Book adaptations can be very captivating. It is one thing to visualize the scenes in our minds, but it is another experience altogether to see someone else’s interpretation of the story, especially if the author is involved in the production. Some book adaptations are successful, like the Harry Potter movies, while others, like the Percy Jackson movies, do not live up to expectations. Some people even think that the Shadow and Bone series is better than the books. Here are most anticipated movies based on books releasing in 2023.
Most Anticipated Movies Based on Books Releasing in 2023
Oppenheimer
“J. Robert Oppenheimer was a notable physicist who is famous for his role in the development of the atomic bomb as the director of the Los Alamos Laboratory during the Manhattan Project. The film about Oppenheimer, which is based on the biography American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, is one of the most highly anticipated adaptations of the year. It features a star-studded cast, including Cillian Murphy as Oppenheimer, Florence Pugh as Jean Tatlock, Robert Downey Jr. as Lewis Strauss, Emily Blunt as Katherine “Kitty” Oppenheimer, and Matt Damon as Leslie Groves. It will be interesting to see how director Christopher Nolan portrays Oppenheimer’s legacy and the impact of nuclear weapons on global politics.”
Harold and the Purple Crayon
Harold and the Purple Crayon is a beloved children’s story about a young boy named Harold who has a special purple crayon. One night, he goes for a walk in the moonlight and uses his crayon to draw a magical landscape filled with adventures. The crayon takes Harold through forests, over oceans, and past dragons before he returns to bed and falls asleep. It is a charming tale that has stood the test of time.
Salem’s Lot
Salem’s Lot is a small town in England that is the hometown of Ben Mears. When he returns there, hoping to confront some personal demons, he is unaware of the horror that awaits him. An outsider with dark secrets has also arrived in the town, bringing danger to all those around him. The film, which is based on the best-selling novel by Stephen King, was originally scheduled for release on April 21, 2023, but has been postponed due to the release of Evil Dead Rise.
The Color Purple
The story of The Color Purple tells of Celie, a Black girl born into poverty who has faced abuse throughout her life. Her father, Alphonso, raped her as a child and took away her children when she became pregnant at 14. Her husband, Albert, also physically and emotionally abused her, leaving her with little power to defend herself. However, her life changes when she meets Shug Avery, a self-assured singer who shows her that she too can make choices and take control of her life. The Color Purple, which is based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, is a powerful and honest portrayal of domestic and sexual abuse, it’s a movie adaptation set to release in 2023, it is a must-watch.
Love Again
Clara’s fiance left their apartment after a fight and both wanted the other to apologize. However, before they could makeup, he passed away in a car accident. Two years later, Clara decides to text her fiance’s old phone number, not realizing that the number has been given to someone else. The new owner of the number has not yet responded, but if they do, it is possible that Clara may be given a second chance at love. The movie “Love Again” stars Sam Heughan, Rob Burns, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mira Ray. It is an English-language adaptation of the 2016 German film “SMS für Dich,” which was based on the book “Text For You” by Sofie Cramer.
Emily
Emily Brontë’s novel, “Wuthering Heights,” was published in 1847 and tells the story of Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, two people who are deeply in love but cannot be together because of societal differences. Set on the Yorkshire moors, the novel follows the characters as they deal with their love for each other and the various conflicts and tragedies that arise in their lives over a period of several decades. “Wuthering Heights” is a classic of English literature known for its realistic portrayal of the characters’ intense and tumultuous emotions. It is often considered a classic of Romantic fiction. The upcoming biographical film by Frances O’Connor is not a direct adaptation of the novel, but rather an exploration of Emily Brontë’s life and how the book came to be written.
A Man Called Otto
Fredrik Backman’s novel, “A Man Called Ove,” was released in 2012 and tells the story of Ove, a grouchy man who is struggling to cope with the loss of his wife and the changes happening in his neighborhood. Despite his sour demeanor, Ove is a compassionate person who is always willing to help his neighbors and make sure everything is in order. As the story progresses, readers learn more about Ove’s past and the events that shaped him into the person he is today. “A Man Called Ove” is a poignant tale of love, grief, and redemption that has become a bestseller around the world. In fact, the 2023 movie “A Man Called Otto” is a remake of the 2015 Swedish film adaptation of the book, which starred Tom Hanks as Ove, Mariana Treviño as Marisol, Rachel Keller as Sonya, and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as Tommy.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
As the tenth annual Hunger Games approaches, 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow is working hard to become a mentor in the Games and achieve glory. However, the Snow family is struggling and Coriolanus’ chance of success depends on his ability to outsmart his fellow students and mentor the winning tribute. When he is assigned an old female tribute from District 12, he knows he is likely to fail. He decides the only way to avoid this fate is to break the rules and do whatever it takes to survive.
“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” is a prequel to “The Hunger Games” trilogy and is one of the most highly anticipated book-to-movie adaptations of 2023. It stars Tom Blyth as Coriolanus Snow, Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird, Hunter Schafer as Tigris Snow, Jason Schwartzman as Lucretius “Lucky” Flickerman, Burn Gorman as Commander Hoff, Peter Dinklage as Casca Highbottom, and Viola Davis as Dr. Volumnia Gaul.
Dune: Part Two
Duke Paul Atreides is a young, isolated boy and the heir to a noble family on the desert planet Arrakis. When House Atreides is betrayed, Paul embarks on a spiritual and martial journey with the Fremen, with the goal of becoming Muad’dib. Despite temporarily avoiding the future he has foreseen, he knows that a holy war in his name will eventually spread throughout the universe. “Dune: Part Two,” the sequel to the Golden Globe Award-winning “Dune,” stars Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides, Zendaya as Chani, Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan, and Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck. It is one of the most highly anticipated movies based on books set to be released in 2023.
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret
Margaret Simon is almost twelve years old and is a lover of long hair, tuna, the smell of rain, and all things pink. She has recently moved from New York City to Farbook, New Jersey and is worried that she won’t fit in with her new friends, Nancy, Gretchen, and Janie. However, she is thrilled when they form a secret club to talk about private subjects like boys, bras, and getting their first periods. But things become complicated when they realize that Margaret doesn’t have a religion. What they don’t know is that Margaret has a special relationship with God. Fans of Judy Blume’s 1970 novel “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” will be happy to know that it is being adapted into a movie in 2023, starring Abby Ryder Fortson as Margaret Simon and Rachel McAdams as Barbara Simon.
Also Read: 10 Most Awaited Movies of 2023
