Last week, The Hating Game movie Instagram shared news that production is pushed back into 2020. With Lucy Hale undoubtedly tied up with Katy Keene and Robbie Amell about to be a dad, and countless other factors, a delay isn’t all that surprising. The good news is, romance and rom-com adaptations aren’t just heating up, they’re going strong. Here’s a round up of (mostly) book-to-film/TV romances ready to hit your eyeballs now, into 2020, and beyond.
FALLING IN LOVE – NETFLIX – August 29
Starring Christina Milian and Adam Demos. Milian loses her job and her boyfriend in San Francisco and ends up winning an inn in New Zealand in an online contest. A sexy contractor is on hand to help rehab and flip the property. But as the renovation goes on, the question is, will she stick around or head back to the States?
CAN YOU KEEP A SECRET – SELECT THEATERS & ON DEMAND – SEPTEMBER 13
Based on the novel by Sophie Kinsella, Can You Keep A Secret stars Alexandra Daddario and Tyler Hoechlin. Emma (Daddario) and Jack (Hoechlin) meet on a plane. As it’s about to crash she spills all her secrets. When they’re safely back on the ground, Jack turns out to be the CEO at her job. Can you say awkward?
LAST CHRISTMAS – THEATERS – NOVEMBER 8
In Last Christmas, Kate (Emilia Clarke) is a 20-something whose life is a bit of a mess. One bad decision after another is compounded by an irritating job as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop. A chance meeting (and then another and another) with Tom (Henry Golding) leads to a friendship, and possibly more? I have my suspicions about Tom, but I’ll zip the lip and let you decide for yourself. The film’s screenplay is written by Emma Thompson and directed by Paul Feig. If the George Michael soundtrack doesn’t put you in the holiday spirit, I don’t know what will.
P.S. I STILL LOVE YOU – Netflix – February 12, 2020
P.S. I Still Love You, the sequel to last year’s hit, To All the Boys I Loved Before, will premiere on Netflix on February 12, 2020. Based on the Jenny Han novel, Lana Condor and Noah Centineo return as Lara Jean and Peter Kavinsky. Jordan Fisher joins as John Ambrose. P.S. I Still Love You picks up where To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before ended. John Ambrose, another recipient of one of Lara Jean’s letters shows up at her door. Then, the Lara Jean and Peter Kavinsky hot tub video spreads around school and rumors with it. Meanwhile, Lara Jean’s little sister Kitty is playing matchmaker herself, trying to connect their dad and neighbor, Trina.
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BOOK TO FILM/TV ROMANCES OPTIONED, IN DEVELOPMENT OR IN PRODUCTION
A whole slew of other book-to-film/tv romances are in various stages of development. Here’s the list we’re keeping an eye on.
BRIDGERTON – NETFLIX – 2020 PREMIERE
Production is already underway in England on Bridgerton, based on Julia Quinn’s novels. The eight-episode Regency includes Julie Andrews, Phoebe Dynevor and Regé-Jean Page. Expect a premiere in 2020. More at Shondaland. Follow @chrisvandusen on Instagram for periodic updates.
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THE KISS QUOTIENT – IN DEVELOPMENT
In October 2018, Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group joined The Kiss Quotient development and production with Pilgrim Media Group. A screenwriter was yet to be set. In Helen Hoang’s novel, Stella Lane is an econometrician (she applies statistical methods to economic data) who brings order to her world through patterns and routines. Although she’s learned to manage her autism to a certain degree, satisfying romantic and sexual relationships elude her. And with mom pushing for grandchildren, she needs to get to work. The logical thing to do is to hire a professional. Stella finds Michael Phan, a part-time escort, augmenting his income through once-a-week appointments.
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INTERCEPTED – STARZ – IN DEVELOPMENT
In May 2019, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and La La Anthony announced they’re teaming to develop Intercepted, based on the novel by Alexa Martin. In the book, after 10 years with her NFL wide receiver boyfriend, Marlee discovers he’s been hiding a side piece and it becomes all too clear just what a selfish, been-stringing-you-along ass he is. As push comes to shove, hot shot QB (and man from the past) Gavin Pope enters the picture. Hanging with Gavin means still dealing with the team wives who’ve made her life hell. But she’s done with athletes, isn’t she?
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ROOMIES – IN DEVELOPMENT
ROOMIES, based on the novel by Christina Lauren, continues to move along in development. Jenna Dewan’s Everheart Productions and director Andy Fickman boarded in 2018. Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings, who write as Christina Lauren, recently spoke with the Heaving Bosoms podcast, updating with news that they’ve written the screenplay. The team is currently working on securing financing. Talent is not yet attached.
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