Summary
- 2024 will see many novels and stories adapted into feature films and TV shows across various platforms.
- Production companies often look to literature for inspiration to create new movies and shows with bestselling books having an established fan base and a fleshed-out story to adapt.
- The adaptations cover a range of genres and themes, from mystery and fantasy to romance and biographical stories, appealing to a diverse audience.
Netflix is a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, known for its strategic approach of securing the rights to beloved books and enlisting talented creatives to bring them to life.
In the upcoming year, viewers can look forward to the continuation of fan-favorite adaptations, including Bridgerton season 3, The Sandman season 2, and the highly anticipated film Spaceman. Furthermore, moviegoers can expect many novel-based films to hit the big screen shortly.
32Fool Me Once By Harlan Coben
January 1 – Netflix
Next year, Netflix will release a gripping new miniseries called Fool Me Once, based on the best-selling novel by renowned mystery writer Harlan Coben.
Prepare to join Maya, a former soldier, on a riveting adventure as she delves into the enigmatic circumstances surrounding her husband’s alleged demise and potential return.
This highly anticipated series, set in the UK, will keep you on the edge of your seat as it unravels the chilling truths behind two murders and their possible links.
31The Expatriates By Janice Y.K. Lee
January 26 – Amazon Prime Video
The Expatriates is a 2016 novel by Janice Y.K. Lee, who also wrote The Piano Teacher. Amazon acquired the film rights, and a TV series, Expats, will be released on Amazon Prime Video.
The series will star Nicole Kidman as one of three American women living in Hong Kong after a sudden family tragedy.
30The Tiger’s Apprentice By Lauren Yep
February 2 – Paramount+
Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey as a children’s fantasy novel, seamlessly weaving together the bustling city of San Francisco and captivating Chinese folklore. It is making its way to the small screen as an animated adventure series for younger audiences.
Join young Tom, a Chinese-American boy, as he stumbles upon a hidden world of magic and mystery.
After the tragic loss of his grandmother, Tom finds himself under the tutelage of Mr. Hu, a magnificent Tiger with the power to transform into a human, who must prepare him to take on the role of protector of the legendary Phoenix egg.
29Orion and The Dark by Emma Yarlett
February 2 – Netflix
An award-winning children’s book, Orion and the Dark follows a boy named Orion, who is terrified of many things. But perhaps most of all, he’s afraid of the dark.
When the dark takes a physical shape and reveals himself to Orion in the hopes of helping him overcome his fear, a wild and wacky adventure follows.
28It Ends With Us By Colleen Hoover
February 9 – Theaters
Colleen Hoover’s famous romance novel, It Ends With Us, is being adapted by director Justin Baldoni. Baldoni stars as Ryle, the love interest to Blake Lively’s Lily Bloom.
As their romance evolves, the two fall deeper in love before Lily’s old flame re-enters her life. The story deals with complex issues around relationships and abuse but seeks to find the healthiest way of coping and moving forward.
27Force Of Nature By Jane Harper
February 8 – Theaters
A sequel to another novel by Jane Harper, Force of Nature is the second entry in a series following agent Aaron Falk. Force of Nature: The Dry 2 comes to cinemas in February 2024.
When five women go hiking, only four return, and Falk (Eric Bana) is called in to investigate what happened.
26Dune By Frank Herbert
March 1 – Theaters
Dune: Part Two will continue Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation and dive deeper into the novel by Frank Herbert.
As Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) becomes close with the local inhabitants of Arrakis, the Harkonnen rulers begin to mount an attack to regain control of the spice trade.
Dune is an epic sci-fi novel that requires multiple films to adapt the story with the necessary level of detail effectively.
25Frankenstein By Mary Shelley
February 9 – Theaters
Although a very loose adaptation, Mary Shelley’s classic horror story, Frankenstein, is again being adapted in 2024 with Lisa Frankenstein.
The comedy horror film will star Kathryn Newton as the daughter of Frankenstein, who seeks to reanimate the corpse, which happens to be the love of her life.
Cole Sprouse plays the Frankenstein monster and love interest, as the pair must find all the necessary parts to ensure a long and happy future together.
24Spaceman Of Bohemia By Jaroslav Kalfař
March 1 – Netflix
Immerse yourself in the captivating tale of a Czech Republic scientist-turned-astronaut in this intriguing sci-fi novel.
Join protagonist Jacub on his groundbreaking journey to Venus, where he encounters a remarkable discovery: a massive, sentient spider with whom he forms an unlikely connection.
Starring Adam Sandler as the voice of the spider and Carey Mulligan as Jacob’s wife left on Earth, Spaceman of Bohemia offers a one-of-a-kind premise and will arrive on Netflix in March of 2024. Don’t miss the adventure that awaits!
23The Three-Body Problem By Liu Cixin
March 21 – Netflix
Renowned science fiction writer Liu Cixin’s highly acclaimed Three-Body trilogy is currently in production by Netflix and is set to take audiences on a thrilling journey connecting past and present.
Titled “3 Body Problem,” this film adaptation delves into the anticipation and preparation of Earth for the imminent arrival of alien visitors.
As tensions rise, humanity becomes divided into factions with differing reactions to the impending invasion. With its sweeping scope and imaginative blend of science and fantasy, this film is poised to deliver an epic story that transcends time and space.
22Mickey7 By Edward Ashton
March 29 – Theaters
Mickey7 is a science fiction story about a man employed to help make a frozen planet hospitable. To do so, Mickey Barnes faces certain death, but fortunately, he is repeatedly cloned with all his previous memories, making him immortal.
The film adaptation starring Robert Pattinson as Mickey has a slightly different title, which suggests that the story may pick up several generations after the novel. Mickey 17’s plot is currently under wraps.
21Romancing Mister Bridgerton By Julia Quinn
May 16 – Netflix
The popular series based on Julia Quinn’s novels returns in May on Netflix for its third season. Bridgerton is a period drama romance series with a large ensemble cast.
Season 3 follows events from the fourth novel in the series, Romancing Mister Bridgerton, published in 2002.
20The Watchers By A.M. Shine
June 7 – Theaters
Picture yourself in rural West Coast Ireland, a land of rolling green hills and rugged coastlines. It’s a place steeped in ancient folklore and superstition, where the veil between the living and the dead is said to be thin. Imagine if that veil were torn and a supernatural horror was unleashed upon the unsuspecting inhabitants.
This is the premise of “The Watchers,” a chilling tale about to come to life on the big screen. But this is no ordinary film: it comes from the mind of Ishana Shyamalan, daughter of the legendary thriller director M. Night Shyamalan.
With her unique vision and talent, Ishana will transform this eerie story into a cinematic experience.
Starring alongside the talented Dakota Fanning, a small group of individuals find themselves trapped in a bunker, desperately trying to survive as mysterious creatures roam the outside world. These creatures are on a mission to claim their victims and anyone who didn’t make it.
19Cold Storage by David Koepp
June 20 – Theaters
Liam Neeson and Joe Keery star in this adaptation of the thriller novel Cold Storage. The story examines what happens when a dangerous fungus is released into the world and wreaks havoc.
David Koepp has long worked as a screenwriter in Hollywood on major films, from Jurassic Park to Spider-Man. Cold Storage is Koepp’s debut novel and was published in 2019 before being adapted into a movie.
18It’s Not Summer Without You By Jenny Han
July 14 – Amazon Prime Video
Jenny Han’s Summer series of novels was adapted into a sequel in 2022 for Amazon Prime Video. The second season will be released in 2024 and pick up the Summer after the first series concludes.
The story is part of a trilogy about a love triangle and a young girl coping with heartbreak, tragedy, and love, and season 2 follows the second book, It’s Not Summer Without You.
17Harold And The Purple Crayon By Crockett Johnson
August 2 – Theaters
Harold and the Purple Crayon, a beloved children’s book first published in 1955, is coming to the big screen! Starring fan favorites Zooey Deschanel and Zachary Levi, the film adaptation is highly anticipated.
Details on what the movie will portray are scarce. Still, audiences can expect to see four-year-old Harold exploring the city with his enchanted crayon, transforming his wildest dreams into reality.
16Heartstopper: Volume 2 By Alice Osman
August 3 – Netflix
The widely beloved graphic novel Heartstopper delves into the intricate lives of youths from diverse backgrounds and orientations as they navigate the complex world of love and friendship.
In its second season, the series will dive into the second volume, chronicling Nick’s journey towards self-discovery and self-acceptance as he musters the courage to embrace his identity and go public with his relationship with Charlie.
Meanwhile, their tight-knit group of friends also grapple with their relationship woes and the inevitable struggles of maturing.
15Landing On My Feet, a Diary Of Dreams by Kerri Strug and John P. Lopez
September 9 – Theaters
It is based on the true story of the Magnificent Seven, an Olympic gymnast group that competed and won in 1996.
The biographical novel is being adapted into a film titled Perfect by director Olivia Wilde, starring Thomasin McKenzie as Kerri Strug and Mckenna Grace as her teammate Dominique Moceanu.
14The Legacy of Mark Rothko by Lee Seldes
October 25 – Theaters
Another biographical adaptation, The Legacy of Mark Rothko, is being adapted into a film about the widely praised American painter.
Russell Crowe will play Rothko, while the story follows the legal battle his daughter, Kate (Aisling Franciosi), must enter into to honor his legacy.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson also joins the cast in an undisclosed role.
13Lady In The Lake By Laura Lippmann
TBD – Apple TV
Lady in the Lake is being adapted into a television miniseries starring Natalie Portman and David Corenswet. Apple TV is producing the series, and it will be a drama set in 1960s Baltimore.
When Portman’s character, Maddie Schwartz, gets involved in investigating an unsolved murder, things will get complicated.
12The Amateur By Robert Littell
November 8 – Theaters
Robert Littell’s The Amateur tells the story of a CIA cryptographer on a mission to seek revenge against those responsible for his wife’s murder.
Starring Rami Malek as the protagonist, Charles Heller, the upcoming film adaptation of the novel Amateur depicts Heller’s determined journey to exact justice.
With Heller persuading his agency to prepare him for the field, he embarks on a personal mission to hunt down his wife’s killers.
11The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers By J.R.R. Tolkien
December 13 – Theaters
The next installment in the TLotR saga introduces us to the fabled people of Rohan. Fans eagerly anticipate the release of an animated film, The Lord of the Rings: The War of Rohirrim, which delves deeper into the lore in the novel.
This cinematic masterpiece will showcase the epic clash between the brave warriors of Rohan and their foes, the Dunlendings.
Set 183 years before the familiar events of the beloved original trilogy, the film centers around the heroic figure of Helm Hammerhand, brought to life by the talented voice of Brian Cox.
10Wicked: The Life And Times Of The Wicked Witch Of The West By Gregory Maguire
November 27 – Theaters
Wicked is a series of novels by Gregory Maguire that reimagined Frank L. Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
In 2003, it was adapted into a musical and has since been performed worldwide with continuous performances on Broadway and the West End.
The story is being developed into a two-part film, with the first part released in November 2024.
9Turtles All The Way Down By John Green
TBD – HBO Max
John Green is famous for writing coming-of-age YA novels that explore early adulthood and mental health issues.
Turtles Down follows Aza Holmes, a young woman with OCD and anxiety. The film will star Isabella Merced and be released for streaming on HBO Max.
8A Gentleman In Moscow By Amor Towles
TBD – Showtime
Ewan McGregor and Mary Elizabeth Winstead will star in the adaptation of A Gentleman in Moscow. The miniseries is being produced for Showtime and is expected to be released in December 2024.
McGregor will play Alexander Rostov, a Russian aristocrat placed on house arrest in a hotel opposite the Kremlin. The series is set in 1922, during a tumultuous period in Russian history.
7The Sandman, Vol 2: The Doll’s House By Neil Gaiman
TBD – Netflix
The Sandman, starring Tom Sturridge as Morpheus, returns for a second season on Netflix in 2024.
The graphic novels by Neil Gaimann consist of several volumes, and the second season is expected to follow the events of the second volume. The second season will see Morpheus returning to Hell to confront Lucifer herself.
6Trust By Hernan Diaz
TBD – HBO Max
Another Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Trust, is a metafictional book about a financier and his wife.
The book is being adapted into a limited series for HBO Max starring Kate Winslet. Details about the project are minimal, but it is expected to arrive on HBO Max in 2024.
5The Spiderwick Chronicles By Tony DiTerlizzi And Holly Black
TBD – The Roku Channel
“The Spiderwick Chronicles were first brought to the big screen in 2008, but the film only covered the main plot of the five books. However, a new series has been in the works for Disney+, delving deeper into the story and building upon the previous adaptation.
While initially planned for Disney+, the series was eventually picked up by The Roku Channel and is set to debut in 2024.”
4The Sympathizer By Viet Thanh Nguyen
TBD – HBO Max
Viet Thanh Nguyen’s debut novel, The Sympathizer, swept the Pulitzer Prize and captivated readers with its diverse themes.
The gripping tale unravels the experience of a North Vietnamese informant who infiltrates the South Vietnamese army and eventually makes his way to the United States.
The riveting series adaptation, set to premiere on HBO Max in 2024, features the talented Hoa Xuande as its lead character and includes the dynamic presence of Robert Downey Jr. in several roles.
3Uglies By Scott Westerfeld
TBD – Netflix
Uglies is a 2005 young adult dystopian novel released during the height of popularity for that genre. The film rights were quickly acquired, and since 2006, the film has been stuck in development hell.
While no news came out about the project for many years, the movie has since been filmed in 2021, with Joey King starring and McG directing, but the movie has yet to receive a release date.
The novel explores a world where everyone undergoes an operation on their sixteenth birthday to become pretty, but the process also appears to have other less welcome effects.
2The Shrinking Of Treehorn By Florence Parry Heide
TBD – Netflix
The Shrinking of Treehorn is a 1971 children’s book. The story rather aptly follows a young boy named Treehorn as he begins to shrink, and as this happens, it goes largely unnoticed by his parents.
The film will be directed by Rob Howard and adapted by Rob Lieber. It is set to appear on Netflix in 2024.
1The Electric State By Simon Stalenhag
TBD – Netflix
The talented duo of Joe and Anthony Russo, who brought us the epic Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, have their sights set on adapting Simon Stalenhag’s riveting novel, The Electric State.
Leading the charge is the immensely talented Millie Bobby Brown as Michelle, a courageous orphan navigating through a bleak, post-apocalyptic world alongside her loyal robot sidekick.
Joining her on this harrowing journey are the equally talented Chris Pratt, Ke Huy Quan, and Stanley Tucci, who bring their unique and intriguing characters to the screen.
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