Trending 10th December 2019 by Valerie Loftus

12 Books To Read Before They’re Turned Into Films And TV Shows In 2020

Fill up that reading list.

Death On The Nile by Agatha Christie

If you wanted more fun murder mysteries after seeing Knives Out, there’s another one coming for you in the form of Agatha Christie’s Death On The Nile. Kenneth Branagh directs and stars as the detective Hercule Poirot, who is tasked with finding a killer while on his holibobs in Egypt. Gal Gadot, Armie Hammer, Dawn French and Annette Bening also star.

When’s it out? October 9, 2020.

Normal People by Sally Rooney

Irish author Sally Rooney’s much-lauded second novel is being adapted for TV by Hulu and the BBC, with newcomers Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal portraying Marianne and Connell. The series will follow them through their secondary school and university years, charting their turbulent relationship.

When’s it out? The exact date is still TBC, so keep your eyes peeled.

The Turn of the Screw by Henry James

Creepy children alert! This 1898 novella by Henry James is being adapted for probably the millionth time, but the story is still irresistible. A newly-appointed nanny (played by Mackenzie Davis) takes care of two disturbed orphans (Brooklynn Prince and Stranger Things’ Finn Wolfhard), discovering that both the kids and the house they live in harbour dark secrets. Eeek.

When’s it out? January 24, 2020.

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

Rebecca tells the story of a young woman who marries a widowed man and moves in to his English country home, only to feel the shadow of his late wife pressing down upon her. Armie Hammer plays the dishy Maxim de Winter, Lily James is Mrs de Winter, and Kristin Scott-Thomas takes the iconic role of the resentful housekeeper, Mrs Danvers.

When’s it out? The date is still to be confirmed by Netflix.

The Woman in the Window by AJ Finn

You’ve seen Gone Girl. You’ve seen The Girl on the Train. Now it’s time for The Woman in the Window, a mystery thriller about an agoraphobic woman who witnesses as a crime while spying on her neighbours. Amy Adams stars as the titular Woman, while Julianne Moore and Gary Oldman play the objects of her obsessions.

When’s it out? May 15, 2020.

Emma by Jane Austen

Another classic novel that’s gotten reams of adaptations over the years (including Clueless, our fave), Emma is just as charming now as when it was first published in 1815. Anya Taylor-Joy plays Emma, the queen bee of a sleepy English town who loves to play matchmaker. But can she find true love for herself?

When’s it out? February 14, 2020.

The Outsider by Stephen King

They’re really cranking out the Stephen King bits these days, aren’t they? The latest of his books to be brought to life is one of his more recent releases, The Outsider, which has been made into a miniseries by HBO. Jason Bateman stars as a man who becomes a pariah in his town after he is accused of brutally murdering a young boy.

When’s it out? January 12, 2020.

Passing by Nella Larsen

Nella Larsen’s 1929 novel is an exploration of race and sexuality, written during a time of great anxiety about people crossing so-called ‘racial boundaries’. A black woman attempting to ‘pass’ as white for her husband has her world turned upside down when she reunites with a childhood friend. Ruth Negga, Tessa Thompson and Alexander Skarsgard star.

When’s it out? They’ve just wrapped filming, so we’re going to say late 2020.

How To Build A Girl by Caitlin Moran

Caitlin Moran’s semi-autobiographical novel tells the story of a working-class teen who decides to reinvent herself as a music journalist. Lady Bird and Booksmart’s Beanie Feldstein takes the lead role, with Alfie Allen playing the hunky rockstar she finds herself falling for.

When’s it out? It premiered at Toronto Film Festival in September 2019, but has yet to receive a wider release date.

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

The 2017 bestseller brings together two families: the picture-perfect Richardsons and a mysterious single mother and her daughter. Naturally, shit goes down. Hulu have transformed it into a miniseries starring Reese Witherspoon as the uptight, interfering suburban mom and Kerry Washington as the new neighbour who upends her life. Yes please!

When’s it out? Production started in May 2019, so hopefully sooner rather than later.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Ah, a childhood classic! An orphaned, bad-tempered girl sent to live with her uncle finds a hidden garden, becoming happier and healthier as she learns how to look after plants and animals. Colin Firth and Julie Walters head up the cast.

When’s it out? April 17, 2020.

PS I Still Love You by Jenny Han

Otherwise known as To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before 2! The sequel picks up where TATBILB left off, with Lara Jean trying to navigate her new relationship with Peter Kavinsky. However, when another recipient of one of her old love letters comes to find her, everything is turned upside down. Lana Condor is back, along with Noah Centineo and John Corbett as Lara Jean’s sweet old dad.

When’s it out? February 12, 2020.

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