Books to Movies: 12 Must-See Film Adaptations Scheduled For Release In 2021
Can’t wait to see your favorite books come to life on screen? Here’s when to expect them.
The entertainment industry was not spared by the pandemic, and films that were slated for 2020 had to halt production, causing delays. Some releases were pushed back and rescheduled, while some were even temporarily cancelled. However, despite these hurdles, it’s good to see that the movie industry is getting back on its feet, and has, in fact, quite a list of premieres this year, many of them film adaptations.
Always anticipated not only by movie buffs but also by book lovers, film adaptations bring literary works to life on the big screen. Watching a movie based on a book you’ve already read makes the experience all the richer.
Here are some of the most awaited films this year that are based on popular titles.
To All the Boys: Always and Forever
Based on the book Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han
The final installment of the teen rom-com “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” trilogy will be out soon on Netflix. If you haven’t watched the first two movies, here’s a quick gist: The story begins when high schooler Lara Jean discovers that the secret love letters she wrote in the past were unwittingly emailed to her crushes. The events that follow present unexpected twists in her life. In this final chapter, you’ll get to find out how Lara Jean and Peter’s love story will end. Starring Lana Condor and Noah Centineo, the movie is scheduled for release on Netflix on February 12, 2021.
Without Remorse
Based on the book Without Remorse by Tom Clancy
Michael B. Jordan stars as Navy Seal officer John Clark whose life changes after the death of his pregnant wife. In his quest for revenge, he turns into a CIA operative and gets caught up in a bigger web of conspiracies. The film is said to be released via Amazon Prime on February 26, 2021, though reports remain unconfirmed.
Cherry
Based on the book Cherry by Nico Walker
The movie tells the story of an Army Medic who develops post-traumatic stress disorder after his mission to Iraq, then becomes a serial bank robber, eventually almost losing everything.
‘Cherry’ is the army slang for a soldier who is new in the combat zone, and the movie is based on a fiction book published in 2019. “Spiderman” actor Tom Holland stars in the film that is set to be released on Apple TV+ on February 26, 2021.
Fatherhood
Based on the book Two Kisses for Maddy: A Memoir of Loss & Love by Matthew Logelin
The book tells the true story of how the author, Matthew, lost his wife after giving birth to their daughter and how he confronted his responsibilities as a newly single father. Though devastated with grief, he chose not to surrender but instead survived this unexpected journey of fatherhood, making sure to provide a good life for his daughter Maddy. The movie, which is still in production, stars Kevin Hart, and is slated for release in April 2021.
Infinite
Based on the book The Reincarnationist Papers by D. Eric Maikranz
The book, which was published in 2009, introduces a secret society called the Cognomina, whose members have the ability to remember their past lives. The story focuses on a young man named Evan Michaels who feels haunted by his own hallucinations, which are actually visions from his past life. Starring Dylan O’Brien, Mark Wahlberg, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, “Infinite” is set for release in May 2021.
Marry Me
Based on the book Marry Me by Bobby Crosby
Marry Me is a graphic novel published in 2007. It follows the story of a pop star named Kat who marries one of her fans, a man who is a complete stranger to her, after learning that Bastian, whom she was supposed to marry, has been cheating on her. This Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson-starrer is slated for a May 2021 release.
Cruella
Based on the book The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith
The classic children’s book is set to have its movie adaptation this year. The black-and-white-haired villain Cruella is on the spotlight in this scarytale movie. Oscar winner Emma Stone plays the titular role in the film scheduled to be shown in May 2021.
Deep Water
Based on the book Deep Water by Patricia Highsmith
Deep Water will definitely bring back the era of erotic thriller. Vic allows his wife Melinda to engage in romantic affairs just to avoid divorce. However, when one of Melinda’s lovers winds up dead, Vic becomes the prime suspect in the case. Former real-life couple Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas star in the movie slated for release in August 2021.
Dune
Based on the book Dune by Frank Herbert
This sci-fi novel has a 4.23 average rating on Goodreads and is said to be one of the most anticipated movies of the year. It depicts the story of Paul Atreides, a son of a noble family, who travels to the most dangerous planet to ensure the safety of his family and his people. Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya play the lead roles in this film coming out in October 2021.
The Nightingale
Based on the book The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Kristin Hannah’s novel was awarded the Goodreads choice of 2015. This epic and bestselling novel is also one of the most-awaited movie adaptations. The story is set during World War II and talks about how two sisters, played in the movie by real-life siblings Elle and Dakota Fanning, struggle to survive the German occupation of France.
The Last Letter From Your Lover
Based on the book The Last Letter From Your Lover by Jojo Moyes
This 2008 romance novel of Jojo Moyes will finally hit the big screen! A journalist who tries to save her faltering career finds a 40-year-old letter in 2003. She becomes obsessed to find out the real story behind this little evidence she found. The movie, which has no release date yet, stars Shailene Woodley and Joe Alwyn.
Killers of the Flower Moon
Based on the book Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
This non-fiction book depicts the suspicious deaths of people who found oil in their land and how a newly formed FBI helped in solving this mysterious case. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro. However, shooting for the movie was delayed but is likely to resume in March 2021.
