The book-to-film adaptations set to dominate 2026

With book-to-film adaptations currently thriving in cinemas, Shauna Hyland examines what adaptations viewers can expect next.

Recent successes such as ‘Project Hail Mary’, ‘The Bride’ and ‘The Magic Faraway Tree’ have brought monumental box office achievements this year.

However, the adaptations in 2026 are not finished yet.

There’s an array of titles still to come, covering the works of authors including Jane Austen, Frank Herbert, and Suzanne Collins. 

Here is a short list of the book to film adaptations to look out for in 2026.

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The Odyssey

Critically acclaimed director Christopher Nolan is adapting Homer’s literary classic, ‘The Odyssey’.

The highly-anticipated film stars Matt Damon as Odysseus and Anne Hathaway as his wife, Penelope. 

Other big names featured include Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, and Zendaya. 

The film focuses on Odysseus as he battles mythical monsters and vengeful gods during a 10-year journey back home.

‘The Odyssey’ is set to release in cinemas on 17 July. 

Sense and Sensibility

‘Sense and Sensibility’ (2026) follows two sisters navigating love, loss and financial instability in 18th century England, moving from their Sussex estate to a smaller cottage.

Based on Jane Austence’s novel and directed by Georgia Oakley, this adaptation offers a fresh take on the novel.

It comes 30 years after the previous adaptation starring Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman and Kate Winslet.

The 2026 version will star Daisy Edgar-Jones as Elinor Dashwood and George MacKay as Edward Ferrars.

The film is set to release in cinemas on 16 October.

Practical Magic 2

‘Practical Magic 2’ sees the rebooting of the franchise following the successful 1998 film based on ‘The Book Of Magic’ by Alice Hoffman.

Susanne Bier is taking over as director from Griffin Dunne, who directed the first film.

The cast features new additions such as Maisie Williams and Joey King, with Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman reprising their original roles.

The sequel follows Sally (Sandra Bullock) and Gillian Owens (Nicole Kidman) over two decades later as they face a new crisis. 

When Sally’s daughter Kylie (Joey King) discovers dark family secrets and develops powerful abilities, the Owens sisters reunite to break the 300-year-old love curse.

The sequel is set to release in cinemas on 11 September.

Verity

‘Verity’ joins the list of recent successful Colleen Hoover adaptations to hit the big screen.

Directed by Michael Showalter and starring Dakota Johnson, Josh Harnett and Anne Hathaway, the film is described as a ‘psychological thriller adaptation’.

The film follows struggling writer Lowen Ashleigh (Dakota Johnson), who takes on a ghostwriting job for an insured best-selling author only to uncover a chilling secret manuscript that blurs obsession, truth and desire.

The film is set to release in cinemas on 2 October. 

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The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

Suzanne Collins’ iconic ‘Hunger Games’ franchise returns to the screen with a new instalment.

Following the immediate success of the prequel book’s release, Lionsgate approved an accompanying film adaptation.

The film follows Haymitch Abernathy in the 50th Hunger Games, how he was chosen and the struggles he faced along the way.

Directed by Francis Lawrence, who directed the original Hunger Games films, the film stars Joseph Zada as Haymitch.

Woody Harrelson is reprising his original role as an older Haymitch, and is set to appear primarily through voiceover.

Former leads Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are also reportedly reprising their original roles as Katniss and Peeta.

However, it hasn’t been revealed how. 

Those that have read the book theorise it may be linked to the epilogue, where Haymitch is with Katniss and Peeta.

New stars to the cast include Mckenna Grace, Elle Fanning, Maya Hawke, and Ralph Fiennes.

The highly anticipated prequel releases in cinemas on 20 November. 

Dune: Part Three

Denis Villeneuve returns to direct the final installation of his film trilogy based on Frank Herbert’s sci-fi classic ‘Dune’ books. 

The third film will adapt ‘Dune: Messiah’.

Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, Josh Brolin and Rebecca Ferguson are all set to reprise their roles from the previous films.

New additions to the already star-filled cast include Anya Taylor Joy and Robert Pattinson.

‘Dune: Part Three’ follows Paul Atreides (Chalamet) roughly 17 years after Part Two, and explores the consequences of the holy war he started. 

Paul faces a plot to overthrow him, whilst he also faces political pressure to marry Irulan (Pugh) whilst his heart lies with Chani (Zendaya).

The blockbuster is set to release in cinemas on 18 December.

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