Emily Henry fans, another book-to-screen romance is officially taking shape. Following the release of People We Meet on Vacation earlier this year, attention now turns to Beach Read, the film adaptation of Henry’s 2020 adult romance novel. With its leads cast, filming underway and a cinema release date now confirmed, the project is quickly becoming one of the most anticipated upcoming rom-com adaptations.
The Beach Read movie is set to be released in cinemas by 20th Century Studios on 7 May 2027.
Who Is Starring in Beach Read?
Bridgerton star Phoebe Dynevor will lead the film as January Andrews, a successful romance novelist dealing with grief and writer’s block after the death of her father. Patrick Schwarzenegger, from The White Lotus season 3, will star opposite her as Augustus “Gus” Everett, January’s former college rival and now a successful author in his own right. The cast also includes Kevin Bacon, Andie MacDowell, Kristin Davis and Tig Notaro.
Director Yulin Kuang confirmed filming had begun by sharing a camera test image of Dynevor and Schwarzenegger. Kuang has spoken about the search for the right Gus, explaining that the casting process became more focused once Dynevor was cast as January. According to Kuang, Schwarzenegger stood out after chemistry reads with Dynevor, noting there was “something electric” between them in the room.
What Is Beach Read About?
Beach Read follows January Andrews as she retreats to her late father’s summer cabin on Lake Michigan, where she plans to prepare the house for sale while working through grief. Instead, she discovers secrets her father kept and unexpectedly runs into Gus Everett, her former college rival. With both writers creatively blocked, January and Gus make a deal to swap genres for the summer in the hope of shaking something loose.
She will try to write something darker. He will try to write something romantic. Naturally, they also promise not to fall for each other, which in a story like this is usually the first sign that they absolutely will.
Who Is Making the Beach Read Movie?
Yulin Kuang is adapting and directing Beach Read for 20th Century Studios. Kuang was also a co-writer on the film adaptation of People We Meet on Vacation, making her a key creative voice in the current Emily Henry screen universe. Neal H. Moritz is producing through Original Film, with Karina Rahardja executive producing. Sarah Shepard and Catherine Hughes are overseeing the project for 20th Century Studios.
Kuang also shared a camera test image of Dynevor and Schwarzenegger, giving fans their first glimpse of January and Gus on screen. As a reader, my first reaction is honestly: “Yep, I can see it.” Which is probably the best outcome for a beloved book adaptation. The image doesn’t feel over-styled or like it’s trying too hard to convince people. It just looks like January and Gus standing together, which is kind of the whole point.
Which Emily Henry Books Are Becoming Movies?
Emily Henry has become one of the biggest names in modern romance fiction, so it is not exactly surprising that Hollywood has come calling. Several of her books are now in development for screen adaptations, with some further along than others.
People We Meet on Vacation
People We Meet on Vacation was the first Emily Henry adaptation to reach audiences. The film arrived on Netflix on 9 January 2026, directed by Brett Haley from an adapted screenplay by Yulin Kuang. The story follows Poppy and Alex, two best friends who have taken a summer holiday together every year for a decade, despite living very different lives for the rest of the year.
Book Lovers
Book Lovers is also being adapted, with Tango attached to the project. Sarah Heyward is writing the screenplay. The novel follows Nora, a driven literary agent who travels to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina, with her sister, only to keep running into Charlie, a brooding editor from back in the city. It is a rom-com built around people who know exactly how stories work, until their own lives start refusing to follow the rules.
Happy Place
Happy Place was originally being developed as a Netflix television series through Jennifer Lopez’s Nuyorican Productions, with Bridgerton co-executive producer Leila Cohan attached as showrunner. The project later shifted direction and is now being developed as a film, with Emily Henry set to write the screenplay herself. The story follows Harriet and Wyn, a couple who broke up months ago but have not told their friend group. When they are invited to the Maine beach house where they have spent summers for years, they pretend to still be together, which is obviously a very calm and emotionally sensible plan.
Funny Story
Funny Story is also heading for the screen, with Henry writing the script for the feature adaptation. The film is coming from Lyrical Media and Ryder Picture Company and is set to go to Netflix. The novel follows Daphne, a children’s librarian whose fiancé leaves her for his childhood best friend. After being forced out of their shared home, Daphne moves in with Miles, the ex-boyfriend of the woman her fiancé left her for. What begins as a fake dating plan soon becomes something far more complicated.
CultureCues Final Thoughts
For CultureCues, Beach Read is easily one of the most anticipated Emily Henry adaptations. It is already a hugely loved book, and with Phoebe Dynevor and Patrick Schwarzenegger now cast as January and Gus, readers have even more reason to be excited. The story needs chemistry, warmth and just enough heartbreak to make the romance hit, so the early casting buzz is a very promising sign. With so many Emily Henry adaptations now in the works, romance fans have a lot to look forward to.
Beach Read is set to arrive in cinemas on 7 May 2027.
Nikki Murray is a UK-based writer, screenwriter and founder & editor of CultureCues, covering film, television, music and pop culture. Her work focuses on storytelling and the moments shaping modern entertainment.