Book to Screen Adaptation Wishlist

Having been raised during the era of cinematic adaptations like Harry Potter, Twilight, and The Hunger Games, it has been a while since we’ve seen a steady stream of book-to-screen adaptations consistently hitting the big screen throughout the year. Nowadays, it’s more common for these books to be turned into TV series.

However, there’s something captivating about the idea of a film franchise that draws in audiences and fosters emotional investment. Take Wicked, for example—a dark reimagining of the iconic characters from The Wizard of Oz. It was adapted into a Broadway sensation and broke records as a film adaptation last year. The decision to split the film into two parts not only gave filmmakers the chance to expand the story but also generated greater excitement for the project as a series rather than a standalone movie.

With that in mind, here are some books that I would love to see adapted for the big screen.

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

In R.F. Kuang's gripping novel "Yellowface," June Hayward, a struggling author, finds herself in the shadow of her successful friend Athena Liu. When Athena dies in an accident, June impulsively steals her finished manuscript—a novel about Chinese labourers in World War I—and sends it out as her own, rebranding it under the pen name Juniper Song. But as June's fabricated success rises, so do the risks of being exposed. This darkly humorous tale explores themes of diversity, racism, and cultural appropriation, all while navigating the pressures of social media.

This book captivated me from the very first page, and I wrote an in-depth review on Vocal Media last year. It's ideal for fans of "Gone Girl" and "The Girl on the Train," as well as for viewers who appreciate dark psychological thrillers featuring complex female leads. If I could cast the film, I would choose Florence Pugh for the role of June and Gemma Chan as Athena.

Heir to Thorn and Flame by Ben Alderson

In Ben Alderson’s "Heir to Thorn & Flame," Max, once a servant to vicious nobles, accidentally unleashes deadly magic when attacked by the heir to the throne. Instead of being executed, he is forced to assume the identity of the boy he killed, including an arranged marriage to the alluring Prince Camron.

Living this dangerous lie, Max trusts no one—not Camron and definitely not Simion, a dragon-riding spy sent to test his loyalty. As a struggle for power unfolds and desire ignites, Max must protect his secret and his heart.

I couldn't put this book down until I turned the final page! The author has crafted a spellbinding trilogy filled with suspense, drama, and romance. The mythology and lore are rich in detail, making it easy to become immersed in the world inhabited by the characters. Given the popularity of the fantasy genre, I can see this becoming a hit on HBO. but I'd love to see this story brought to life on a cinematic scale.

Over the Influence: A Memoir by Joanna "JoJo" Levesque

Joanna "JoJo" Levesque, the multi-platinum recording artist behind hits like “Leave (Get Out)” and the Grammy-winning "Say So," shares her candid memoir, OVER THE INFLUENCE. Signed to a major label at just twelve, JoJo quickly became a pop superstar, capturing the hearts of millions. However, her rise was followed by a sudden exit from the spotlight, leaving fans wondering what happened.

In her memoir, JoJo reveals her journey through adversity, including growing up with parents battling addiction, a challenging lawsuit with her record label, and past struggles with self-identity. With raw honesty, she recounts her path to reclaiming her career—releasing new music, performing globally, and headlining a Broadway show. This behind-the-scenes look into her life showcases her resilience, vulnerability, and the powerful stories of success and redemption that connect her to readers.

This was an exceptional, honest, and deeply moving memoir. Joanna "JoJo" Levesque's voice resonates throughout every sentence, and listening to her narrate the audiobook enhanced the experience significantly. With real vulnerability and candour, she shares her life and experiences in the music industry, detailing both the epic highs and devastating lows. This book would translate brilliantly to the screen.

The Glitch by Leeanne Slade

What would you change if you could start all over again?

Five Years Earlier:

Henry Dunne regrets hosting a wild house party but is captivated by the independent chef, Grace Monroe. Their unexpected connection deepens, leading Henry to realize Grace is the one for him.

Present Day:

Grace is about to turn thirty, facing bankruptcy and her grandmother’s hospitalization, all while feeling vulnerable at a train station. When she unexpectedly sees Henry, the man who taught her about love and heartbreak, her wish sends her back five years to her twenty-fifth birthday. With her memories intact, Grace is determined to alter her future and prevent another heartbreak.

The Glitch is a surprisingly good and well-rounded romance that features a perfect balance of romance, angst, and time-traveling chaos. Daisy Edgar-Jones and Sam Claflin are the ideal choices to narrate the chapters of Grace and Henry. However, I believe this audiobook would have benefited from being a duet or even a multi-cast production, as it would have been wonderful to hear these actors together and create more chemistry between their characters.

Although the ending felt a bit rushed and the magical reveal left more questions than answers, Leeanne Slade effectively captures the messiness of being in your twenties while trying to navigate life, relationships, and career aspirations. This story could easily be adapted into a feature film or even a limited series.

We Play Games by Sarah A Denzil

We Play Games by Sarah A. Denzil tells the story of Effie and Ben May, a seemingly perfect couple with success and glamour on the surface. However, beneath their charming exterior lies a deadly game known only to them.

Leaving their hectic London life behind, they move to the exclusive gated community of Ivy Oaks, where they plan to settle down and start a family. Yet, their manipulations and schemes soon backfire, causing their façade to crumble. The stakes escalate to life and death, and losing is not an option.

Told from multiple perspectives, the narrative reveals the toxic dynamic between Effie and Ben and the ripple effects of their actions. The audiobook features exceptional performances by Billie Piper and Dan Stevens, drawing listeners into their thrilling, twisted game.

This gripping story kept me engaged until the end, darkening as it unfolded. The book is excellent, and the audiobook experience feels cinematic—this novel undeniably deserves a film adaptation.

These are just some books that I think would look amazing on a massive screen, but do you think? Let us know in the comments!