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.
Morgan Spector to play Robert Langdon in new Dan Brown series
Actor Morgan Spector will take over for Tom Hanks as the expert symbologist Robert Langdom in the new series based on Dan Brown’s “The Secret of Secrets.” The role of Langdon was first brought to screens in a trio of films starring Hanks—“The Da Vinci Code,” “Angels & Demons” and “Inferno.” The Harvard professor is the subject of six books, the last of which will be the basis for the new series. Spector previously appeared in the adaptations “The Plot Against America” and “The Mist.”
“The series will follow Langdon as he races against ancient forces—and the clock—to rescue a missing scientist and recover her groundbreaking manuscript, the contents of which could forever change humanity’s understanding of the mind,” a synopsis of the series reads.
Marvel announces new Black Panther, Ghost Rider
The Marvel Cinematic Universe made some big announcements Saturday at San Diego Comic-Con, including the reintroduction of “Ghost Rider.” Ryan Gosling has been tapped to play Johnny Blaze, the titular “Ghost Rider,” in a film expected to be released in 2028. The character was previously played in a pair of films by Nicolas Cage.
The MCU is also getting a new “Black Panther” film—and new lead—on Dec. 15, 2028. David Jonsson will be the Black Panther in the film, a role played in the first film by Chadwick Boseman and in the second film by Letitia Wright.
Netflix to adapt Marcelo Rubens Paiva autobiography
Netflix announced Friday it’s adapting “Happy Old Year,” the autobiography by Brazilian writer Marcelo Rubens Paiva. The story tells of the accident that left Paiva a quadriplegic in 1982 at the age of 20.
“Written with a confessional tone and colloquial language, Paiva delivers a surprisingly iconic account of a dramatic turning point in his life, breaking stereotypes surrounding disability while addressing universal themes of youth and coming of age,” a synopsis of the series reads.
The story was previously adapted as a play, musical and opera. There’s no release date for the series.
Robin Givens joins cast of ‘Cross’
Robin Givens will have a recurring role starting in Season 3 of the drama series “Cross,” Deadline reported Friday. The actor confirmed the news in a post on Instagram.
“So excited to be working with such talented writers, cast and crew,” she wrote.
Givens joins series regulars Aldis Hodge, Isaiah Mustafa and Juanita Jennings in the police procedural. Givens is expected to play the intellectual conservative Senator Mulrooney. “Cross” is adapted from James Patterson’s Alex Cross novels. There’s no release date for Season 3.
Author Tessa Bailey shares ‘It Happened One Summer’ set pics
Romantic-comedy author Tessa Bailey visited the set from the adaptation of her book “It Happened One Summer,” sharing behind-the-scenes photos on Friday. The film stars Nina Dobrev as Pipe, an influencer from Los Angeles, and Tyler Hoechlin as Brendan, a sea captain who fall for each other. Bailey shared three photos from the set, including one in which she’s showing off a lipstick-shaped purse, another of her copy of the script and one of her wearing headphones as she watches filming in a nautical setting. Filming for the movie, directed by Peter Hutchings, started July 13. No release date has been announced.
Matthew Needham joins ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ Season 2
Matthew Needham will voice the Joker in Season 2 of “Batman: Caped Crusader,” Prime Video announced Thursday. The animated series debuts on the streaming service Friday. The hard-boiled animated series follows the vigilante in his early years. The series also includes the voice cast of Hamish Linklater, Diedrich Bader and Jason Watkins.
Casting announced for BBC’s ‘Open Water’
BBC announced Thursday that Toheen Jimoh and Dujonna Gift will lead the cast of its upcoming drama “Open Water,” an adaptation of the novel by Caleb Azumah Nelson, who is also serving as director. The eight-part series is in the middle of filming in Birmingham and London. Jimoh stars as Marcus, a retail worker working to become a photographer, while Gift is Effie, a dance student in Dublin. The two feel an immediate spark when they first meet, only to realize Effie is dating Marcus’ best friend.
“A shared project, photographing and documenting Black creatives in London, draws them into each other’s orbit, but can their burgeoning friendship resist the pull of desire?” a synopsis of the series reads.
Sarah Adams’ ‘When in Rome’ rom-com to be adapted
Rebelle Media and MGM Television won the rights to adapt Sarah Adams’ romantic-comedy “When in Rome” series, Deadline reported Thursday. Adams confirmed the news, which was announced at San Diego Comic-Con, in a post on Instagram. The first book in the series is about pop musician Amelia Rose, who decides to take a vacation in Rome, Ky., to relax only to meet up with—and fall for?—the town baker, Noah Walker. “When in Rome” is followed by three more books in the series: “Practice Makes Perfect,” “Beg, Borrow, or Steal” and “In Your Dreams.”
Netflix releasing new ‘Parasyte’ series in 2027
Netflix announced Wednesday that it’s bringing a new live-action adaptation of the manga “Parasyte” to the streaming service in 2027. Netflix previously adapted the manga series by Hitoshi Iwaaki in the live-action horror series “Parasyte: The Grey” in 2024. The “Parasyte: Tamiya” series tells “the story of Ryoko Tamiya, a very levelheaded and ‘human’ parasite who begins to question how, or if, parasites and humans can coexist,” a synopsis of the series reads.
“Seen through Tamiya’s eyes, the world of Parasyte becomes a lens on survival, identity and what it really means to be human.”
Shioli Kutsuna voices the various versions of Ryoko Tamiya in the series, which is created by Yeon Sang-ho.
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 typically prefers paranormal and religious horror films such as “The Exorcist” and “The Conjuring” universe.
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