The Best Books Becoming Movies And TV Shows In 2025

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2024 was an extraordinary year for literature, with numerous books capturing the limelight as they were transformed for both the silver screen and television. As a literature enthusiast, I found myself thrilled by the success stories such as “Wicked: Part One,” “Conclave,” and “The Nickel Boys.” These titles appear destined to shine during the upcoming awards season. Furthermore, the iconic “Dune” universe saw not one but two adaptations: “Dune: Part Two” and the HBO series titled “Dune: Prophecy,” inspired by “Sisterhood of Dune” by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. Quite an intriguing development for fans like me!

Some productions, such as Sophie Turner’s series “Joan” and Eddie Redmayne’s television appearance in “The Day of the Jackal,” have gone somewhat unnoticed, while others, like Amy Adams’ portrayal of motherhood in “Nightbitch,” didn’t quite hit the mark when it comes to adapting their original sources. Regrettably, we’ll avoid discussing the controversy and chaos surrounding the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s successful movie “It Ends With Us” because the lead actors, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, are currently embroiled in a legal dispute with each other.

The ongoing list of adaptations slated for 2024 keeps expanding – so, what might be in store for TV and film adaptations of popular books in 2025? In an effort to give you solid details, we’re highlighting projects with confirmed release dates (keep checking back as we update this list). Here are some highly anticipated titles coming to both the big and small screens this year.

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (February 13)

This upcoming “Bridget Jones” film is something of a double-edged sword. On one side, it’s exciting to learn about a new installment after so many years, and Renée Zellweger will reprise her role as the iconic British character. However, the novel upon which this movie is based – published in 2013 by Helen Fielding – features the tragic demise of Mark Darcy, the cherished romantic interest portrayed by Colin Firth in the first film. Yes, you heard it right: the man who famously declared his love for Bridget by saying “I like you, just as you are,” is deceased in this new movie, leaving Bridget a widow with two children and searching for love again.

Still, there’s plenty to look forward to regarding “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy.” Notably, Helen Fielding is penning the script herself, with Michael Morris (“Better Call Saul,” “To Leslie”) at the helm as director. The original Bridget Jones cast members Shirley Henderson, Sally Phillips, and James Callis will reprise their roles as Jude, Shazzer, and Tom, respectively. In addition to these familiar faces, we have Emma Thompson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Isla Fisher, and Leo Woodall from “One Day” and “The White Lotus,” who join the cast as Bridget’s friends and new boyfriend Roxster. The movie will premiere on Peacock on February 13, followed by a theater release the next day, making it an ideal choice for celebrating Galentine’s Day with your friends!

Mickey 17 (March 7)

The 2022 novel “Mickey7” by Edward Ashton, which created a buzz among science fiction enthusiasts upon its release, is now being adapted by one of the most respected and detail-oriented directors in the industry – Bong Joon-ho, famed for movies such as “Snowpiercer,” “Memories of Murder,” and of course, his critically acclaimed and universally loved Oscar-winning film “Parasite.” Bong Joon-ho is directing this adaptation, giving it the title “Mickey 17” with Robert Pattinson portraying all the Mickeys in the title.

In this story, Mickey Barnes, portrayed by Pattinson, finds his everyday existence unfulfilling, leading him to take a risky leap by volunteering for dangerous space missions, distancing himself from Earth. Essentially, Mickey serves as a test subject, yet one that can be (to some extent) revived; those in power repeatedly terminate Mickey during trials, only for him to return with the same visage and fading memories. However, when the 17th Mickey survives an experiment by chance, an issue emerges, especially as more and more Mickeys become involved in the chaotic situation.

Robert Pattinson plays alongside Steven Yeun, Naomi Ackie, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo in the mind-bending movie. Once again, he uses an unusual voice, a quirky trait that’s becoming synonymous with his acting style. There’s no question that Bong Joon Ho’s latest project (his first English film since “Okja” in 2017) will leave audiences spellbound. The movie, titled “Mickey 17,” is set to hit theaters on March 7 in the United States (and slightly earlier, on February 28, in South Korea).

The Bride! (September 26)

In 2024, Frankenstein’s monster made appearances in two significant films, namely “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” and “Lisa Frankenstein”. However, in 2025, actress Maggie Gyllenhaal will switch roles from in front of the camera to behind it, focusing on the tale of Frankenstein’s monster’s wife (in essence). This upcoming movie takes inspiration from James Whale’s classic 1935 film “The Bride of Frankenstein” and Mary Shelley’s original novel “Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus”. In Gyllenhaal’s production, Jessie Buckley (“Men”, “The Lost Daughter”, and “I’m Thinking of Ending Things”) portrays the bride of Frankenstein while Christian Bale plays the role of Frankenstein’s monster. (Additionally, Gyllenhaal is scripting the film as well.)

As a gaming enthusiast diving into this upcoming flick, I can tell you that not much is clear yet, but here’s what I’ve gathered: The story takes place in 1930s Chicago, where a woman named Buckley meets her untimely end and becomes the basis for Frankenstein’s monster’s new partner. Now, hold onto your seats because the cast is nothing short of extraordinary! Joining forces with Buckley and Bale, we have Gyllenhaal, his brother Jake, Peter Saarsgard (her partner), screen legends like Annette Bening, Penélope Cruz, Julianne Hough, John Magaro (“Past Lives”), Jeannie Berlin (Elaine May’s daughter from “Succession”), and Linda Emond (“Only Murders in the Building”). This film is shaping up to be a real game-changer!

A key point to remember: Avoid mixing up “The Bride” with Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of the same creature, named “Frankenstein.” This Netflix production, set for release in 2025, stars Oscar Isaac as Dr. Frankenstein, Jacob Elordi as the monster, Mia Goth, Charles Dance, and Christoph Waltz in other roles.

Animal Farm (July 11)

The beloved classic satire novella “Animal Farm” by George Orwell, known for its counterpart “1984,” is making a return to the big screen once more, this time through the expertise of motion-capture pioneer Andy Serkis. Here’s what fans can anticipate from this latest adaptation of the iconic work, which was first published in 1945. Besides “1984,” “Animal Farm” is arguably Orwell’s most renowned piece, revolving around intelligent farm animals who instigate a rebellion against their human master. However, conflicts between certain animals soon surface, particularly following the death of Old Major, an elderly boar who served as the group’s de facto leader. After his demise, two pigs named Snowball and Napoleon take charge of the uprising; despite its success, Snowball is eventually ousted by Napoleon, who seizes power completely and establishes a farm that proves to be less stable than it was under human rule.

According to current listings, the upcoming movie directed by Nicholas Stoller (renowned for films like “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “Neighbors,” and writer of scripts such as “The Five-Year Engagement” and “Bros”) with a story by Andy Serkis and Rupert Wyatt (“Rise of the Planet of the Apes”), only features two main stars at this moment: Andy Serkis (as Benjamin, a donkey on a farm) and Kathleen Turner. However, given its relevance in 2025 and the high anticipation it is generating, this animated adaptation of George Orwell’s cautionary tale against dictatorship promises to be one of the most eagerly awaited films when it releases on July 11.

The Running Man (November 7)

2024 turned out to be an exceptional year for Glen Powell as he solidified his position as a movie star, particularly with films like “Hit Man,” which he co-wrote with director Richard Linklater, and the sequel to the 1996 action film, “Twisters.” Given his upcoming film projects in 2025, it looks like Powell is poised for another successful year. His collaboration with Edgar Wright on “The Running Man” is expected to be a major success for both of them.

The 1982 novel “The Running Man,” penned under the pseudonym Richard Bachman by Stephen King, is centered around the character Ben Richards, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1987 movie adaptation. In this story set in a totalitarian regime, Ben finds himself imprisoned and subsequently compelled to take part in a brutal and deadly television show called “The Running Man.

As a diehard fan, I can’t contain my excitement for “The Running Man,” where I’ll be joining forces with Powell, just like Katy O’Brian in “Love Lies Bleeding” and Daniel Ezra from “All America.” In this high-stakes game, Josh Brolin and Lee Pace will embody the relentless hunters, while Michael Cera and William H. Macy lend a helping hand behind the scenes to support Ben and fellow contestants in our quest. Colman Domingo, renowned for his exceptional performance in “Sing Sing” (2024), takes on the role of the enigmatic host of this reality show within the universe. With Powell’s infectious charm and Wright’s masterful direction, “The Running Man” promises to be a rollercoaster ride of entertainment, set to hit theaters on November 7.

Wicked: For Good (November 21)

The musical “Wicked”, a Broadway production by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman based on Gregory Maguire’s book, was divided into two films. This decision seems logical since Act 1 concludes with the powerful song “Defying Gravity”, which according to its composer, serves as a natural ending to the first chapter of the story. In 2024, the initial part, titled “Wicked: Part One” directed by Jon M. Chu, was released in cinemas and proved to be a massive box office hit while also receiving critical acclaim. The second film, originally named “Wicked: Part Two”, has been renamed to “Wicked: For Good”, and it will complete the tale of Elphaba Thropp, portrayed by Cynthia Erivo, the young green sorceress who transforms into the Wicked Witch of the West, in theaters this year.

In “Wicked: For Good”, you can anticipate more than just the emotional duet “For Good” between Elphaba and Glinda, her former best friend, now played by Ariana Grande-Butera (Glinda). After Elphaba departs from the Emerald City and manages to evade the grasp of both the Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum) and Madam Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), she will grapple with the knowledge that her loved ones are in danger, particularly her cherished sister Nessarose (Marissa Bode) and her unreciprocated love interest Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey). Following the resounding success of “Wicked: Part One”, it’s safe to say that “Wicked: For Good” will leave audiences amazed when it hits screens on November 21.

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2025-01-20 22:30