The book-to-film adaptation trend is hotter than ever, with beloved novels being brought to life on the big screen. If you’re a fan of both literature and cinema, these upcoming adaptations are not to be missed. In this article, we present 10 books that you absolutely must read before their film adaptations are released. Immerse yourself in these captivating stories and be prepared for lively discussions as you compare the power of the written word to its visual counterpart. Here are the 10 upcoming book-to-film adaptations:
Dune by Frank Herbert
Director Denis Villeneuve will soon drop the second part of Dune, a science fiction epic. Set in a distant future, the story takes place on the desert planet Arrakis, where noble houses, interstellar politics, and a mysterious resource known as “spice” dominate the landscape. The narrative revolves around Paul Atreides, whose family gains control of Arrakis, leading him on a journey of self-discovery and political intrigue.
With its richly developed universe, complex characters, and intricate plot, Dune is considered a masterwork of science fiction. It explores themes of power, ecology, religion, and the human capacity for survival and adaptation. Herbert’s novel has captivated readers for decades and continues to be a standout in the genre.
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
The beloved children’s book by Crockett Johnson is set to get a movie version in August of 2024. The story follows Harold, a young boy with a magical purple crayon that brings his imaginings to life. With his trusty crayon, Harold embarks on a whimsical adventure, drawing his way through various situations and landscapes.
From creating a path to walk on to drawing himself a moonlit garden, Harold’s creativity knows no bounds. This charming tale not only showcases the power of imagination but also teaches children about problem-solving and the limitless possibilities of the mind. Harold and the Purple Crayon is a timeless classic that continues to inspire young readers today.
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
A Gentleman in Moscow is a historical novel by Amor Towles that tells the captivating story of Count Alexander Rostov. Set in Moscow in the early 1920s, the book follows the Count, who is placed under house arrest in the luxurious Metropol Hotel. Confined to the hotel, the Count must navigate his new life and find meaning in his circumstances.
Through elegant prose and meticulous characterization, the novel explores themes of resilience, friendship, and the search for purpose. With its rich historical backdrop and the Count’s witty observations, A Gentleman in Moscow offers a profound exploration of the human spirit and the capacity to find joy in even the most challenging situations. A TV series with Ewan McGregor is currently in production and will be released by Paramount sometime in 2024.
Lady in the Lake by Laura Lippman
Lady in the Lake is a gripping crime novel by Laura Lippman. Set in 1960s Baltimore, the story follows Madeline “Maddie” Schwartz, a middle-aged housewife who becomes increasingly dissatisfied with her life. Eager for more excitement and meaning, Maddie embarks on a quest to solve the mystery of Cleo Sherwood, a missing African American woman whose case receives little attention from the authorities.
As Maddie delves deeper into the investigation, she discovers secrets that unravel both her own life and the community around her. Lippman skilfully weaves together multiple perspectives, creating a nuanced narrative that explores themes of ambition, identity, and the consequences of choice. A TV miniseries with Natalie Portman is currently in production and will hit the screens sometime next year.
Cold Storage by David Koepp
Liam Neeson’s 100th film is set to be released to theatres around the world in the summer of 2024. Cold Storage is a thrilling science fiction story by David Koepp. The story centres around a deadly fungus known as Cordyceps Novus that threatens to wreak havoc on humanity. The pathogen, initially discovered in the Australian outback, was contained and stored in a secret facility. However, decades later, as the facility is to be dismantled, the Cordyceps is accidentally released, forcing a race against time to prevent a catastrophic outbreak.
Koepp’s fast-paced narrative and well-developed characters create a tense atmosphere, blending elements of horror and suspense. Cold Storage is a gripping page-turner that explores the dangers of tampering with nature and the resilience of humanity in the face of a deadly threat.
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
Dark Matter is a mind-bending science fiction thriller by Blake Crouch. The story follows Jason Dessen, a physics professor whose life is turned upside down when he is abducted and transported to a parallel universe. In this alternate reality, Jason discovers that his choices and circumstances are drastically different from his original life. As he navigates this unfamiliar world, he becomes desperate to find his way back to his family and the life he once knew.
Crouch’s expert storytelling and intricate plot keep readers on the edge of their seats, exploring themes of identity, choice, and the vast possibilities of the multiverse. Dark Matter had a theatrical release in Italy earlier this year and will come to international streaming services soon.
We Were The Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter
We Were the Lucky Ones is a powerful historical fiction novel by Georgia Hunter. Based on her own family’s incredible true story, Hunter takes readers on a gripping journey through World War II and its aftermath. The story follows the Kurc family, a close-knit Jewish family living in Poland during the war.
As they face unimaginable challenges and heartbreaking separations, they each embark on their own harrowing paths to survival and, ultimately, to reuniting as a family. Hunter’s evocative prose and vivid characters make this tale of resilience, love, and the enduring power of hope deeply moving. We Were the Lucky Ones was made into a TV series and released by Hulu earlier this year.
The Electric State by Simon Stålenhag
The Electric State is a captivating science fiction graphic novel by Simon Stålenhag. Set in an alternative 1997 America, the story unfolds in a post-apocalyptic wasteland where machines and technology have taken over. The protagonist, a young woman named Michelle, embarks on a cross-country journey to find her missing brother.
Along the way, she encounters remnants of a once-thriving society and explores the haunting beauty of the abandoned landscapes. Stålenhag’s unique blend of stunning artwork and compelling storytelling creates a mesmerizing and immersive experience. The Electric State has been made into a film with a star-studded cast, including Millie Bobbie Brown and Chris Pratt, and will be released sometime in 2024.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a gripping prequel to Suzanne Collins’ acclaimed Hunger Games series. Set in the dystopian world of Panem, the story takes readers back to the early days of the Hunger Games, focusing on the origins of the ruthless President Snow.
The novel follows a young Coriolanus Snow, a charismatic yet ambitious student from the Capitol, as he becomes a mentor to a tribute from District 12. Collins weaves a tale of power, manipulation, and the moral complexities of a brutal society. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes offers a deeper understanding of a compelling antagonist and adds layers of depth to the dystopian world Collins has created. The film version comes to theaters this week.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
The Color Purple is a poignant and groundbreaking novel by Alice Walker. Set in early twentieth-century Georgia, the novel tells the story of Celie, a young Black woman who endures tremendous pain and suffering in her life. Through her letters to God, Celie reveals the harsh realities of life for African American women in the South during this period. The novel explores themes of race, gender, and sexuality, and the transformative power of love and friendship.
With its powerful prose and unforgettable characters, The Color Purple has become a literary classic, inspiring and moving readers around the world for decades. The book has been made into films several times before, most notably in the mid-1980s with Whoopie Goldberg and Danny Glover. A newer version is set to be released just in time for Christmas starring Halle Bailey and Taraji P. Henson.
Are you as excited as we are to see these movies and TV shows based on books? Do you have a favourite book that’s soon-to-be a film we missed? Comment below and let us know of the upcoming book-to-film adaptations you’re looking forward to!