First Look Photo of Dakota Johnson on Verity Movie Set Is a Total Thrill 

Watch:First Look at Verity’s Anne Hathaway and Josh Hartnett on Set of Colleen Hoover Movie

Dakota Johnson is in for a rude awakening…just not her own. 

As production for Verity continues, Dakota, who will play the novel’s protagonist a young, struggling writer named Lowen Ashleigh, was snapped on set of the Colleen Hoover adaptation in New York. 

In photos, taken March 12, the 35-year-old wore a long beige peacoat, over-the-ear headphones, orange pants and black boots. In one image, Dakota appears to smoke a vape with a slightly concerned expression on her face, while another see the actress filming a disturbing scene. Indeed, in an additional photo, Dakota has fake blood splattered across her face as crosses a street alongside Josh Hartnett, who plays Jeremy. 

Dakota’s time on set comes just a few weeks after Verity’s production showed a first look at the upcoming film, which will hit theaters in 2026, including a photo of Josh and Anne Hathaway, who plays the titular Verity. 

read
Everything to Know About Verity, the Film Adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s Book

In the pictures, Josh wears a loosened up tuxedo, sans its jacket as Anne holds it up to her chest, while also wearing a strapless red gown with silver heels. The characters, a married couple when readers meet them in the book, make their way down a dark street, smiling as they run with held hands, in what appeared to be a still from the meet-cute scene at the beginning of the novel.

The upcoming film adaptation is being directed by Michael Showalter, and will be the second of Hoover’s books to be adapted after It Ends With Us, which starred Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively and Brandon Sklenar

Santi Ramales / BACKGRID

But while Hoover is the writer of both stories, Verity has a much more haunting tone than that of her first adaptation. The book follows Lowen as she takes an assignment to complete one of Verity’s wildly popular novels because the author has gotten into a car accident that has left her catatonic.

Once Lowen arrives at Verity’s home, she is greeted by Jeremy, Verity’s husband, as well as their son Crew. Throughout the novel, Lowen grapples with notes left behind by Verity, and whether their disturbing contents are true, all while feeling the haunting presence of Verity in every part of the home. 

Fans will have to wait a year or so to see the book hit the big screen, but in the meantime it’s a must-add title to your reading list. For even more upcoming adaptations, keep reading… 

The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3

Based On:Jenny Han‘s 2011 book We’ll Always Have Summer

Starring: Lola TungChristopher BrineyGavin CasalegnoSean Kaufman, and Rain Spencer
Premieres:  July 16 on Prime Video

Why We’re Excited: After spending Summer 2024 away from Cousins, viewers are clamoring for another trip to check in on the ever-evolving love triangle between Belly Conklin and brothers Conrad and Jeremiah Fisher. While Team Jeremiah is currently feeling the love, the 11-episode third installment may just reveal which Fisher brother is Belly’s end game.

My Oxford Year

Based on: Julia Whelan’s 2018 book
Starring: Sofia Carson, Corey Mylchreest, Dougray Scott, Catherine McCormack, Harry Trevaldwyn, Esmé Kingdom, Nikhil Parmar and Poppy Gilbert.
Premieres: On Netflix Aug. 1 
Why We’re Excited: Who doesn’t love a sweeping love story set at one of Britain’s most prolific institutions? In this case, it’s Carson’s Anna, an American who arrives at Oxford to fulfill a lifelong dream only to quickly meet local Jamie (Mylchreest), with whom she embarks on a life-changing romance.

The Thursday Murder Club 

Based On:Richard Osman‘s 2020 novel

Starring: Helen MirrenPierce BrosnanBen KingsleyCelia ImrieDavid TennantNaomi Ackie and Jonathan Pryce

Premieres: August 28 on Netflix

Why We’re Excited: The books themselves, following four retirees who have an eye for solving crimes, are simply delightful. Add this cast into the mix and we’re in for a cozy mystery for the ages. 

Slow Horses Season 5

Based On: London Rules, book five of Mick Herron’s Slow Horses series

Starring: Gary OldmanJack Lowden, Kristin Scott Thomas, Saskia Reeves, Rosalind Eleazar, Christopher Chung, Aimee-Ffion Edwards, Ruth Bradley, James Callis, Tom Brooke,and Jonathan Pryce.

Premieres: September 24 on Apple TV+

Why We’re Excited: Once again, Jackson Lamb and his ragtag crew of MI-5 misfits out of Slough House are on the case as they’re assigned to protect the prime minister from a series of threats while juggling a threat to one of the team. But as this is the Slow Horses we’re talking about, prepare for many blunders, Lamb to consume a series of disgusting snacks and hopefully few casualties.

Regretting You

Based On: Colleen Hoover’s 2019 Book 
Starring:
Allison Williams, Mckenna Grace, Dave Franco, Mason Thames, Willa Fitzgerald, Scott Eastwood and Clancy Brown.
Premieres:
  In theaters Oct. 24
Why We’re Excited:
 Hoover has already taken BookTok by storm and now her work is continuing to make a splash on the screen. The romantic drama follows Morgan and Clara, whose already-fraught dynamic is put to the test after a shocking event leaves them picking up the pieces of their broken family.

The Running Man

Based On: Stephen King’s 1982 novel (writing as Richard Bachman)

StarringGlen PowellJosh BrolinLee PaceKaty O’BrianMichael CeraEmilia JonesDaniel Ezra and William H. Macy

Premieres: In theaters Nov. 21

Why We’re Excited: Let the season of Glen Powell continue. The Hit Man star takes on Arnold Schwarzenegger’s role in the remake, which follows a man’s quest to survive a game show that sees people chased around the world by murderous “Hunters” for money. Making this all the more sinister? The film, like its release date, is set in a rapidly approaching 2025. We’re absolutely on board for this one—although a bit terrified, tbh. 

Wicked: For Good

Based On: The Broadway play of the same name and Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Bowen Yang, and Keala Settle
Premieres:
 Nov. 21
Why We’re Excited: Look no further than the cast list, for starters. Add in that it’s the iconic Broadway musical—based, of course, off the Wizard Of Oz prequel tome—was split into two rousing parts and we are booked and busy for the next two Thanksgiving weekends.

The Woman in Cabin 10

Based On: Ruth Ware’s 2016 novel of the same name

Starring: Keira KnightleyGuy PierceHannah WaddinghamDaniel IngsKaya ScodelarioDavid Adala and Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Premieres: October 10 on Netflix

Why We’re Excited: Being trapped on a cruise is already a nightmare for many but imagine witnessing someone get tossed overboard—only to not be taken seriously when trying to raise the alarm. That and a whole lot of danger is what Knightley is facing in the Netflix adaptation of one of Ware’s earlier thrillers. 

Frankenstein

Based On: Mary Shelley’s iconic 1818 gothic horror

Starring: Jacob ElordiOscar IsaacMia Goth and Christoph Waltz

Premieres: November 2025 on Netflix

Why we’re excited: Knowing Isaac is starring as Victor Frankenstein and Elordi will play the monster himself is enough to have us seated already. Still, while there have been countless works based on the iconic novel, Guillermo Del Toro—whose vision will come to life at Netflix after nearly two decades—has proven time and time again that when it comes to gothic horror, nobody does it better. 

Hamnet

Based on: Maggie O’Farrell 2020 Novel
Starring: Paul MescalJessie BuckleyJoe Alwyn and Emily Watson.
Premieres: In theaters December 12 
Why We’re Excited: A fictional account of the tragic death of William Shakespeare’s 11-year-old son in the mid-16th century, this book flew off shelves with good reason: it’s utterly engrossing. And with an all-star cast being directed by bold name Chloé Zhao—who co-wrote with O’Farrell—this film will be a devastating can’t miss.

 The Housemaid

Based On: Freida McFadden’s 2022 novel

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

Premieres: December 25

Why We’re Excited: The cast alone is enough to have us seated for the adaptation, which follows a maid to a wealthy family with some very sinister secrets bubbling under the surface. But Paul Feig, who is no stranger to a twisty story with A Simple Favor—and its sequel—is at the helm so it’s safe to say we’re in for quite a ride. 

Reminders of Him

Based On: Hoover’s 2022 novel
Starring: Maika MonroeTyriq WithersRudy PankowLauren GrahamBradley WhitfordLainey Wilson and Nicholas Duvernay.
Premieres: February 13, 2026
Why We’re Excited:  After five years, Kenna returns to her hometown looking to reunite with her  daughter. Instead, she finds solace in a local bar owner who remains one of the few who is willing to give her another chance. While the next few years see several of the best-selling novelist’s books hitting the screen, she’s a big part of bringing this book to life as she co-wrote the script with Lauren Levine.

People We Meet on Vacation

Based On:Emily Henry‘s 2021 novel
Starring: Tom BlythEmily BaderLucian LaviscountJameela JamilLukas Gage and Sarah Catherine Hook

Premieres: January 9, 2026 on Netflix

Why We’re Excited: Henry has already taken women’s literature by storm in recent years, so it was only a matter of time before her novels got the big screen treatment. And after major turns in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and My Lady Jane, respectively, Blyth and Bader have proven they may just be the perfect Alex and Poppy. 

Wuthering Heights

Based on: Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel

Release Date: February 13, 2026

Starring: Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie

Why We’re Excited: Cue the Kate Bush classic, we’re heading back to the moors. Filmmaker Emerald Fennell is reteaming with her Saltburn collaborators—Elordi starred and Robbie produced—for a take on Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff that we’ve surely never seen before.

Project Hail Mary

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

Starring: Ryan GoslingSandra Hüller and Milana Vayntrub

Release Date: March 20, 2026

Why We’re Excited: Sure, Gosling’s been to space as the first man, but his latest mission takes him out of this galaxy as he wakes up from a coma as the sole survivor in an expedition to the Tau Ceti solar system—a cool 12 light-years away from Earth. Things only get worse now that he’s solo and must continue his mission to reverse solar dimming and save humanity from extinction. NBD!

Verity

Based on: Hoover‘s 2021 book

Starring: AnneHathaway, DakotaJohnson and Josh Hartnett

Premieres: May 15, 2026

Why We’re Excited: For starters, we can look no further than Anne, Dakota and Josh. The book—which follows a struggling writer who is asked to complete a best-selling series after the author’s mysterious accident—is already a wild, twisty ride. And with this trio at the center, seeing it brought to life on screen is all the more exciting. 

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

Based On: Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel

Starring:Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Elle Fanning, Maya Hawke, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Jesse Plemons and Ralph Fiennes.
Premieres: November 20, 2026

Why We’re Excited: On the same day Collins’ latest trip to Panem was announced, Lionsgate confirmed it would be adapting the much-anticipated story following a young Haymitch Abernathy—Peeta and Katniss’ famously haunted mentor in the 74th Hunger Games—during his winning battle in the 50th Games. 

 

Bridgerton Season 4

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

Starring: Luke ThompsonYerin HaJonathan BaileyClaudia JessieNicola CoughlanLuke NewtonAdjoa AndohRuth GemmellKatie LeungMichelle Mao and Isabella Wei.

Release Date: TBD 2026 on Netflix

Why We’re Excited: After three seasons trying to cement a place in his family and discovering himself, fan-favorite Benedict Bridgerton at last finds love in the upcoming installment. And newcomer Ha is joining the Netflix hit’s ever-growing ensemble as his love interest Sophie Baek.

Margo’s Got Money Troubles

Based on: Rufi Thorpe’s 2024 novel
Starring: Elle FanningMichelle Pfeiffer and Nicole Kidman

Premieres: TBD 2026 on Apple TV+
Why we’re Excited: Is it really a limited series if it doesn’t have Kidman popping up in it? Thorpe’s book—following the daughter of a former Hooters waitress and a onetime pro-wrestler who turns to OnlyFans after becoming a single mom at 20—is already excellent on its own. But this casting has certainly placed this eight-episode series at the top of the must-watch list. 

The Husbands

Based On: Holly Gramazio’s 2024 novel
Starring: Juno Temple
Premieres: 
TBD on Apple TV+
Why We’re Excited: Prepare to meet more than one hundred husbands. Indeed, the story follows Lauren, who arrives home to be greeted by her husband Michael—only she has never seen him before in her life. A different husband soon takes his place, and she soon learns a seemingly-endless supply of spouses are coming from her attic. As she navigates this complicated romantic journey, key questions emerge, namely, what does she want from life and will she take the reins to get it?

Kay Scarpetta

Based On: Patricia Cornwell‘s mega-popular series of the same name that has 26 books in total
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ariana DeBose, Bobby Cannavale, Simon Baker and Jake Cannavale
Premieres: TBD on Amazon Prime Video
Why We’re Excited: If it’s based on a book and Kidman stars in it, we will binge the s–t out of it. (See: Big Little Lies, Nine Perfect Strangers, The Undoing and the fact that this is her second appearance on this list.) Add in that the Oscar winners will be playing crime-fighting sisters and it’s already become our favorite new show of the year.

 

Five-Star Weekend

Based On: Elin Hilderbrand’s 2023 novel
Starring: Jennifer Garner
Premieres: TBD on Peacock
Why We’re Excited: Hilderbrand is the queen of Nantucket beach read. Add in a megastar like Garner and its place in our queue is solidified. The Alias alum stars as Hollis, a food blogger whose life is turned update down by tragedy. As part of her healing journey, she resolves to host a “five-star” weekend with her closest pals—only for it to go awry as the cracks in her friendships deepen and game-changing secrets emerge. Yep, we are firmly seated.

Midnight Sun

Based On: Stephanie Meyer’s 2020 novel
Starring: TBD
Premieres:
 TBD on Netflix
Why We’re Excited:
 While fans had to wait more than a decade for Meyer to release the retelling of Twilight from Edward Cullen’s POV, viewers will soon see an animated version of the story coming to their screens. And it’s safe to say catching a glimpse of an animated killer’s sparkly skin will be must-see TV.

Lucky

Based On:Marissa Stapley‘s 2021 book
Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Drew Starkey, Annette Bening, Timothy Olyphant and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor
Premieres: TBD on Apple TV+
Why We’re Excited: If seeing Anya and Drew leading the cast isn’t enough of a draw—and it should be!—the story itself is pretty thrilling, a young woman returning to the con artist life she was raised in an attempt to secure her future. And with Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine producing and a stellar supporting cast, we are already seated.

His & Hers

Based on: Alice Feeney’s 2020 Novel

Starring: Tessa ThompsonJon BernthalPablo SchreiberCrystal FoxSunita Mani, and Rebecca Rittenhouse

Premieres: TBD on Netflix

Why We’re Excited: A twisty thriller that brings a recluse back to their hometown is always an immediate yes, and in this limited series, it’s Thompson’s Anna whose return following a murder captivates a local detective (new Emmy winner Bernthal) who is also investigating the crime. 

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