Emily Henry’s Funny Story Book Getting Movie Adaptation at Netflix

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Emily Henry has another tale to tell. 

Netflix is adapting Emily Henry’s novel, Funny Story, into a movie, several sources reported on January 8th. This announcement comes right before the release of the movie adaptation of her other book, People We Meet On Vacation, which premieres on the platform tomorrow.

Published in 2024, Funny Story centers around Daphne, a children’s librarian reeling from a recent breakup. Her fiancé left her for his childhood friend, Petra. To make matters more complicated, Daphne ends up living with Petra’s ex-boyfriend, Miles. They connect and decide to team up to get revenge on their former partners.

According to Variety, Henry will be writing the screenplay for the upcoming streaming series. Details about the director and cast haven’t been announced yet.

I’m excited to share that Henry’s “Happy Place,” the super popular book from 2023, is heading to Netflix! It’s being turned into a movie now, and it’s a really relatable story – it follows Harriet and Wyn, an ex-couple who fake being together on vacation with their friends. It’s going to be a fun watch, and I think a lot of us will see ourselves in their situation!

Several of Emily Henry’s popular novels are being adapted into movies and TV shows. In addition to Funny Story and Happy Place, adaptations are planned for her books Beach Read (2020) and Book Lovers (2022).

Before those movies come out, fans will get a first glimpse of an Emily Henry story on screen with People We Meet on Vacation, starring Tom Blyth and Emily Bader. Both actors were excited to create the romantic comedy, and Bader even drew inspiration from the iconic Meg Ryan while preparing for her role.

I was so excited to start this job, and right away our director let me know he loves those classic rom-coms from the ’90s and early 2000s – think Nora Ephron films. He mentioned it as inspiration, so I immediately started watching everything I could find! It was honestly the best possible preparation; I really immersed myself in that world.

Although Brett Haley, the director of People We Meet on Vacation, was inspired by Nora Ephron, actress Emma Bader based her acting on Meg Ryan.

She’s great at being both genuinely herself and deeply emotional, while also being funny and lighthearted. I really admire that she doesn’t take herself too seriously in her roles. It’s a huge compliment – being willing to be a little goofy for the sake of comedy is something I found really inspiring.

For more book adaptations hitting the big and small screens, keep reading.

This film is based on Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 novel and stars Paul Mescal, Jessie Buckley, Joe Alwyn, and Emily Watson. It premieres in theaters on December 12th. The story is a fictionalized account of the tragic death of William Shakespeare’s eleven-year-old son. The book was incredibly popular, and the film—directed by acclaimed filmmaker Chloé Zhao, who also co-wrote the screenplay with O’Farrell—promises to be a powerful and unforgettable experience.

Based On: Freida McFadden’s 2022 novel

Starring: Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar and Michele Marrone

Premieres: In theaters December 19

We’re really looking forward to this new adaptation because of its incredible cast. The story centers around a maid who discovers dark secrets within a wealthy family. Plus, Paul Feig – known for his twisty thrillers like A Simple Favor – is directing, so we expect a suspenseful and exciting experience.

Based on: Alice Feeney’s 2020 Novel

The film features Tessa Thompson, Jon Bernthal, Pablo Schreiber, Crystal Fox, Sunita Mani, and Rebecca Rittenhouse.

Premieres: January 8, 2026, on Netflix

We’re hooked by this suspenseful thriller! It centers around someone returning to their hometown after a long period of isolation, and their arrival coincides with a murder investigation. A local detective – played by recent Emmy winner Bernthal – is immediately drawn into the case and to the mysterious returnee, Anna Thompson.

This film is adapted from Emily Henry’s 2021 novel and stars Tom Blyth, Emily Bader, Lucian Laviscount, Jameela Jamil, Lukas Gage, and Sarah Catherine Hook.

Premieres: January 8, 2026, on Netflix

We’re thrilled to see Henry’s popular novels adapted for the screen! With impressive performances in films like The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and My Lady Jane, actors Blyth and Bader seem ideally cast as Alex and Poppy.

The upcoming Apple TV+ series is based on Laura Dave’s novel, The First Time I Saw Him, which will be available January 6, 2026. The show stars Jennifer Garner, Angourie Rice, David Morse, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Judy Greer, and Rita Wilson, and will premiere on February 20, 2026.

Season two of the popular Apple TV+ series picks up with Hannah Hall (Jennifer Garner) and her stepdaughter Bailey (Angourie Rice) five years after the disappearance of Owen (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), Bailey’s father and Hannah’s husband. They’ve begun to build a new life, but their peace is shattered when Owen unexpectedly reappears just before a devastating family event. This sets off a dangerous chain of events, forcing Hannah and Bailey to fight for their survival.

Based On: Julia Quinn‘s 2001 Bridgerton novel An Offer From A Gentleman

The show stars Luke Thompson, Yerin Ha, Jonathan Bailey, Claudia Jessie, Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, Adjoa Andoh, Ruth Gemmell, Katie Leung, Michelle Mao, and Isabella Wei.

Release Date: Part One: January 29, 2026; Part Two: February, 26, 2026, on Netflix

Fans will be thrilled to see Benedict Bridgerton finally find love in the next season after spending three seasons searching for his place in the family and discovering who he is. New actress Ha joins the cast as Sophie Baek, who will be his romantic interest.

Based on: Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel

Release Date: In theaters February 13, 2026

Starring: Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie

We’re thrilled to announce a new adaptation of Wuthering Heights! Director Emerald Fennell, who brought us Saltburn, is working with Jacob Elordi and Barry Robbie again to reimagine the story of Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff in a fresh and unique way.

This film is based on the 2022 novel by Hoover. The movie stars Maika Monroe, Tyriq Withers, Rudy Pankow, Lauren Graham, Bradley Whitford, Lainey Wilson, and Nicholas Duvernay. It will be released in theaters on February 13, 2026. The story follows Kenna, who returns to her hometown after five years hoping to reconnect with her daughter. She unexpectedly finds support from a local bar owner who offers her a second chance. Notably, the author of the bestselling novel also co-wrote the screenplay with Lauren Levine, bringing her story to life on the big screen.

This new series is based on the incredibly popular books by Patricia Cornwell, which currently include 26 titles. The show stars Nicole Kidman, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ariana DeBose, Bobby Cannavale, Simon Baker, and Jake Cannavale. It will premiere on Prime Video on March 11, 2026. We’re particularly excited because anything starring Nicole Kidman is a must-watch (think Big Little Lies, Nine Perfect Strangers, and The Undoing), and the fact that she and Jamie Lee Curtis will play crime-fighting sisters makes this one of our most anticipated shows of the year.

 

Based On: Andy Weir’s 2021 novel of the same name

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller and Milana Vayntrub

Release Date: In theaters March 20, 2026

We’re thrilled about the new project! Ryan Gosling’s character has already been to space, but this time, he’s waking up alone after a mission to the Tau Ceti system—over 12 light-years from Earth. He’s the sole survivor and now has to finish the mission: fix a problem causing the sun to dim and prevent humanity from going extinct. No big deal, right?

Based on: Rufi Thorpe’s 2024 novel
Starring: Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer and Nicole Kidman

Set to launch on Apple TV on April 15, 2026, this series is already generating buzz thanks to the addition of Nicole Kidman to the cast. The show is based on a highly-regarded book about a woman who becomes a single mother at 20 and turns to OnlyFans, and with Kidman on board, it’s quickly become a top pick for what to watch next. The eight-episode limited series promises a compelling story and strong performances.

Based on: Hoover‘s 2021 book

Starring: Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett

Premieres: In theaters May 15, 2026

Okay, seriously, I’m losing it over this new adaptation! It’s Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, and Josh O’Connor? Dream team! The story itself is already amazing – this writer gets thrown into finishing a huge book series after the author has this crazy accident, and it’s full of secrets and twists. But with them playing the leads? I just know it’s going to be absolutely incredible to watch come to life. I’ve been waiting for this forever!

Based On: The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock, Stockard Channing, Dianne Weist, Joey King

Premieres: In theaters September 18, 2026

We’re thrilled to announce the long-awaited sequel! Almost thirty years after the first film, this new story—based on a novel by Andrew Hoffman—continues the tale of the Owens family. Sally, Gillian, Frances, and Jet now face a curse that’s starting to affect their daughters and granddaughters.

Based On: Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel

The film stars Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Elle Fanning, Maya Hawke, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Jesse Plemons, and Ralph Fiennes. It will be released in theaters on November 20, 2026.

We’re thrilled to announce that Lionsgate will be making a movie based on the backstory of Haymitch Abernathy, Katniss and Peeta’s mentor! This news came on the same day as the announcement of the next Collins book, and the film will focus on Haymitch’s own journey to victory in the 50th Hunger Games.

 

This movie is based on Ali Hazelwood’s popular 2021 novel. Starring Lili Reinhart and Tom Bateman, it’s a fake dating romance that became a huge hit on #BookTok. What makes this adaptation particularly interesting is the connection to its origins: the story started as fanfiction inspired by Star Wars characters Rey and Kylo Ren, and Tom Bateman is actually married to Daisy Ridley, who played Rey! We’re definitely intrigued to see how this all comes to life on screen. The premiere date is yet to be announced.

 

Based on Holly Gramazio’s 2024 novel, the upcoming Apple TV series stars Juno Temple. The story centers around Lauren, who returns home to find a husband she’s never met. Soon, a series of different husbands start appearing, all seemingly coming from her attic! As Lauren deals with this unusual situation, she’s forced to consider what she truly wants out of life and whether she’ll take control to achieve it.

This new series is based on Elin Hilderbrand’s 2023 novel and stars Jennifer Garner. It will be available to stream on Peacock, with a premiere date yet to be announced. Fans are excited because Hilderbrand is known for her captivating Nantucket beach reads, and pairing that with a popular actress like Garner is a winning combination. Garner plays Hollis, a food blogger whose life is shaken up by a tragedy. To cope, she plans a special weekend getaway with her closest friends, but the trip reveals hidden tensions and secrets, promising plenty of drama. Consider us hooked!

Based on Stephanie Meyer’s 2020 novel, a new animated version of the Twilight saga, told from Edward Cullen’s perspective, is coming to Netflix. After more than a decade of waiting for Meyer to revisit the story, fans will finally get to see it unfold – and catch a glimpse of the famously sparkly vampire in animated form. Details on the cast and premiere date are still to come.

As a lifestyle expert, I’m already adding this one to my must-watch list! Based on Marissa Stapley’s 2021 book, this Apple TV series stars the incredible Anya Taylor-Joy and Drew Starkey, and let me tell you, they are captivating. The story follows a young woman who unexpectedly returns to the world of con artistry – the life she grew up in – hoping to build a secure future. With Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine producing and a truly amazing supporting cast including Annette Bening, Timothy Olyphant, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, I’m completely hooked and ready to watch!

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2026-01-09 02:18