9 Upcoming Film Adaptations of Popular Books, Including ‘The Alchemist’ and ‘Mickey7’

A New Era of Book Adaptations: ‘The Alchemist’ and Beyond

 

Exciting news is brewing in Tinseltown as a wave of beloved literary works is set to transition from page to screen. One of the standout adaptations on the horizon is Paulo Coelho’s classic novel, The Alchemist, alongside other fan favorites.

 

Crying in H Mart, the poignant memoir by Michelle Zauner, chronicles the Japanese Breakfast frontwoman’s emotional journey dealing with the loss of her mother, Chongmi. Zauner is not only adapting the screenplay but also enlisting her band’s talents to compose the film’s soundtrack. Directed by Will Sharpe, the film tells the tale of a half-Korean daughter’s return to her Oregon hometown to reconnect with her estranged mother. It depicts the cultural clash between the smothering traditional values of Chongmi and the free-spirited nature of Michelle, ultimately highlighting the healing power of music and food.

 

Meanwhile, Edward Ashton’s 2022 sci-fi hit Mickey7 is being reimagined for the big screen as Mickey 17, with celebrated filmmaker Bong Joon-ho at the helm. Slated for a January 2025 release, the film boasts a star-studded cast, including Robert Pattinson, Steven Yeun, and Naomi Ackie.

 

Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary, following the success of The Martian and Artemis, will also grace theaters. Directed by Christopher Miller, this adaptation is set to hit screens on March 20, 2026, featuring Ryan Gosling in the lead role.

 

In a long-awaited development, the film adaptation of Coelho’s The Alchemist is finally moving forward under Legendary Entertainment. After facing numerous delays, the project is now back on track with Jack Thorne attached to script the film. The narrative follows Santiago, a young shepherd on a quest for treasure, and unfolds lessons about dreams and following one’s heart.

 

Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus, which has been in various stages of pre-production since its literary debut, recently gained traction after it was reported years ago that film rights had been secured.

 

Kristin Hannah’s best-selling novel, The Nightingale, which portrays the struggles of two sisters during Nazi-occupied France, has faced its share of production delays. After being optioned by TriStar Pictures, the project is now under the direction of Mélanie Laurent, who has acknowledged the challenges of scheduling amidst ongoing productions.

 

Taylor Jenkins Reid’s The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is making its way to Netflix, with Leslye Headland directing the adaptation. This film marks Reid’s second book to be translated to screen following Daisy Jones & The Six.

 

Ta-Nehisi Coates’ The Water Dancer is also being adapted, with Nia DaCosta at the helm, exploring the journey of Hiram Walker in the pre-Civil War South, backed by Metro Goldwyn Mayer and produced by notable names like Brad Pitt and Oprah Winfrey.

 

Lastly, the highly-anticipated film version of Gregory Maguire’s Wicked is set for release on November 22, 2024, with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande leading a talented ensemble cast. Following its premiere, audiences can look forward to a continuation with Wicked: Part Two.

 

As Hollywood embraces this surge of literary adaptations, moviegoers are in for a captivating ride through stories they have cherished on the page, now poised to leap into the cinematic spotlight.