The literary world has always been and remains to be a source of inspiration for the entertainment industry, with several exciting adaptations set for upcoming releases. Here are four upcoming titles that are leaping from paper to screen:
“The Devil in the White City” by Erik Larson is a 2003 historical non-fiction book that tells the story of two men whose fates contrast with one another’s in the years surrounding the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Although a release date has not been confirmed, according to Deadline, 20th Century has come on to the project, with Leonardo DiCaprio in talks to star in the film, and Martin Scorcese in talks to direct. DiCaprio first obtained the rights to the book in 2010, and the project has since gone through various stages of development. However, it now appears that following a meeting with 20th-century executives, all parties were on board to create and present the project at a theatrical level.
“Animal Farm” by George Orwell. Produced and directed by Andy Serkis, with a script written by Nicholas Stoller from a previous draft that Rupert Wyatt and Serkis co-wrote. The adaptation of the novella of the same name, written by George Orwell, is currently in production and will be the third film adaptation of the novel, following the 1954 animated film, and the 1999 live-action film. The animated fantasy comedy-drama is set to be theatrically released on July 11, 2025. As for the voice actors, Kieran Culkin is set to voice Squealer, the pig, and director Andy Serkis himself will voice Benjamin, the donkey.
“The Running Man” by Stephen King. Set to be released in November of 2025, the dystopian action thriller is produced and directed by Edgar Wright, who is most well-known as the director of “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” (2010), and “Baby Driver” (2017). The plot of the film revolves around a game show called “The Running Man”, which has people chased by murderous Hunters around the world to win money. The cast is made up of Glen Powell, who will star in the film as Ben Richards, Katy O’Brian and Daniel Ezra will both be playing contestants of the game show. Josh Brolin will play Dan Killian, the show’s producer, and both Karl Glusman and Lee Pace will portray Hunters.
“Wish You Were Here” by Renee Carlino. Actress Julia Stiles, best known for her lead role in “10 Things I Hate About You” (1999) made her directorial debut in January of 2025 with the film adaptation of Renee Carlino’s “Wish You Were Here”. Starring Isabelle Fuhrman as Charlotte and Mena Massoud as Adam, the film follows the abrupt end to a perfect night between two strangers, and the events that follow after. According to People, Stiles was inspired to make “Wish You Were Here” after the book “affected her in a deeply emotional way”.
These adaptations highlight the appeal of literary works in the entertainment industry, and as they approach their release dates, audiences eagerly await to see how existing narratives will be brought to life in new ways.