Blockbuster Books: A Summer in Cinema

Talking rocks, fashionable socks, and octopi…oh my!

2026 is gearing up to be a huge year for blockbuster movies (and streaming shows) based on beloved books. Let’s go through the watch list together, shall we?

1. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir was adapted into a movie starring Ryan Gosling and premiered in theaters on March 20th. While Weir’s novel is designated as science fiction on the shelf here at Wickson, this is a story that transcends genre. Gosling positively shines as main character, Ryland Grace. It’s a story about humanity, mortality, and unlikely friendship. And frankly? I think it’s this generation’s E.T.

2. The Devil Wears Prada 2 premiered in theaters on May 1st of this year (just in time for the MET Gala, as fans of fashion will surely know!) This is the highly anticipated sequel to the original, which was based on a 2003 book of the same name by Lauren Weisberger.

3. Sally Field stars in the Netflix adaptation of Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, available to stream now! Between you and me, when I heard that this book was about an octopus, I was…less than intrigued. But after some persuasion from our Assistant Director, Jen Harden, I tried it and am happy to report that it is, in fact, WELL worth your time!

4. As if we didn’t just live through our own post-apocalyptic experience a handful of years ago, perhaps I could interest you in reading The Dog Stars by Peter Heller before it’s released in theaters this August? Jacob Elordi will star as main character, Hig, who lives in isolation after a deadly flu wreaks havoc on humanity. Ridley Scott directed the film, and Josh Brolin stars alongside Elordi, so I suspect this will be one high-octane adventure!

5. Those who weren’t completely and utterly scarred by the book might feel inclined to watch the new Netflix series, Lord of the Flies, based, of course, on William Golding’s classic novel. Personally? I think I’ll sit this one out. Let me know how it is.

6. And we’ll round out our list with Cape Fear, inspired by John MacDonald’s novel, The Executioners. Martin Scorsese is an executive producer of this 10-part Apple TV exclusive (he directed the 1991 film noir thriller of the same name.) The first two episodes are available to watch now!

   
   

Looking for something a little more family-friendly to watch this summer? Join us at the Harvey Kern Pavillion on July 9th at 6:30pm for a showing of The Land Before Time! Bring a blanket and a comfy chair. Popcorn will be provided. No registration is required!