3 2026 Sci-Fi Books That Already Need Movies or TV Shows

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Science fiction is having a moment in TV and film, and many of the most anticipated releases for 2026 are based on popular books. In fact, lots of great books are coming out this year that we’re already hoping will be adapted for the screen. Shows like Silo and Severance are leading the charge in the 2020s, alongside a few original hits like Pluribus. Big-budget movies are getting in on the action too – Project Hail Mary is expected to be a major success this March.

With science fiction proving popular, Hollywood is sure to start searching for its next big sci-fi project soon. Luckily, several exciting books coming out in 2026 offer plenty of potential. We’re already excited about stories ranging from a gamer-versus-alien apocalypse to a thrilling space opera featuring a skilled samurai, and hope to see them adapted for the screen.

3) Operation Bounce House by Matt Dinniman

Matt Dinniman, the creator of the popular Dungeon Crawler Carl series (which is being adapted for TV, according to Deadline), is planning a new science fiction novel for 2026. This book will focus on the end of a world, but not Earth’s. The story centers around a corporation that tricks gamers into destroying a planet, framing it as a game. The novel’s main character, a resident of that planet, must then fight to save his home.

Dinniman’s newest work is just as wild and imaginative as everything else he’s done, and it would make a fantastic TV show or movie. The story’s setup suggests it would blend humor with more serious themes, similar to Dungeon Crawler Carl. An adaptation could also explore current issues like the dangers of unchecked corporate power and the rise of artificial intelligence. Overall, Operation Bounce House feels like a great fit for today’s audiences.

2) Detour by Jeff Rake and Rob Hart

If you were a fan of the TV show Manifest, you should definitely check out Detour, a new sci-fi novel coming in 2026. It’s written by Jeff Rake, the creator of Manifest, and Rob Hart, author of The Warehouse. This exciting collaboration, combined with a compelling mystery, suggests Detour has all the makings of a success – and could easily be adapted for the screen. The novel combines science fiction and thriller elements, telling the story of a space crew who return home to find that Earth has changed drastically since they left.

Things have genuinely changed, and these changes are unsettling, making us question what’s real. This sets the stage for a suspenseful experience with Detour, similar to shows like Dark Matter or Manifest. The show’s intriguing mysteries would make for compelling television, and hopefully, it will catch the attention of Hollywood after its release in January.

1) The Last Contract of Isako by Fonda Lee

Fonda Lee, the author of the acclaimed fantasy series The Green Bone Saga (which many fans are hoping will be adapted for the screen), is venturing into science fiction with her upcoming novel, The Last Contract of Isako, due out in 2026. The story centers on a highly skilled swordswoman who works for hire, planning to retire once her main client is finished with her services. But when a rival presents her with one final job, everything she thought she knew is turned upside down.

With a space-samurai premise, The Last Contract of Isako promises a thrilling adventure led by a strong female protagonist – and that’s enough to make us hope it gets adapted into a film or series. The added elements of surprising plot twists and corporate intrigue only increase our excitement. Hollywood should really consider bringing Lee’s work to the screen.

I’m really excited about the sci-fi books coming out in 2026, and I’m wondering which ones everyone else thinks would make amazing movies or TV shows! I’d love to hear your thoughts – let’s chat about it over on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-06 01:41