Several new period dramas based on books are headed to screens this fall. Here are upcoming literary adaptations for fans of historical settings, sweeping romances and elaborate costumes.

‘A Prayer for the Dying’
In theaters Oct. 9

John C. Reilly and Jonny Flynn star as two men trying to protect their small Wisconsin town from a deadly epidemic coinciding with a spreading wildfire in the trailer released Tuesday for “A Prayer for the Dying.” The film is an adaptation of the Western novel by Stewart O’Nan and also stars Kristine Kujath Thorp and Gustav Lindh. The drama was written and directed by Dara Van Dusen and hits theaters Oct. 9.

‘Sense and Sensibility’
In theaters Oct. 16

Focus Features’ adaptation of Jane Austen’s 1811 novel “Sense and Sensibility” stars Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles as sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood. 

The story follows the Dashwood sisters, who, after their father dies, are left without money or a home. They move to Devonshire, where they navigate class differences, a new life in the countryside and romance.

The book has been adapted several times before, including the 1995 film directed by Ang Lee. Emma Thompson wrote the Oscar-winning screenplay and starred alongside Kate Winslet.

Caitríona Balfe, George MacKay and Fiona Shaw also star in the 2026 version, with Georgia Oakley directing for Focus Features. It premieres in theaters on Oct. 16.  

‘Wicker’
In theaters Oct. 23

Black Bear Pictures’ fantasy-comedy “Wicker” has been getting huge reactions online. It stars Olivia Colman as a fisherwoman who has a wicker husband, played by Alexander Skarsgård. The film, which is set to hit U.S. theaters Oct. 23, also stars Elizabeth Debicki, Peter Dinklage and Richard E. Grant. It’s an adaptation of “The Wicker Husband,” a short story by author Ursula Wills-Jones. 

“When her wicker husband proves more spectacular than she ever imagined, his soulful spirit and unique prowess awaken something inside her, setting off a wave of jealousy, fascination and upheaval that threatens the very fabric of village life,” a synopsis of the film reads. 

‘Pride and Prejudice’
Streaming Dec. 3 on Netflix

The latest adaptation of Jane Austen’s 1813 classic “Pride and Prejudice” stars Emma Corrin as Elizabeth Bennet and Jack Lowden as Mr. Darcy. Rufus Sewell and Oscar-winner Olivia Colman star as Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. Dolly Alderton wrote the script. It will premiere on Netflix on Dec. 3.

Recent thrillers

‘Victorian Psycho’
In theaters Sept. 25

Maika Monroe plays scarily unhinged governess Winifred Notty in “Victorian Psycho.” Set in Victorian England, Winifred arrives to teach Andrew (Jacobi Jupe) and Drusilla (Evie Templeton) in the Pounds family’s gothic manor. She plans to become part of the family and dark, gory things start to occur.  

“Victorian Psycho” also stars Jason Isaacs and Ruth Wilson as the children’s parents, and Thomasin McKenzie and Amy De Bhrún as fellow staff members in the home. Based on Virginia Feito’s novel of the same name, the film premiered in theaters on Sept. 25.

‘East of Eden’
Streaming Oct. 1 on Netflix

Netflix’s adaptation of John Steinbeck’s “East of Eden” stars Florence Pugh as Cath Ames; Christopher Abbott as her husband Adam Trask; Joseph Zada and Joe Anders as their children Caleb and Aron; and Zoe Phillips as the twins’ love interest.  The series tells “the multigenerational saga of the Trask family, focusing new attention on its indelible antihero, Cathy Ames,” a synopsis of the series reads. 

The series also stars Hoon Lee, Tracy Letts, Martha Plimpton and Ciaran Hinds. Zoe Kazan serves as creator and showrunner. It premiered Oct. 1 on Netflix.