consisting of Lucy Hale, Kunal Nayyar, and Christina Hendricks.
The Nightingale – TBD
Historical fiction fans will be glad to know The Nightingale – written by Kristin Hannah – is being adapted to the screen. Set in France during World War II, the story follows two sisters struggling against the German invasion. While most World War II films depict the violent and brutal nature of the battles, this book shows a different perspective from the townspeople caught in the war.
The book’s central characters are siblings Isabelle and Vienne, set to be played by two real-life sisters, Dakota and Elle Fanning. Hopefully, the film will replicate the women’s hardship during war, an outlook that is too rarely found in most war movies.
Another Agatha Christie Novel – TBD
Fans of Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile will be pleased to discover that a third Hercules Poirot film is set to be made, but the studio shared that it will feel different from the previous installments. However, it’s still a mystery as to which specific novel is currently being adapted.
Detective Poirot was created by famous mystery author Agatha Christie, who featured the character in a number of her novels. Now portrayed by Kenneth Branagh, fans can hope to see the mustached detective once again but will have to wait for exactly which story he will play in.
Luckiest Girl Alive – Slated For 2022
Filled with mystery, trauma, and twists, The Luckiest Girl Alive was chosen to be adapted into a movie. Considering the book discusses issues about a character’s trauma, the film adaptation could equally present this powerful story about coming of age and healing, which will emotionally resonate with any person.
This deep thriller revolves around the life of Ani FaNelli, a seemingly perfect woman carrying dark secrets from her teenage years. The debut novel of Jessica Knoll’s heroine is set to be played by actress Mila Kunis.
The Wonder – Slated For 2022
Adaptations of Jane Austen novels have been instant hits in the past, but Austen isn’t the only source used for period piece movies. Soon to appear on Netflix is The Wonder, based on the psychological thriller of the same name.
The Wonder, written by Emma Donoghue, takes place in 19th-century Ireland, though the book itself was published in 2016. It follows a girl who is miraculously still alive despite not eating. The story itself is quite complex as the young girl tries to decipher between logic and faith, so a film adaptation that explores her search for free will can create an equally riveting narrative. With Little Women‘s Florence Pugh attached to play her, it will all the more likely bring a raw and powerful performance.
The School For Good And Evil – September 2022
There’s been a lot of excitement over the new adaptation of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, but fantasy fans might also remember reading The School for Good and Evil in their younger days. Book lovers will be happy to know that a film adaptation is soon to appear on Netflix.
The School For Good and Evil is a twisted fairy tale that follows Sophie and Agatha and their fresh arrival at a fantasy school. Though the book has its fairy tale premise, it also much more nuanced about the themes of good, evil, and the beauty within as the two main characters navigate through their magical journey. Henceforth, The School for Good and Evil will hopefully be a lighted-hearted addition to the fantasy genre and could open up a possibility of sequels in the future.
Pinocchio – September 8, 2022
Many Disney fans are familiar with the tale of Pinocchio, and now there will be an upcoming musical film that will be a modern take on the classic animated film. What Pinocchio fans might not know, however, is that the story was originally a book published way back in 1883.
The Adventures of Pinocchio was a children’s novel written by Italian author Carlo Collodi. Though originally written in Italian, the novel has since been translated into an impressive number of languages and adapted into a few Pinocchio films, though the Disney films remain the most popular.
Blonde – September 23, 2022
Many have seen the images that show Ana de Arma’s stunning transformation as Marilyn Monroe for the upcoming Netflix film, Blonde. However, this movie is different from a typical biographical drama, as Blonde is actually adapted from a novel by accredited author Joyce Carol Oates.
While Blonde is based on historic events, it actually wasn’t written to contain biographical truth. Instead, the novel is a fictionalized story of Marilyn Monroe’s life. Though Blonde will be far from a documentary, it will surely make a great film that follows the deep and dark turns of her life story, especially since it has an NC-17 rating.
Salem’s Lot – April 21, 2023
Adaptations from Stephen King’s books have provided some of the best movies in the horror genre. Thankfully, there are still books to keep turning them into films, and one of those is Salem’s Lot.
Any horror fan can expect the same chilling thrills as other King adaptations in Salem’s Lot. However, this film will include a monster perhaps less expected from King: vampires. Though the movie originally had a September release date, the reboot has now been pushed for April 2023.
Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes – November 17, 2023
Years ago, The Hunger Games novel trilogy was brought to the screen, resulting in equally popular four-part films. In between then and now, author Suzanne Collins wrote another novel taking place in the Hunger Games universe, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which will also be adapted into a movie.
However, Katniss Everdeen fans should not expect Jennifer Lawrence to appear in the new film. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a prequel to the trilogy and will follow a young Coriolanus Snow, who learns about the games during the 10th Hunger Games, which is far before Everdeen’s iconic journey. Therefore, this prequel movie will further dive into the history behind the games, especially giving viewers a different outlook of how they were before the 74th annual and Snow’s back story before his presidency.
