What's New and Coming Soon in Book-to-Screen

There are a lot of exciting book adaptations coming to the screen right now. We're excited to watch, but first we want to read, because, as we all know, the book is (almost) always better. Here are fifteen of the latest, greatest book-to-screen adaptations. Order your copy of the source material so you can read before you watch.

The Perfect Find by Tia Williams

Starring Gabrielle Union, the film adaptation of this romance is streaming on Netflix. Jenna Jones, former It-girl fashion editor, is forty, broke and desperate for a second chance. When she's dumped by her longtime fiancé and fired from her magazine, she begs for a job from her arch nemesis. But she soon finds she's in over her head.

Secret Invasion by Brian Michael Bendis and Leinil Francis Yu

The ninth series in the MCU universe is streaming on Disney+. The story follows Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and Talos (Ben Mendelsohn) as they uncover a conspiracy by a group of shapeshifting Skrulls to conquer Earth. Emilia Clarke, Olivia Colman, and Don Cheadle also appear in the series, which has been well received by critics and Marvel fans alike.

Survival of the Thickest by Michelle Buteau

This collection of personal essays by the stand-up comedian and actress served as the basis for her Netflix show, launching on July 13. The story centers on a newly single woman recovering from a devastating breakup. Known for scene-stealing roles in Always Be My Maybe, First Wives Club, and Russian Doll, Buteau charts her rebound in romance and rebuilding her career.

It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han

Season two of The Summer I Turned Pretty debuts on July 14, returning to the story of Isabel "Belly" Conklin as the 16-year-old finds herself at another dramatic crossroads. In this installment of the Amazon Prime Video show based on Han's YA Summer series, Belly gets caught up in an uncomfortable love triangle with two brothers she's known all her life.   

Sweet Magnolias by Sherryl Woods

This series of romances inspired the Netflix show of the same name, starting its third season on July 20. It centers on three South Carolina women who have been friends since childhood. JoAnna Garcia Swisher is the newly divorced Maddie. Chef Dana is played by Brooke Elliott. Attorney Helen (Heather Headley) rounds out the trio who have seen each other through thick and thin. 

American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin

Regarded as the definitive biography of the world-renowned physicist who helped develop the first nuclear weapons, this book served as the basis for Oppenheimer, scheduled for release on July 21. The much-buzzed-about film stars Cillian Murphy in the title role, with a supporting cast including Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Florence Pugh, and Kenneth Branagh.

Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett

Premiering on July 28, season two of the fantasy comedy based on this magical collaboration reunites the unlikely duo of angel Aziraphale (Michael Sheen) and demon Crowley (David Tennant). They may have staved off Armageddon, but now the pair must reckon with Earthly morals and prevent the rapture. Gabriel, an archangel played by Jon Hamm joins them on their quest.

Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

Releasing on August 3, the second season of the Netflix show, based on the  heartfelt graphic novel series, continues the story of the high-school romance between Nick and Charlie. As they and their friends navigate social pressures, a school trip to Paris, and the upcoming prom, they are also trying to figure out how to come out to their families and friends.

The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart by Holly Ringland

This novel traces the path of a girl who is orphaned following a violent tragedy. She is taken in by her grandmother, a flower farmer. But dangerous secrets from her past lurk and, as a young woman, an unexpected betrayal sends her reeling. The seven-part miniseries, featuring Sigourney Weaver as Alice's grandmother, premieres on August 4.

Shortcomings by Adrian Tomine

The film adaptation of this graphic novel premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival in January and is coming to theaters on August 4. It is the story of Ben Tanaka, a confused, obsessive Japanese American man in his late twenties as he pursues love and happiness. The comedy-drama features Sherry Cola as Ben's best friend, Alice.

Pain Killer: An Empire of Deceit and the Origin of America's Opioid Epidemic by Barry Meier

From the Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times reporter who first exposed the roots of the opioid epidemic and the secretive world of the Sackler family behind Purdue Pharma, this nonfiction account of corporate greed and government negligence has inspired an upcoming Netflix series, launching August 10. Painkiller stars Uzo Aduba, Matthew Broderick, and Taylor Kitsch.

Dracula by Bram Stoker

The newest film adaptation of the classic 1897 horror novel is actually based on a single chapter of the book entitled The Captain's Log. The story centers on the crew of a merchant ship struggling to survive the treacherous ocean voyage while being stalked by the titular vampire. The movie is set to be released in theaters on August 11.

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

What happens when America's First Son falls in love with the Prince of Wales? When his mother became President, Alex was promptly cast as the American equivalent of a young royal. But after a messy altercation with Prince Henry from across the pond, the two rivals are forced to stage a truce. And what begins as a fake friendship turns into romance. In theaters August 11.

Blue Beetle by Keith Giffen and John Rogers

The mystical Blue Beetle scarab has chosen its new guardian, Jaime Reyes! But supernatural powers can be a blessing or a curse, and when it comes to the powers of the Scarab, you don't get one without the other! The newest feature film of the DC universe, featuring stars Susan Sarandon and George Lopez, will be in theaters on August 18.

White Bird: A Wonder Story by R. J. Palacio

This graphic novel expands on Palacio's heartwarming novel Wonder, which got its own 2017 adaptation starring Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, and Jacob Tremblay. It traces the experiences of Julian's grandmother as a young Jewish girl in Nazi-occupied france. Helen Mirren and Gillian Anderson star in the upcoming film, set to be released in theaters on August 18.

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Read more by Ashly Moore Sheldon