In 2026, several highly anticipated books are being adapted into movies and TV shows, and here are six you won’t want to miss. Hollywood frequently turns to novels for compelling stories, and many popular films and series actually began as books.
Popular books like Robert McCammon’s Swan’s Song and Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing are being made into movies or TV shows, but it will take some time before we can watch them. Adapting novels for the screen, particularly in genres like science fiction and fantasy, is a lengthy and costly undertaking.
Good news for book lovers! In 2026, six upcoming TV shows and movies will adapt beloved books, promising engaging stories brought to life by talented actors and filmmakers. These adaptations are definitely worth checking out.
6. Scarpetta
Fans of crime shows like “Bones” have been waiting for a new forensic thriller, and Prime Video’s upcoming series based on Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta novels might be it. The show centers on Kay Scarpetta, a chief medical examiner played by Nicole Kidman, who solves crimes using forensic science. She’s aided by her sister, Dorothy, portrayed by Jamie Lee Curtis.
Kay Scarpetta begins a new investigation into a serial killer whose methods echo a case she solved decades ago. The show will blend current events with flashbacks to the 1990s investigation. Because the Scarpetta series is structured in a way that allows multiple books to be adapted simultaneously, the show has the potential to run for at least fourteen seasons, given the existing twenty-nine novels.
Unlike many shows that might be cancelled quickly, Scarpetta has already been renewed for two seasons, so viewers can get invested in the characters and stories without worrying about it ending abruptly. And, based on the talented cast, it looks like we’re in for a really good series!
The series boasts a stellar cast of talented actors known for their ability to lead compelling stories. Featuring Nicole Kidman alongside Jamie Lee Curtis, Bobby Cannavale, Simon Baker, and Ariana DeBose, the trailer hints at a particularly strong chemistry between Kidman and Curtis.
5. Remarkably Bright Creatures
Shelby Van Pelt’s novel, Remarkably Bright Creatures—often called “the octopus book”—surprisingly became a New York Times bestseller thanks to strong recommendations from readers. It’s a thoughtful and gentle story, which is different from many popular books today. Now, four years after it was published, the book is being adapted into a movie for Netflix.
The story centers around the surprising connection between Tova, a 70-year-old widow, Cameron, a man in his thirties struggling with his past, and Marcellus, an unusually intelligent octopus. Each of them is dealing with unresolved pain, and Marcellus takes it upon himself to help his friends find peace and heal from their losses.
The success of the movie adaptation of Remarkably Bright Creatures largely depends on the actors playing the main characters. Cameron, in particular, is a complex role – he’s meant to be frustrating, yet the audience still needs to connect with him. Fortunately, the film features a fantastic pairing: Academy Award winner Sally Field and Emmy nominee Lewis Pullman.
Mackenzie Field is a perfect fit for the character of Tova, and she consistently brings a relatable vulnerability and sincerity to her roles. While Callum Pullman is often recognized for action films like Top Gun: Maverick and Thunderbolts, he’s also proven himself as a talented dramatic actor, making him well-suited for this project. With both Field and Pullman starring, the film adaptation of Remarkably Bright Creatures is expected to be as moving and powerful as the original novel.
4. Project Hail Mary
Andy Weir’s popular science fiction novel, Project Hail Mary, is finally becoming a movie! After five years of requests from fans, the film will be released in a variety of premium formats, including IMAX 70mm, standard IMAX, Dolby Cinema, ScreenX, D-Box, 4DX, and Cinemark XD.
The story centers around Ryland Grace, a science teacher who finds himself on a spaceship with no memory of his past. As his memories return, he realizes he’s humanity’s last chance to solve a crisis: a strange substance is causing the sun to die. I won’t reveal any more of what happens to avoid spoilers.
Early reviews are praising the movie’s stunning visuals. The trailer showcases a striking color scheme of greens and oranges, creating a natural, earthy feel even though the story takes place in space. Some reviewers are predicting that the film’s visuals could even surpass those of the classic sci-fi film, 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Beyond its complex premise – saving the solar system – and scientific details, Project Hail Mary connects with readers because it focuses on the very human emotions and anxieties of its main character, Ryland Grace, making it a story everyone can understand. Given that author Andy Weir is thrilled with the adaptation, the movie likely maintains that same positive and hopeful tone.
3. The Odyssey
Homer’s The Odyssey is a classic epic poem beloved by readers for generations. It tells the story of Odysseus, the king of Ithaca and a veteran of the Trojan War, and his decade-long journey back to his family. While the story has been retold many times, a recent adaptation is Christopher Nolan’s ambitious, over-three-hour film.
Let’s address the obvious first: the costumes aren’t very impressive and aren’t true to the historical period. With that said, let’s talk about why Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is something to look forward to.
The story of The Odyssey is famously epic and detailed, making it difficult to adapt into a standard two-hour film. The new movie’s longer length will allow it to include more of the book’s thrilling adventures. I’m particularly excited about the possibility of seeing the monsters Scylla and Charybdis on screen, and thankfully, the 2026 film is confirmed to feature gods and monsters.
For scenes featuring the famous one-eyed giant, the filmmakers created a massive puppet of Polyphemus (according to MovieWeb). Zendaya will portray the goddess Athena, and Charlize Theron is reportedly set to play Circe. Most of the main human characters have been cast, along with 18 actors in currently unrevealed roles. Several other actors will play gods and the nymph Calypso in The Odyssey.
Adding to everything else, I’m really excited about the music for The Odyssey. Composer Ludwig Göransson, who has won an Oscar, is incredibly talented. He’s already created amazing scores for projects like Black Panther, Sinners, The Mandalorian, and Oppenheimer, and he’s great at making music that feels epic, adventurous, and builds suspense.
2. Imperfect Women
Psychological thrillers are becoming popular again, and many are now being made into TV shows and movies. One to watch is Apple TV’s Imperfect Women, which is based on a novel by Araminta Hall. The show boasts an impressive cast, including Kerry Washington (known from Scandal), Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale), and Kate Mara (Fantastic Four) – all incredibly talented and captivating performers.
Okay, so this movie centers around three best friends – Nancy, Eleanor, and Mary – who appear to have perfect lives. But things take a dark turn when Nancy is murdered. The investigation really digs into their pasts and reveals all sorts of hidden secrets and betrayals, ultimately pushing their friendship to the absolute limit and showing everyone’s flaws. It’s a real rollercoaster of a story!
Apple TV is known for focusing on high-quality shows and movies, no matter the genre, which makes it a great fit for this intricate and suspenseful story. Their shows often become popular, so this adaptation has a good chance of being as well-received as the original book. It will add another compelling thriller or mystery to Apple TV’s already impressive collection.
Annie Weisman, the creator of this show, is known for making compelling dramas filled with suspense and unexpected turns. She previously wrote and produced the popular Hulu series The Path and the critically acclaimed Freeform show Almost Family.
1. Cape Fear
John D. MacDonald’s 1957 thriller, The Executioners, is being adapted into a new show called Cape Fear. The series centers on Sam and Anna Bowden, a couple terrorized by Max Cady, a killer seeking revenge on Sam, the man who originally sent him to prison.
The story of The Executioners has been adapted for film twice before, in 1962 by J. Lee Thompson and in 1991 by Martin Scorsese. Both versions were popular with audiences and did well in theaters. This new adaptation will be the first time the story is told in a longer, more extended format.
The new Apple TV+ series will have ten episodes, giving the creators space to include scenes that were left out of the original two-hour version. This extra time will allow viewers to delve deeper into what Sam and Anna are feeling and thinking, beyond just what happens in the plot.
The upcoming Cape Fear series is a special project, bringing together the talents of legendary filmmakers Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg. As longtime friends and frequent collaborators, they’re co-executive producing the show. Given their individual successes with thrilling stories, their combined vision promises to make this new Cape Fear truly exceptional.
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2026-03-04 06:21