Book to Screen: Emily Henry’s Rom-Com Universe
Five Novels Set for Screen Adaptation
Romance author Emily Henry is on a meteoric rise, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. Known for her irresistible rom-coms that blend humor, heart, and deep emotional resonance, Henry now has five of her most recent novels set for adaptation into film and television. It’s an impressive feat for any author, but for Henry, it’s the result of a whirlwind writing spree that began in 2020 with *Beach Read* and continued with annual releases that captivated readers worldwide.
From Page to Screen: The Emily Henry Adaptation Explosion
Henry’s journey into the world of adaptations began in 2022 when multiple studios made the decision to turn her beloved novels into movies. Since then, her romantic tales have continued to gain momentum in Hollywood. Despite delays in production due to the Writers’ and Actors’ strikes, three of her books have secured adaptation deals for films, and two of these projects have already attached directors. In a further exciting development, a fourth novel has been optioned for a Netflix television series, thanks to a partnership with Jennifer Lopez’s production company.
Here’s a look at how each of Emily Henry’s novels is making its way from the bookshelf to the big and small screens.
People We Meet on Vacation
The first of Henry’s novels to go into production is “People We Meet on Vacation”, adapted by Yulin Kuang and directed by Brett Haley. This 2021 bestseller, which stole hearts with its charming portrayal of two polar-opposite best friends, Alex and Poppy, will soon become a feature film.
The novel follows the lives of Alex, a reserved bookish guy, and Poppy, an adventurous spirit who craves new experiences. Despite their differences, the two have maintained a close friendship since a shared car ride home from college. They live far apart—Alex in their small hometown, Poppy in New York City—but every year, they take one week of vacation together, a tradition that has defined their relationship for a decade.
The movie adaptation, set in motion by 3000 Pictures and Temple Hill Productions, is well underway with Tom Blythe (“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”) and Emily Bader (“My Lady Jane”) cast as Alex and Poppy. Supporting roles are filled by Sarah Catherine Hook (“The White Lotus”), Jameela Jamil (“The Good Place”), Lucien Laviscount (“Emily in Paris”), and Lukas Gage (“Smile 2”). With Haley’s background in helming emotional adaptations like *Looking for Alaska* and *All the Bright Places*, *People We Meet on Vacation* promises to capture both the heart and humor that made the novel a fan favorite.
Beach Read
Following closely behind is “Beach Read”, the novel that started Henry’s rom-com streak in 2020. Yulin Kuang, already a well-known name in adaptations with projects like “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” and “27 Dresses”, will both adapt and direct this romantic tale for 20th Century Studios.
“Beach Read” tells the story of January and Augustus, two authors with writer’s block who decide to swap genres for a summer in hopes of reigniting their creative sparks. The two have known each other since grad school but find themselves neighbors at isolated retreats on the shores of Lake Michigan, where they reluctantly grow closer as they write in each other’s worlds—romance for Augustus, literary fiction for January.
The film is still in early development, but with Kuang’s talent for adapting heartwarming and witty tales, fans can look forward to an adaptation that stays true to Henry’s fresh, clever storytelling.
Book Lovers
Next on the adaptation roster is “Book Lovers”, Henry’s 2022 release that won over readers with its smart, self-aware take on romance. The novel focuses on Nora, a sharp-tongued literary agent who reluctantly agrees to spend a vacation in the small town of Sunshine Falls, North Carolina. There, she keeps running into Charlie, a brooding editor who she has crossed paths with many times before.
What begins as a seemingly typical rom-com evolves into a deeper exploration of identity and vulnerability as Nora and Charlie slowly break down the walls they’ve built around their hearts.
Tango, the studio behind acclaimed indie films like “Shortcomings” and “Aftersun”, revealed in 2023 that they were moving forward with a *Book Lovers* film adaptation. Sarah Heyward, best known for her Emmy-winning work on HBO’s “Girls”, is penning the script. Given her track record for writing characters with sharp dialogue and rich emotional depth, Heyward seems like the perfect match for adapting Henry’s witty, multilayered romance.
Happy Place
In a major development for Henry’s fans, “Happy Place” has been optioned by Jennifer Lopez’s Nuyorican Productions for a television series adaptation at Netflix. The project falls under Nuyorican’s multi-year first-look deal with the streaming giant, which has already produced successful projects like “The Mother”.
“Happy Place”, released in 2023, tells the story of Harriet and Wyn, who have been the perfect couple since college—until they secretly break up. When their friend group organizes an emergency vacation at their beloved Maine beach house, Harriet and Wyn must pretend they’re still together, keeping their split a secret from their friends. Forced to share a bedroom and confront their unresolved feelings, the pair’s story weaves together romance, heartbreak, and the complexities of maintaining long-term relationships.
The shift from film to television for “Happy Place” suggests that the series format will allow for a deeper dive into Harriet and Wyn’s backstory and the dynamics of their friend group, making for a potentially richer and more intimate adaptation.
Funny Story
Rounding out the adaptation lineup is “Funny Story”, Henry’s most recent novel, published in 2024. This time, the author herself will be stepping into the role of screenwriter, adapting her book into a film with Lyrical Media and Ryder Pictures Company producing.
“Funny Story” introduces readers to Daphne, a children’s librarian who is reeling from a breakup with her fiancé, Peter. After Peter moves on quickly with his childhood best friend, Daphne ends up living with Miles, who just so happens to be the ex-boyfriend of Peter’s new love. Together, Daphne and Miles devise a fake dating plan to make their exes jealous at an upcoming wedding, but, unsurprisingly, their shared scheme begins to stir real feelings between them.
Though still in its early stages, “Funny Story” is already generating buzz, with Emily Henry’s involvement as the screenwriter adding an extra layer of excitement for fans eager to see her humor and romance translated directly to the screen.
A New Era for Rom-Coms
Emily Henry’s ability to craft relatable, emotionally resonant stories has earned her a devoted readership—and now, an audience beyond the page. With five adaptations in the works, Henry is helping to usher in a new era for rom-coms in Hollywood, one that’s poised to bring her signature blend of heart, humor, and vulnerability to a whole new generation of fans.