There’s a definite art to transforming narratives for the silver screen, and naturally this brings with it many complicated emotions for book lovers. How many times have you seen your favourite character brought to life on-screen, and been disappointed by the casting choice? How many ornate, original book covers have been replaced with a not-so-appealing movie poster?
At the recent Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, several novelists, including Ruth Ware, whose The Woman in Cabin 10 was serialised by Netflix, shared how much they enjoyed the process of translating their words for the big screen.
As Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of Emirates Literature Foundation, puts it: “For a novel to speak across mediums and even through the centuries, inspiring brand-new audiences in cinemas around the world, is testament to the universality of storytelling. No matter how far a movie plot steers from the original text, each holds its own unique magic.”
Whether you’re a read-it-before-you-see-it purist, or simply looking for your next read, here are the literary adaptations that have had everyone talking.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
It’s difficult to discuss literary adaptations without mentioning Emerald Fennell’s controversial retelling. Loosely inspired by the classic 1847 novel, this blockbuster has fuelled furious online discourse over the costumes, casting, and creative choices. Watch the actors behind Barbie and Elvis take on the tragic, enduring love story of Cathy and Heathcliff and see for yourself.
An Offer From a Gentleman by Julie Quinn
Bridgerton returned for its fourth Netflix season earlier this year, giving everyone a chance to binge watch instead of bed rot. This time, we follow second-eldest son Benedict as he searches for his one true love after a surprise encounter at a masquerade ball. Expect undeniable chemistry, a storybook soundtrack and fairytale romance, in what feels like a return to the magic of season one.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Just as the Elvis movie later found its Priscilla, Guillermo del Torro’s autumn retelling finds its female counterpart in The Bride. Maggie Gyllenhaal’s version swaps out eighteenth-century Europe for 1930’s Chicago, but maintains the same gothic symbolism, punk feminism and radical social change as Mary Shelley’s ground-breaking novel.
The Odyssey by Homer
An all-star cast featuring Matt Damon, Robert Pattinson, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway and Charlize Theron will come together in this Greek epic which tracks the King of Ithaca’s long journey home after the Trojan War. Christopher Nolan’s most expensive project to date, the movie budget is in keeping with the rich 600-page original text. The literary adaptation unfolds in cinemas on 17 July. Read Now
The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger
Mark your diaries for 1 May. Undoubtedly one of the most anticipated movies of 2026, Meryl Streep will reprise her role as Miranda Preistley after a twenty-year cliffhanger. Unlike the book sequel, the movie plot hinges upon the decline of print magazines in the USA and a stand-off with her previous assistant (Emily Blunt) for ad revenue. The trailer already has us hyper-fixated on the outfits and this release could be one of those rare occasions where film perhaps captures the heart (and style) of the characters better than literature ever could.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
Suzanne Collins revolutionised the genre of dystopian fiction back in 2008, and she didn’t stop there. This next instalment of the literary adaptation follows Haymitch Abernathy as he battles in the Second Quarter Quell, exploring his journey from a victor to Katniss and Peeta’s broken mentor years later. With the release date set to 20 November, there is plenty of time to get stuck into this read (and potentially read it twice).
Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert
The trilogy returns on 18 December. Since its literary debut in 1965, Dune has become the best-selling sci-fi novel in the world. What makes this story so enduring, no matter the genre, is the world-building. It’s technical and philosophical, yet feels viscerally real. Not to mention, Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Javier Bardem Florence Pugh, Robert Pattinson and Rebecca Ferguson are sure to offer Oscar-worthy performances.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Netflix is bringing the glamour and scandal of the Golden Age’s favourite fictional actress to life. It is in early stages of production with no release date or cast confirmed yet, but we can rest in the knowledge that this best-selling story is in the oh-so capable hands of Taylor Jenkins Reid – the original author – as an executive producer.
