No matter where you stand on reading the book first (or not), some great movies have started out as books, and filmmakers show no sign of stopping in adapting books for the big screen. From swoon-worthy romances (Colleen Hoover is doing well to keep the slate stacked) to contemporary and classic literary titles, and even a little bit of sci-fi with the third Dune coming at the end of the year, there are so many book to screen adaptations on the way in 2026. Read on for all the confirmed upcoming book to screen adaptations you’ll be able to watch at Cineworld soon.
Currently booking book to screen adaptations
The Odyssey (17th July)
Christopher Nolan is back, and of course he's taking on an epic story. None other than the ancient Greek Homer's Odyssey. The story charts as Odysseus (played by Matt Damon) journeys back to his homeland after the events of the Trojan War, encountering the likes of Cyclops, sirens, and Circe. The film is stacked with Hollywood talent alongside Damon, including Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o, and Zendaya.
Upcoming book to screen adaptations
The Dog Stars (28th August)
A man and his dog attempts to live harmoniously with their hardened former Marine neighbour in the wake of a devastating flu pandemic that eradicated much of the human population. Based on the novel by Peter Heller, Jacob Elordi plays civilian pilot Hig, while Josh Brolin is Bagley, the gun-toting ex-Marine, battling against violent scavengers called Reapers. When Hig receives a message through his radio, though, the odd pair start to wonder if there might be a better life out there. Also starring Margaret Qualley and Guy Pearce.
Sense & Sensibility (25th September)
A beautiful reimagining of a Jane Austen classic is coming, starring a gorgeous cast. Daisy Edgar-Jones will play Elinor while Esmé Creed-Miles and Bodhi Rae Breathnach will play her sister Marianne and Margaret. Also starring in this Sense & Sensibility adaptation directed by Georgia Oakley are Caitríona Balfe , Frank Dillane, George MacKay, and Finoa Shaw. The story follows as the three sisters balance love and heartbreak with the grief of losing their father and their home.
Verity (2nd October)
The second Colleen Hoover adaptation of 2026, Dakota Johnson plays Lowen Ashleigh, a writer who takes on the challenge of bestselling author Verity Crawford's unfinished manuscript under the direction of her husband, Jeremy Crawford. Anne Hathaway plays the prediposed Verity, while Josh Harnett is Jeremy Crawford.
Whalefall (16 October)
Based on the 2023 novel by Daniel Kraus, Whalefall follows a scuba diver trying to find the remains of his father in the ocean. During his search, he is swallowed by a sperm whale with only an hour to figure out how to escape. Austin Abrams stars as scuba diver Jay Gardiner, while Josh Brolin plays his father and Elisabeth Shue plays his mother.
Klara & the Sun (23rd October)
Kazuo Ishiguro's novel is brought to life – a tale of a sick young girl, Josie, who's mother buys her an artificial intelligence friend, named Klara. Jenny Ortega stars as Klara, while Amy Adams is Chrissie, Josie's mother. Mia Tharia plays Josie.
Sunrise on the Reaping (20th November)
We're returning to Panem. Suzanne Collin's latest prequel to The Hunger Games finally gives book stans what they've always wanted – Haymitch's backstory. Charting the events of the Second Quarter Quell, the cast for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is unreal, and we just know Lionsgate is going to knock it out of the park with this one – the movie was already in development before the book had even been published, for goodness sake!
Dune 3 (18th December)
Drawing to a close the Denis Villeneuve adaptations, the third movie in the Dune trilogy arrives at the end of 2026 and will be based on the second book in Frank Herbert’s series called Dune Messiah. Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, and Jason Mamoa will reprise their roles, while Robert Pattinson will also reportedly join the cast.
Children of Blood and Bone (5th February, 2027)
Based on the young adult fantasy novel by Tomi Adeyemi, Children of Blood and Bone has a stacked cast including Damson Idris, Amandla Stenberg, Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, and Viola Davis. It follows Zélie, a woman unable to use the magical powers she has been blessed with, who wishes to bring the magic lost in Orïsha. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie sets out to overthrow the monarchy and bring down its oppressive regime.
The Housemaid's Secret (17th December, 2027)
The sequel to 2025's The Housemaid, Sydney Sweeney returns as Millie, working as a housekeeper in the Garricks' penthouse. Offering incredible panoramic views across the city, one perculiar thing remains – she has yet to meet Mrs Garrick. Set to be played by Kirsten Dunst, fans of the Freida McFadden books are sure to be thrilled by this next instalment.
Want to ensure you can see them all? Why not sign up to Unlimited, the monthly cost of which is the equivalent of two cinema tickets on average.
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