People We Meet on Vacation’s Emily Henry Details Book-to-Movie Changes

by

Okay, so everyone was worried the People We Meet on Vacation movie wouldn’t capture Emily Henry’s amazing style, but honestly? It totally did. Her vision was absolutely there, shining through every single scene. I was so relieved – it felt like she was involved in every little detail, and it showed!

The author of the popular romantic comedy confirmed that the new Netflix series, starring Emily Bader and Tom Blyth, is a perfect adaptation of her book. It’s exactly how she envisioned the story when she wrote it.

Henry shared with TopMob News, in a joint interview with director Brett Haley, that he’s very happy with how things turned out. He said he couldn’t point to anything specific that was cut from the film, and it doesn’t bother him at all anymore.

As a huge fan, I was so interested to hear that Emily Henry actually made a list of essential elements for the movie adaptation of her book! She said she did this early in the process, not just for her own vision, but to make sure it would really satisfy us readers too – especially since she’s also working on bringing Book Lovers and Beach Read to the screen!

She explained that she strongly advocated for including the pregnancy scare storyline, as it was a key emotional moment during their trip to Tuscany in the movie. She felt it was more important than Alex and Poppy’s planned trip to Croatia, which ended up being removed from the final cut. She noted that the book spends a lot of time detailing the events in Croatia, so when filming began, the creative team struggled to integrate it effectively.

According to her, Poppy believes their relationship ended in Croatia, but the real breaking point was actually in Tuscany.

Henry also believed that Molly Shannon’s funny appearance as Poppy’s mother was crucial to include in the finished film.

She explained she’d really wanted the scene with the condom box, and it had been repeatedly cut in and out of the film during editing before finally staying in. She said it was a back-and-forth process, but ultimately it made the final cut.

Henry acknowledged that some fans might be unhappy about the removal of several of Alex’s monologues in the Netflix version.

 

The author explained that some of the dialogue Alex delivers might make viewers wish Tom Blyth had said those lines to Emily Bader instead. However, she added that her books are very dialogue-heavy, and a movie adaptation needs to avoid feeling like characters are simply giving long speeches.

 

Henry and Haley talked about a major change from the book to the movie: Alex’s brother David (played by Miles Heizer) got married in Barcelona instead of Palm Springs. This is where Alex and Poppy eventually make up in the book. They explained that the location switch was a practical decision, driven by budget and the filmmakers’ choice to avoid using green screen effects.

 

Haley emphasized the importance of portraying genuine vacations in the film, avoiding any artificiality. She wanted to avoid pretending a location was something it wasn’t, saying, ‘Let’s just be honest about where we are.’ Ultimately, Spain was chosen as the filming location because it offered great value and allowed them to authentically represent the setting.

 

Henry, meanwhile, jokingly added, “Frankly, it was an excuse for all of us to go to Spain.” 

 

For more must-watch book-to-screen adaptations, keep reading…

 

Henry acknowledged that some fans might be upset about the reduction of Alex’s monologues in the Netflix version.

I think some of Alex’s lines might make viewers wish Tom Blyth and Emily Bader had said those words on screen. But my books have a lot of dialogue, and movies need to show, not just tell. You don’t want it to feel like a character is giving a long speech.

Henry and Haley talked about a major change from the book to the movie: Alex’s brother David (played by Miles Heizer) got married in Barcelona instead of Palm Springs. This is where Alex and Poppy eventually make up in the book. They explained the switch was due to practical concerns and budget limitations – they didn’t want to use any green screen effects during filming.

Haley emphasized the importance of portraying genuine vacations in the film, avoiding any artificiality. She wanted to film in a real location, saying, ‘Let’s not pretend to be somewhere we’re not – let’s embrace Barcelona for what it is.’ Ultimately, Spain offered a cost-effective and authentic setting for the movie.

Henry, meanwhile, jokingly added, “Frankly, it was an excuse for all of us to go to Spain.” 

For more must-watch book-to-screen adaptations, 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 December 12th. The story is a fictionalized account of the tragic death of William Shakespeare’s 11-year-old son, and the novel was incredibly popular for a reason – it’s a truly captivating read. Directed by the acclaimed Chloé Zhao, who also co-wrote the screenplay with O’Farrell, the film promises to be a powerfully moving 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 adaptation because of its amazing cast! The story centers around a maid who discovers dark secrets within a rich family. Plus, Paul Feig – known for his twisty thrillers like A Simple Favor – is directing, so we expect a captivating and suspenseful experience.

Based on: Alice Feeney’s 2020 Novel

The film stars 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 a person who returns to their hometown after a long period of isolation, and their arrival coincides with a murder investigation. A local detective, recently recognized with an Emmy, finds himself captivated by this newcomer while also trying to solve the crime.

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 successful recent roles 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. It stars Jennifer Garner, Angourie Rice, David Morse, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Judy Greer, and Rita Wilson, and premieres on February 20, 2026.

Season two of the popular Apple series picks up with Hannah Hall (Jennifer Garner) and her stepdaughter Bailey (Angourie Rice) five years after the disappearance of Owen (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), Hannah’s husband and Bailey’s father. 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 within his family and figuring out who he is. Joining the cast as his romantic interest, Sophie Baek, is newcomer Ha.

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

I’m so excited for this new movie! It’s based on Hoover’s 2022 novel and stars Maika Monroe, Tyriq Withers, Rudy Pankow, Lauren Graham, Bradley Whitford, Lainey Wilson, and Nicholas Duvernay. It hits theaters February 13, 2026. The story follows Kenna, who returns to her hometown after five years hoping to reconnect with her daughter. She unexpectedly finds a friend in a local bar owner who offers her a second chance. What’s even more amazing is that Hoover herself co-wrote the screenplay with Lauren Levine – she’s really dedicated to bringing her stories to the big screen, and with several of her books already being adapted, I have a feeling this one will be special!

This new series is based on the hugely popular book series by Patricia Cornwell, which includes 26 novels. 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 really excited about it because anything starring Nicole Kidman is a must-watch (like Big Little Lies, Nine Perfect Strangers, and The Undoing). Plus, the show features Oscar-winning actresses playing crime-fighting sisters, making it a top contender for our favorite new show 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 this new story! Ryan Gosling’s character has already been to space, but this time, he’s waking up from a coma as the only survivor of a mission to the Tau Ceti star system – a long way from Earth! Now, he has to finish the mission on his own: to fix a problem that’s causing the sun to dim and prevent humanity from disappearing. No big deal, right?

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

The series will debut on Apple TV on April 15, 2026. We’re especially excited because of the casting of Nicole Kidman! The show is based on a fantastic book about a woman who, after becoming a single mother at 20, turns to OnlyFans. With Kidman joining the cast, this eight-episode series is definitely one to watch.

Based on: Hoover‘s 2021 book

Starring: Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett

Premieres: In theaters May 15, 2026

We’re really looking forward to this project, especially with Anne, Dakota, and Josh involved! The story—about a writer taking over a popular book series after the original author has an accident—is full of unexpected turns. Having these three talented actors bring it to life on screen makes it even more exciting.

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 Joe Hoffman—follows Sally, Gillian, Frances, and Jet as they and their daughters grapple with the family curse that continues to haunt the Owens women.

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 is making a movie about Haymitch Abernathy’s life! This news came on the same day as the announcement of the next installment in the Hunger Games series. The film will focus on Haymitch’s experiences winning the Hunger Games 50 years before he mentored Katniss and Peeta, revealing the events that shaped him into the complex character we know.

 

This movie is based on Ali Hazelwood’s popular 2021 novel. Starring Lili Reinhart and Tom Bateman, it’s a film adaptation of the fake dating romance that became a huge hit on #BookTok. Interestingly, the story originally started as fanfiction inspired by Star Wars characters Rey and Kylo Ren, and Tom Bateman is actually married to Daisy Ridley, who played Rey in the films! With that kind of connection, this movie is definitely one to watch.

 

Based on Holly Gramazio’s 2024 novel and starring Juno Temple, this upcoming Apple TV series centers around Lauren, a woman who comes home one day to find a husband she’s never met. Soon, she discovers a never-ending stream of husbands are appearing from her attic! The story follows Lauren as she tries to understand this bizarre situation, figure out what she truly wants from life, and ultimately take control of her own destiny.

This new series is based on Elin Hilderbrand’s 2023 novel and stars Jennifer Garner. It will be available to stream on Peacock, with the premiere date yet to be announced. Fans are excited because Hilderbrand is known for her captivating Nantucket beach reads, and pairing that with a star like Garner is a winning combination. Garner plays Hollis, a food blogger whose life is shaken up by a personal tragedy. To help herself heal, she plans a special weekend getaway with her best friends, but things don’t go as planned. Old friendships are tested, and surprising secrets come to light – and we’re definitely hooked!

Adapted from Stephanie Meyer’s 2020 novel, a new animated version of the Twilight saga, told from Edward Cullen’s perspective, is coming to Netflix. After over a decade of waiting for Meyer to revisit the story, fans will soon be able to see this retelling come to life – and get a look at Edward’s famously sparkling skin in animated form!

This upcoming Apple TV series is based on Marissa Stapley’s 2021 novel and stars Anya Taylor-Joy and Drew Starkey as leads, with Annette Bening, Timothy Olyphant, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor also featured. The story follows a young woman who returns to the world of con artistry – the life she grew up with – in hopes of building a secure future. With Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine producing and a fantastic supporting cast, it’s shaping up to be a must-watch!

Based On: Emily Henry‘s 2024 novel

Starring: TBD

Premieres: TBD on Netflix

We’re looking forward to the upcoming adaptation of Henry’s popular 2024 novel! It follows Daphne as she rebuilds her life after her fiancé, Peter, ends their engagement to pursue a relationship with his childhood friend, Petra. Helping Daphne along the way is Miles, who used to date Petra.

Read More

2026-01-09 14:20