Through the decades, filmmakers have always enjoyed turning books into movies. Whether fictional or non-fictional, this world has enjoyed gems like A Beautiful Mind, Goodfellas, Divergent, The Hunger Games and the Harry Potter series both in literature and cinema.
Many novels—old and new—will be the face of the new age of cinema. So, as a book fiend, I am here to set your watch list for this year.
- Dracula by Bram Stocker
A classic novel based on a vampire who moves from his hometown, Transylvania, to England in search of his victims. While there have been many adaptations of the novel (1992’s Dracula, 2004’s Van Helsing and 2020’s TV mini series Dracula), Renfield, an upcoming movie by Universal Pictures, will follow the life of an underrated character, Dracula’s devoted servant.
The movie is set to be directed by Chris McKay and stars Nicholas Hoult and Nicolas Cage. The Overlook Film Festival will host Renfield’s world premiere on Mar. 30, and the movie will hit theatres on Apr. 14.
- Dune by Frank Herbert
The direct sequel to the box office hit, Dune, is coming out — Dune: Part Two. This movie will cover the second part of Herbert’s book.
The movie will be directed by Denis Villeneuve and will star many recurring cast members; Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista and Zendaya, along with new members Florence Pugh and Austin Butler. It will be released on Nov. 3, 2023.
- The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
Good news for those who miss the dystopian era, The Hunger Games is coming back (kinda). Collins stunned her audience in 2020 when she stated that the infamous President Snow would be the main character in a Hunger Games prequel.
Francis Lawerence directs, and the movie features many talented actors like Euphoria’s Hunter Schafer, with Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler, Viola Davis and Peter Dinklage as part of the cast! The film is set to be released on Nov. 17, 2023.
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Charlie Bucket’s life is irrevocably altered in the classic children’s book by Roald Dahl when he discovers a golden ticket hidden within a chocolate bar. Charlie and his grandfather can now see the renowned chocolate factory run by Willy Wonka.
With a release date of Dec. 15th, 2023, Wonka is a prequel telling the story of the eccentric chocolatier’s early years, played by Timothée Chalamet and directed by Paul King. This blend of musical and fantasy movies also covers how Wonka met the Oompa-Loompas.
Perhaps one of the biggest challenges the filmmakers will have to endure in turning a book into a movie is living up to the expectations of these widely-loved novels. Moreover, re-adaptations or prequels will also have to live up to the original films and series. Book and movie lovers often fall in love with the characters and the stories.
Or should I say, are protective of those stories?