17 Book-To-Movie Adaptations You Had No Idea Are Coming Out Soon
Book lovers, get ready to mark your calendars—Hollywood is once again mining the literary world for its next big hits. With 2025 and 2026 shaping up to be packed with fresh adaptations, we’ve rounded up 17 lesser-known projects that might have flown under your radar. From fantasy epics to gripping thrillers, these films promise to bring beloved pages to life in unexpected ways. Whether you’re a die-hard reader or just love a good story on screen, these upcoming releases could be your next binge-watch obsession.
1. ‘Wicked: Part Two’ (2025) – Based on the Musical Novel by Gregory Maguire
While Wicked: Part One dominated 2024, the sequel dives deeper into Maguire’s Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande return as Elphaba and Glinda, exploring themes of power and prejudice in Oz. Directed by Jon M. Chu, it hits theaters November 26, 2025. If you thought the first was magical, this continuation will enchant with more behind-the-curtain wizardry.
2. ‘The Black Guy Dies First’ (2025) – From the Horror Anthology by Robin R. Means Coleman and Maisha Z. Johnson
This satirical horror-comedy flips the script on tropes in films like Scream, adapting the anthology’s witty essays into a meta slasher flick. Starring Brandon T. Jackson and Keke Palmer, it promises laughs and scares. Tyler Perry directs, with a release slated for April 11, 2025. Horror fans, this one’s a clever twist you didn’t know you needed.
3. ‘Mickey 17’ (2025) – Adapted from Edward Ashton’s Sci-Fi Novel
Bong Joon-ho (Parasite) directs Robert Pattinson as the unlucky astronaut Mickey Barnes, who dies and regenerates 17 times on a hostile planet. Based on Ashton’s Mickey7, the film explores cloning ethics with dark humor. Set for March 7, 2025, it’s a mind-bending space adventure that sneaks up on you.
4. ‘The Bride!’ (2025) – From the Graphic Novel by Adam Brater and Nick Marinkovich
Maggie Gyllenhaal’s directorial follow-up to The Lost Daughter reimagines Frankenstein’s bride as a 1930s rock ‘n’ roll rebel. Starring Christian Bale, Jessie Buckley, Penélope Cruz, and Peter Sarsgaard, it adapts the graphic novel’s punk twist on classic horror. Releasing October 3, 2025, it’s a feminist monster mash you won’t see coming.
5. ‘The Amateur’ (2025) – Based on Robert Littell’s Espionage Thriller
Rami Malek stars as a CIA cryptographer turned field agent in this adaptation of Littell’s 1981 novel. Directed by James Hawes, it follows a revenge quest after a terrorist attack. With Rachel Brosnahan and Laurence Fishburne, the film drops April 11, 2025. Thriller enthusiasts, this Cold War-era tale is primed for a modern revival.
6. ‘The Running Grave’ (2025) – From J.K. Rowling’s Cormoran Strike Series (as Robert Galbraith)
The seventh Strike novel gets the screen treatment in Max’s Strike series, starring Tom Burke and Holliday Grainger. This cult-deprogramming mystery expands Rowling’s detective universe. Season 7 premieres late 2025. If you loved C.B. Strike, this one’s a page-turner turned binge-worthy plot.
7. ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ (2025) – Adapted from Richard Osman’s Bestselling Mystery
Helen Mirren, Ben Kingsley, and Pierce Brosnahan lead as pensioners solving crimes in this cozy mystery adaptation. Directed by Chris Columbus (Harry Potter), it captures Osman’s witty senior sleuths. Hitting Netflix in 2025, it’s a delightful whodunit for armchair detectives.
8. ‘The Electric State’ (2025) – Based on Simon Stålenhag’s Graphic Novel
Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt star in the Russo Brothers’ (Avengers: Endgame) dystopian road trip through a retro-futuristic America. Adapting Stålenhag’s illustrated tale of robots and lost tech, it releases March 2025 on Netflix. Sci-fi fans, this visually stunning adventure is your next must-watch.
9. ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’ (2026) – From Khaled Hosseini’s Acclaimed Novel
Following The Kite Runner‘s 2022 adaptation, this story of two Afghan women under Taliban rule stars Maria Bakalova and Layla Crawford. Directed by Bill Condon, it premieres on Paramount+ in early 2026. Hosseini’s emotional epic promises powerful storytelling.
10. ‘The Winter Sister’ (2026) – Adapted from Megan Collins’ Psychological Thriller
A tale of family secrets and a missing sister, this Hulu series adapts Collins’ novel with a cast led by emerging talents. Directed by Sarah Adina Smith, it explores grief and deception. Slated for mid-2026, it’s a chilling mystery for suspense lovers.
11. ‘The Girls I’ve Been’ (2026) – Based on Tess Sharpe’s YA Thriller
Millie Bobby Brown returns to Netflix in this adaptation of Sharpe’s con-artist teen story, involving a bank heist with hostages. Directed by Sarah Polley, it features a stacked cast including Jessica Chastain. Expected in 2026, it’s a high-octane YA adaptation with twists galore.
12. ‘The Darkness Outside Us’ (2026) – From Eliot Schrefer’s Sci-Fi YA Novel
A queer space romance about two cadets on a generation ship, this Apple TV+ series adapts Schrefer’s award-winner with young stars. Directed by Nisha Ganatra, it launches in 2026. LGBTQ+ sci-fi fans, this slow-burn drama is a fresh take on isolation and identity.
13. ‘The Honeymooners’ (2026) – Based on Adriana Anders’ Romantic Suspense Novel
A honeymoon gone wrong turns into a survival thriller, starring Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell. Directed by Craig Johnson, it adapts Anders’ tale of love and danger. Hitting theaters in summer 2026, it’s a pulse-pounding romance for thriller enthusiasts.
14. ‘The Seventh Victim’ (2026) – From Mary Burton’s Crime Novel
A serial killer hunt in Virginia, this adaptation stars Jessica Biel in a cat-and-mouse game. Directed by Sarah Phelps, it premieres on HBO in 2026. Crime fiction readers will appreciate this gritty procedural with psychological depth.
15. ‘The Inheritance Games’ (2026) – Based on Jennifer Lynn Barnes’ YA Mystery Series
A teen inherits a billionaire’s fortune with riddles and rivals, starring Masasa Moyo. This Prime Video series adapts the bestseller with twists akin to Knives Out. Season 1 drops in 2026—perfect for puzzle-loving YA fans.
16. ‘The Atlas Six’ (2026) – From Olivie Blake’s Fantasy Novel
A secret society of six magicians vying for power, this Amazon MGM+ series stars a diverse cast in Blake’s viral TikTok sensation. Directed by Sacha Baron Cohen, it premieres in late 2026. Fantasy devotees, this dark academia tale is your next obsession.
17. ‘The Stardust Thief’ (2026) – Based on Chelsea Abdullah’s Middle Eastern Fantasy
A jinn hunter and thief team up in a desert kingdom, adapted for Netflix with a magical realism vibe. Directed by Niki Caro, it stars rising Arab talents. Set for 2026, it’s a culturally rich epic blending folklore and adventure.
These adaptations span genres and platforms, promising fresh takes on beloved books. From hidden gems to buzzworthy series, 2025-2026 is a golden era for readers-turned-viewers. Which one are you most excited for? Keep an eye on release dates—they’re coming sooner than you think!