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Over the past decade, Hollywood has been churning out an array of prequels, sequels, reboots, live-action remakes, - the list goes on.
And I for one am so bored and so tired of this trend.
That's why I'm so glad to see so many of my favourite stories FINALLY get their time to shine on the big screen.
These stories deserve just as much attention, money and energy as the other blockbusters in Hollywood's cinematic universe.
So be sure to dive into these captivating tales, thrilling dramas and fascinating worlds before they're adapted into films.
Book synopsis: In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet up once a week to investigate unsolved murders. But when a brutal killing takes place on their very doorstep, the Thursday Murder Club find themselves in the middle of their first live case. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron might be pushing eighty but they still have a few tricks up their sleeves.
What we know so far about the adaptation: Production for the Netflix film wrapped up in September. And according to reports, there's a lineup of many big name celebrities on the cast including Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Sir Ben Kingsley, Celia Imrie and David Tennant.
Book synopsis: In this tightly wound, enthralling story reminiscent of Agatha Christie's works, Lo Blacklock, a journalist who writes for a travel magazine, has just been given the assignment of a lifetime: a week on a luxury cruise with only a handful of cabins. The sky is clear, the waters calm, and the veneered, select guests jovial as the exclusive cruise ship, the Aurora, begins her voyage in the picturesque North Sea. At first, Lo's stay is nothing but pleasant: the cabins are plush, the dinner parties are sparkling, and the guests are elegant. But as the week wears on, frigid winds whip the deck, gray skies fall, and Lo witnesses what she can only describe as a dark and terrifying nightmare: a woman being thrown overboard. The problem? All passengers remain accounted for--and so, the ship sails on as if nothing has happened, despite Lo's desperate attempts to convey that something (or someone) has gone terribly, terribly wrong.
What we know so far about the adaptation: The film is being directed by Simon Stone. The Netflix mystery adaptation is set to feature Keira Knightley, Guy Pearce, Hannah Waddingham and Kaya Scodelario.
Book synopsis: Despite their differences, sisters Viann and Isabelle have always been close. Younger, bolder Isabelle lives in Paris while Viann is content with life in the French countryside with her husband Antoine and their daughter. But when the Second World War strikes, Antoine is sent off to fight and Viann finds herself isolated so Isabelle is sent by their father to help her. As the war progresses, the sisters' relationship and strength is tested. With life changing in unbelievably horrific ways, Viann and Isabelle will find themselves facing frightening situations and responding in ways they never thought possible as bravery and resistance take different forms in each of their actions.
What we know so far about the adaptation: Real life siblings Elle Fanning and Dakota Fanning are set to star in the film. It's been over two decades since the Fanning sisters starred in the same film together.
Book synopsis: For Lila Reyes, a summer in England was never part of the plan. The plan was 1) take over her abuela’s role as head baker at their panadería, 2) move in with her best friend after graduation, and 3) live happily ever after with her boyfriend. But then the Trifecta happened, and everything—including Lila herself—fell apart. Worried about Lila’s mental health, her parents make a new plan for her: spend three months with family friends in Winchester, England, to relax and reset. But with the lack of sun, a grumpy inn cook, and a small town lacking Miami flavour (both in food and otherwise), what would be a dream trip for some feels more like a nightmare to Lila…until she meets Orion Maxwell. A teashop clerk with troubles of his own, Orion is determined to help Lila out of her funk, and appoints himself as her personal tour guide. From Winchester’s drama-filled music scene to the sweeping English countryside, it isn’t long before Lila is not only charmed by Orion, but England itself. Soon a new future is beginning to form in Lila’s mind—one that would mean leaving everything she ever planned behind.
What we know so far about the adaptation: Kit Connor and Maia Reficco have been cast as the lead roles in this romance film, which is already in post-production.
Book synopsis: From her place in the store, Klara, an Artificial Friend with outstanding observational qualities, watches carefully the behaviour of those who come in to browse, and of those who pass in the street outside. She remains hopeful a customer will soon choose her, but when the possibility emerges that her circumstances may change for ever, Klara is warned not to invest too much in the promises of humans.
What we know so far about the adaptation: The dystopian science fiction film will be directed by Taika Waititi. Production has already begun in Wanaka and Auckland with Jenna Ortega, Amy Adams, Mia Tharia and Steve Buscemi set to star in the film.
Book synopsis: From the debris of her troubled early life, Lidia Yuknavitch weaves an astonishing tale of survival. It is a life that navigates, and transcends, abuse, addiction, self-destruction and the crushing loss of a stillborn child. A kind of memoir that is also a paean to the pursuit of beauty, self-expression, desire – for men and women – and the exhilaration of swimming, The Chronology of Water lays a life bare.
What we know so far about the adaptation: This film will be Kristen Stewart‘s feature directorial debut. She also co-wrote the film’s screenplay alongside Andy Mingo. Filming has already begun with Imogen Poots, Thora Birch, Earl Cave, Michael Epp and Susannah Flood featured in the upcoming movie.
Book synopsis: At home full-time with her two-year-old son, an artist finds she is struggling. She is lonely and exhausted. Her husband, always travelling for his work, calls her from faraway hotel rooms. One more toddler bedtime, and she fears she might lose her mind. Instead, she starts gaining things, surprising things that happen one night when her child will not sleep. New appetites, new instincts. And from deep within herself, a new voice.
What we know so far about the adaptation: The comedy horror film stars Amy Adams. It was originally meant to be released straight-to-streaming on Hulu, but the strong reception from test screenings prompted Searchlight Pictures to instead give it a wide theatrical release. The trailer has already been released and is set to be cinemas in early December.
Book synopsis: In the Empire of Migdal Bavel, Cherry is married to Jerome, a wicked man who makes a diabolical wager with his friend Manfred: if Manfred can seduce Cherry in one hundred nights, he can have his castle--and Cherry. But what Jerome doesn't know is that Cherry is in love with her maid Hero. The two women hatch a plan: Hero, a member of the League of Secret Story Tellers, will distract Manfred by regaling him with a mesmerising tale each night for 100 nights, keeping him at bay. Those tales are beautifully depicted here, touching on themes of love and betrayal and loyalty and madness.
What we know so far about the adaptation: Julia Jackman is set to direct the feminist fairy tale. Filming has already begun with Nicholas Galitzine, Emma Corrin, Charli XCX and Maika Monroe starring in the upcoming film.
Book synopsis: Sixteen-year-old trans boy Benji is on the run from the cult that raised him-the fundamentalist sect that unleashed Armageddon and decimated the world's population. Desperately, he searches for a place where the cult can't get their hands on him, or more importantly, on the bioweapon they infected him with. But when cornered by monsters born from the destruction, Benji is rescued by a group of teens from the local Acheson LGBTQ+ Centre, affectionately known as the ALC. The ALC's leader, Nick, is gorgeous, autistic, and a deadly shot, and he knows Benji's darkest secret- the cult's bioweapon is mutating him into a monster deadly enough to wipe humanity from the earth once and for all. Still, Nick offers Benji shelter among his ragtag group of queer teens, as long as Benji can control the monster and use its power to defend the ALC. Eager to belong, Benji accepts Nick's terms...until he discovers the ALC's mysterious leader has a hidden agenda, and more than a few secrets of his own.
What we know so far about the adaptation: Lilly Wachowski will be developing the book into an animated feature alongside Powerhouse Animation Studios. Wachowski is best known for producing 'V For Vendetta,' 'The Matrix' and the 'Sense 8' TV series. She famously said 'The Matrix' films stem from the trans experience and were inspired by her own experience being a trans woman.
Book synopsis: Mickey Barnes is an Expendable: a disposable employee on a human expedition sent to colonise the ice world Niflheim. Whenever there's a mission that's too dangerous--even suicidal--the crew turns to Mickey. After one iteration dies, a new body is regenerated with most of his memories intact. After six deaths, Mickey7 understands the terms of his deal...and why it was the only colonial position unfilled when he took it. On a routine scouting mission, Mickey7 goes missing and is presumed dead. By the time he returns to the colony base, surprisingly helped back by native life, his fate has been sealed. There's a new clone, Mickey8, reporting for Expendable duties, and there can only be one Expendable. If Mickey7 reports his survival to Command, one of them is going into the recycler. If he doesn't and they're caught, they both are. Meanwhile, life on Niflheim is getting worse. The atmosphere is unsuitable for humans, food is in short supply, and terraforming is going poorly. The native species are growing curious about their new neighbours, and that curiosity has Commander Marshall very afraid. Ultimately, the survival of both lifeforms will come down to Mickey7. That is, if he can just keep from dying for good.
What we know so far about the adaptation: This is Bong Joon Ho's directorial followup to the Oscar winning film, 'Parasite.' It stars Robert Pattinson and is set to be released in January 2025 under the name, 'Mickey 17.'
