Books have long been the inspiration behind our favourite movies to hit the silver screen. Stories like Dune, American Psycho, and Pride and Prejudice have been pulled from the page and captivated audiences around the world. As the film industry continues to develop and look for more and more narratives to build the next blockbuster on, books will forever be one of the first places to look for a truly good story.
With the rise of ‘BookTok’, a popular genre of video on the social media app TikTok, several books over the last couple of years have shot to fame, gaining massive followers, and the attention of film producers everywhere. So which books are set to be the hottest new films and TV shows?
1. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Taking after its close relation, worldwide phenomenon ‘The Hunger Games’ series, this film is based on the prequel novel by the same name.
The Hunger Games was one of the most successful film series of the 2010’s, adapted from the equally successful book series by renowned author Suzanne Collins. The story follows the protagonist Katniss Everdeen, played by Jennifer Lawrence, when she volunteers in place of her sister for the gruelling Hunger Games, a game of survival for children aged 11-18 from the districts of Panem. The fatal tournament is hosted as a punishment by the ruling Capitol, as a reminder of the control they have in order to prevent a revolt. But when Katniss goes against the Capitols wishes, she sparks a revolution that challenges everything.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is set 64 years before the events in the first Hunger Games book, and follows the story of young President Snow and his relationship with young tribute Lucy Gray Baird, played by Rachel Zegler.
2. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Taylor Jenkin Reid’s novel has thrived after becoming incredibly popular with book fans on TikTok.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo follows the life of famous movie star Evelyn Hugo through the interviews of a special mysteriously chosen journalist. Evelyn tells the tales of her glamorous life in the Golden Age of Hollywood, along with all the secrets and scandals that come with it.
Another of Jenkin Reid’s books made its screen debut in 2023, Daisy Jones and the Six, has proved to be massively popular among book and screen fans alike. The book was adapted into a series on Amazon, following band members and their rocky relationships as they tackle fame and drugs in California in the 70’s.
3. The Thursday Murder Club
Richard Osman’s best-selling debut novel turned series, The Thursday Murder Club, was a breath of fresh air in the murder mystery genre. Now, although the retirement community is better known for their love of knitting, scrutinising the weekly newspaper, and playing online bingo, this story follows four unique friends living in a retirement home in the south of England. Rather than diving into specialty games, the friend group chose to spend their time solving murders, which perhaps, brought them as much excitement as some real-money betting action.
Soon after the release of the initial book, the film rights were bought by the one and only Steven Spielberg’s production company, Amblin Entertainment. Since the news of the purchase broke, fans have been speculating which actors will be cast to take on the beloved septuagenarian quartet. Famous faces such as Helen Mirren, Judy Dench, Maggie Smith have all been thrown out many times, and the author, Osman himself, has said he can’t wait to see who the production company will select.
4. Lessons in Chemistry
Lessons in Chemistry is Bonnie Garmus’ debut novel about women’s struggle, both personal and professional, for empowerment and identity in the 1950’s and 60’s.
The book follows Elizabeth Zott, a talented scientist whose aspirations for in scientific fields are disrupted by society’s misogyny. Despite facing doubt and prejudice throughout her life, Elizabeth becomes the star of a popular TV cooking show, where she becomes determined to share not only her culinary expertise but also valuable lessons with her primarily female viewers.
Elizabeth’s story along with the force of Bonnie’s writing clearly resonated with readers, skyrocketing the book’s sales, and within a year of publishing, the rights were snatched up by Apple TV for a drama TV series. Brie Larson is cast to play the leading character, along with Thomas Mann, and Lewis Pullman.
5. Salem’s Lot
King of horror Steven King is having yet another one of his books adapted to the big screen. Salem’s Lot, which has previously had two other screen versions made, a TV miniseries in 1979, and another TV miniseries starring Rob Lowe in 2004, is taking another swing at the screen. The 2023 film has been delayed for quite some time, but is set to be released in April, and will also star Lewis Pullman.
If you’re a fan of horror, Stephen King is inescapable. With book to film adaptations like IT, Carrie, and Pet Cemetary, whatever King book film producers chose, it’s sure to be a success.
