Highly Anticipated Book Adaptations Premiering In Late 2024
Books have long been a rich source of inspiration for film and TV projects, providing compelling stories that captivate audiences both on the page and on the screen. The second half of 2024 promises to be an exciting time for book lovers and film enthusiasts alike, with several bestselling novels being transformed into must-watch series and blockbuster movies.
The magic of seeing a beloved book come to life on screen lies in the unique interpretation that filmmakers bring to the story. It’s always fascinating to compare the production’s vision with your own experience of reading the book, seeing how directors, actors, and writers interpret and expand on the source material.
Below is a roundup of books to read before or after their Hollywood adaptations hit theatres and TV screens. Dive into these stories and get ready to see them brought to life in new and thrilling ways.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
The Book
Title: A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
Published Date: May 2nd 2019
Author: Holly Jackson
Synopsis: The novel follows high school student Pip Fitz-Amobi as she reopens a closed murder case for her senior project. Five years ago, Andie Bell was murdered by her boyfriend, Sal Singh, who then committed suicide. However, Pip believes there might be more to the story and embarks on a quest to uncover the truth.
The Show
Title: A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
Release Date: July 1st 2024 (BBC iPlayer); August 1st 2024 (Netflix)
Synopsis: The series, faithful to the book, follows Pip Fitz-Amobi (played by Emma Myers) as she investigates the murder of Andie Bell, challenging the official narrative that Sal Singh was the killer. As Pip delves deeper, she uncovers secrets that put her own life at risk.
Harold and the Purple Crayon
The Book
Title: Harold and the Purple Crayon
Published Date: 1955
Author: Crockett Johnson
Synopsis: This popular children’s book follows the narrative of Harold, a four-year-old boy who discovers a magical purple crayon that allows him to create his own world by drawing it into life.
The Show
Title: Harold and the Purple Crayon
Release Date: August 2nd 2024
Synopsis: The live-action family adaptation seeks to recreate the quirky atmosphere of the original book, appealing to both new and nostalgic audiences.
It Ends With Us
The Book
Title: It Ends With Us
Published Date: August 2nd 2016
Author: Colleen Hoover
Synopsis: This emotional romance novel follows Lily Bloom as she navigates a complicated relationship with Ryle Kincaid, a neurosurgeon. When her first love, Atlas Corrigan, reappears, Lily must reconcile her past and present, dealing with the complexities of love and trauma.
The Show
Title: It Ends With Us
Release Date: August 9th 2024
Synopsis: The film adaptation stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, focusing on Lily Bloom’s journey through love and heartbreak. Although some fans were initially unhappy with Lively’s casting due to a mismatch with the book character’s age, Hoover has acknowledged that she “messed up” by making her characters too young for the subject matter and decided to make adjustments for the film.
Bad Monkey
The Book
Title: Bad Monkey
Published Date: June 11th 2013
Author: Carl Hiaasen
Synopsis: In this comedic crime novel, ex-cop Andrew Yancy gets entangled in a murder investigation involving a severed arm found in a tourist’s fish caught off the Florida Keys. The case leads him into a world of corruption, deceit, and the titular bad monkey.
The Show
Title: Bad Monkey
Release Date: August 14th 2024
Synopsis: The series adaptation follows Andrew Yancy as he investigates the bizarre case of the severed arm, delving into the quirky and corrupt underbelly of Florida.
The Perfect Couple
The Book
Title: The Perfect Couple
Published Date: June 19th 2018
Author: Elin Hilderbrand
Synopsis: Set in Nantucket, this mystery novel revolves around the wedding of the year, which turns deadly when the maid of honour is found dead. The story uncovers secrets and lies among the wedding party, leading to shocking revelations.
The Show
Title: The Perfect Couple
Release Date: September 5th 2024
Synopsis: The adaptation captures the suspense and drama of Hilderbrand’s novel, focusing on the investigation of the maid of honour’s death and the unravelling of dark secrets within the seemingly perfect couple’s wedding party.
Perfect
The Book
Title: Landing on My Feet: A Diary of Dreams
Published Date: 1996
Authors: Kerri Strug and John P. Lopez
Synopsis This memoir follows Olympic gymnast Kerri Strug’s career, showing her grit and endurance before and after her heroic performance at the 1996 Atlanta Games, where she was forced to perform a historic vault despite severely injuring her ankle.
The Show
Title: Perfect
Release Date: September 9th 2024
Synopsis: The biopic tells the inspiring story of Kerri Strug, highlighting her journey as an elite gymnast, the intense pressures of Olympic competition, and her triumphant moment that captivated the world. Starring Mckenna Grace.
Rule
The Book
Title: Rule: A Marked Men Novel
Published Date: October 23rd 2012
Authors: Jay Crownover
Synopsis: This contemporary romance follows Rule Archer, a rebellious tattoo artist, and Shaw Landon, a pre-med student. Their rocky relationship evolves from friendship to love as they navigate personal struggles and societal expectations.
The Show
Title: Rule
Release Date: September 12th 2024
Synopsis: The adaption focuses on Rule and Shaw’s strong and passionate relationship, with themes of love, identity, and overcoming personal problems as a young adult. The series aims to capture the raw and emotional energy of Crownover’s novel.
The Uglies
The Book
Title: Uglies
Published Date: May 11th 2005
Author: Scott Westerfeld
Synopsis: The novel, set in a future dystopian society where everyone has surgery at the age of sixteen to become pretty, follows Tally Youngblood, who rebels against the imposed conformity and uncovers deadly secrets about the transformation procedure.
The Show
Title: The Uglies
Release Date: September 13th 2024
Synopsis: The film adaptation brings Scott Westerfeld’s dystopian world to life, following Tally’s journey as she challenges societal norms and fights for her individuality. Joey King stars as Tally, with the film exploring themes of beauty, identity, and rebellion.
The Amateur
The Book
Title: The Amateur
Published Date: 1981
Author: Robert Littell
Synopsis: This espionage thriller follows Charlie Heller, a CIA cryptographer who unexpectedly finds himself in the field. After the murder of his fiancée, he sets out on a quest for revenge, delving into a world of deception and danger.
The Show
Title: The Amateur
Release Date: November 8th 2024
Synopsis: The film adaptation explores Charlie Heller’s transformation from a cryptographer to an avenger after his wife is killed in a terrorist attack. When he discovers that his own agency won’t take action, he resorts to blackmailing the CIA. Rami Malek stars as Charlie.
Wicked: Part One
The Book
Title: Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
Published Date: October 29th 1995
Author: Gregory Maguire
Synopsis: This novel-turned-stage-musical reimagines the life of the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, from L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz. It explores her backstory, motivations, and the societal prejudices that shaped her into the infamous villain.
The Show
Title: Wicked: Part One
Release Date: November 22nd 2024
Synopsis: The highly anticipated film adaptation brings Elphaba’s story to the big screen, focusing on her early life, friendships, and the events that lead to her becoming the Wicked Witch. The musical adaptation stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
The Electric State
The Book
Title: The Electric State
Published Date: September 25th 2018
Author: Simon Stålenhag
Synopsis: This illustrated sci-fi novel is set in an alternate 1997, where a teenage girl and her robot travel across a transformed America to find her missing brother.
The Show
Title: The Electric State
Release Date: TBA 2024
Synopsis: The Netflix adaptation stars Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, following the girl and her robot’s journey across a dystopian America. Directed by the Russo brothers, the film blends live-action and CGI to create a visually appealing and emotionally charged narrative.
The Narrow Road to the Deep North
The Book
Title: The Narrow Road to the Deep North
Published Date: September 23rd 2013
Author: Richard Flanagan
Synopsis: This historical fiction follows the narrative of Dorrigo Evans, an Australian surgeon who was imprisoned in a Japanese camp on the Thai-Burma Death Railway during WWII. The book delves on themes of love, war, and survival, juxtaposing Evans’ prior romantic relationships with the harsh realities of the POW camp.
The Show
Title: The Narrow Road to the Deep North
Release Date: TBA 2024
Synopsis: The film adaption, which stars Jacob Elordi as Dorrigo Evans, brings Flanagan’s heartbreaking and harrowing story to life on screen. It follows Evans’ journey through the horrors of war and his struggles with memories of love and loss, capturing the emotional depth and historical context of the novel
As these adaptations make their way to the screen, they offer a perfect opportunity to revisit the original books or discover them for the first time. Whether you’re a fan of the novels or looking forward to the cinematic experience, these stories are sure to captivate and inspire.
Story originally published on Trillmag.
