The pipeline from page to screen shows no signs of slowing. Here’s a quick look at the latest adaptation announcements, casting updates and projects in development.
Apple TV gives first look at thriller ‘Last Seen’
Apple TV released its first look at actor Patrick Brammall (“The Devil Wears Prada 2”) as Ian Ridley in its new thriller series “Last Seen.” The six-episode series set in Australia is an adaptation of the book “The Dispatcher” by Ryan David Jahn.
Brammall plays a police-detective-turned-dispatcher whose life fell apart when his daughter disappeared. After 11 years, he still hasn’t given up hope that she’s still alive, and a desperate call from a teen girl renews his vow to find her.
The series, which also stars Maxine Peake, Brendan Cowell and Daniel Henshall, premieres Sept. 9 on Apple TV.
New Sherlock Holmes series to center ‘Moriarty’
Sherlock Holmes’ arch-enemy, James Moriarty, will be the focus of a new series to be developed by Fremantle. “Moriarty” will be inspired by the series of Sherlock Holmes books written by Arthur Conan Doyle.
“James Moriarty is a professor of criminal psychology at Durham University but leads a secret double life as the mastermind behind every crime of sophistication in the north of England,” a synopsis of the series reads. “When a rival criminal begins an assault on his underground empire, Moriarty will have only one choice: to join the police as a consultant, using the law as a weapon to dismantle his foe while keeping his true identity hidden from the police.”
David E. Kelley to tackle another Michael Connelly book
Producer/writer David E. Kelley is returning to some of his favorite source material for a new series, “Welcome to Catalina.” The HBO Max project will adapt Michael Connelly’s crime thriller “Nightshade,” Deadline reported. He previously created and wrote “The Lincoln Lawyer,” also based on Connelly books, which is filming its fifth and final season. Kelley confirmed the news in an Instagram post sharing the Deadline article.
“Nightshade” tells the story of a Los Angeles detective who has been ousted to work on Catalina Island, where nothing much ever seems to happen. That is, until a body wrapped in plastic is found at the bottom of the harbor.
Yarros’ ‘The Things We Leave Unfinished’ to be adapted
Author Rebecca Yarros announced that her romance novel “The Things We Leave Unfinished” will be adapted. Filmmaker Thea Sharrock (“Me Before You”) will direct the film.
“I constantly say that ‘The Things We Leave Unfinished’ is my favorite book, but it’s also one of my favorite adaptation projects,” Yarros said in an Instagram post sharing a Hollywood Reporter article about the project.
“Guys, this team leads with such love, such a spirit of collaboration and joy, and I know that’s going to shine through to the big screen.”
The story follows two love stories: that of present-day Georgia and Noah, and a World War II-era romance between Georgia’s great-grandmother, Scarlett, and Jameson.
Yarros’ “Fourth Wing” series of books is also being adapted as a romantasy series by Prime Video.
Adult romance ‘Five Brothers’ to be adapted for Crave
Crave, the network behind the wildly popular hockey romance series “Heated Rivalry,” has acquired the rights to adapt the novel “Five Brothers” by Penelope Douglas. The network said it plans to develop the book into a multi-season series.
“‘Five Brothers’ is an addictive dark romance novel which follows one woman who learns the secrets of the five Jaeger brothers: Macon, Army, Iron, Dallas and Trace,” a synopsis of the book reads.
Douglas said the deal also includes her novel “Tryst Six Venom.” She said she’s “beyond excited” about the news.
Netflix releases ‘Heartstopper Forever’ photos
Weeks ahead of Netflix’s premiere of “Heartstopper Forever,” the final offering in the Heartstopper franchise, the streamer released new photos from the film. The photos hint at what’s to come for the major characters in the series, in particular Nick (Kit Connor) and Charlie (Joe Locke). We also get fresh looks at Tao (William Gao), Elle (Yasmin Finney), Isaac (Tobie Donovan), Tara (Corinna Brown), Darcy (Kizzy Edgell) and Tori (Jenny Walser).
The series premieres on Netflix on July 17.
Saudi horror ‘Traveller’s Hell’ gets 2026 release
Saudi-owned production company MBC Studios announced the horror film “Traveller’s Hell” will get a 2026 release date, Variety and Deadline confirmed. The film is an adaptation of the book of the same name by Osamah Almuslim. Hana Al Omair is director of the film.
“On a desolate mountain road known as the hunting ground for a notorious serial killer, a young woman picks up a stranded motorist,” a synopsis of the film reads. “What begins as a simple act of kindness soon spirals into a nightmare, as their journey becomes a terrifying fight for survival, with dark secrets and danger lurking at every turn.”
Armando Iannucci, Simon Blackwell to write ‘Paddington 4’
Studiocanal has tapped Armando Iannucci (“The Death of Stalin”) and Simon Blackwell (“The Personal History of David Copperfield”) to write the screenplay for “Paddington 4.” Based on the popular children’s book series, Variety reported that the fourth film in the franchise will possibly see the return of Dougal Wilson as director. Studiocanal confirmed Iannucci and Blackwell’s involvement to Deadline. The first three films in the franchise featured Ben Whishaw as the voice of the titular bear, though no casting or plot details have been released for the forthcoming film.
Hulu announces adaptation of ‘What Remains’
Kerry Washington (“Imperfect Women”) is set to star in and executive produce an adaptation of Wendy Walker’s 2023 thriller “What Remains,” Deadline reported. Walker confirmed the news on Instagram.
Chris Luccy is set to write the screenplay, while McG (“Way of the Warrior Kid”) will direct the series. “What Remains” follows a cold case detective who becomes the target of a stalker whose life she saved.
About the writer
Danielle Haynes is the co-founder and co-editor of Booked & Screened, covering book-to-screen adaptations, film and TV development. She’s currently reading “The Shots You Take” by Rachel Reid and watching “Tales from the Loop.”
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