Colleen Hoover's latest novel adaptation, Verity, is set to hit theaters on May 15, 2026, featuring an impressive cast that includes Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson. The psychological thriller has been generating buzz since its announcement, and now that filming has officially wrapped, anticipation is at an all-time high.
The film follows the story of Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer who lands a life-changing job to complete the unfinished works of the injured bestselling author Verity Crawford. However, her assignment takes a dark turn when she discovers a private manuscript revealing chilling family secrets that could tear Verity's family apart.
The film's official logline describes it succinctly: "Struggling writer Lowen Ashleigh is hired as a ghostwriter for renowned author Verity Crawford under mysterious circumstances, but her assignment takes a dark turn after discovering chilling autobiographical notes. Faced with a series of deadly family secrets, Lowen struggles to separate fiction from reality, while also blurring the lines with Verity’s husband, Jeremy."
Hathaway is set to portray the enigmatic Verity, while Johnson takes on the role of Lowen. The cast also includes Josh Hartnett as Jeremy Crawford, Ismael Cruz Córdova, and Brady Wagner, rounding out a star-studded lineup that has fans eager for the film's release.
The movie's script, currently penned by Nick Antosca, is based on previous drafts created by several writers, including Lauren Levine, Hillary Seitz, Angela LaManna, Will Honle, April Maguire, and Colleen Hoover herself. This adaptation promises to stay true to the chilling essence of Hoover's 2018 thriller romance novel, which diverges from her typical romantic themes to explore psychological mystery.
Hoover confirmed the completion of filming on April 7, 2025, with a behind-the-scenes Instagram post featuring Hathaway holding both the Verity book and the film script. In her post, Hoover expressed her excitement: "And that’s a wrap! Verity movie coming May 2026! Thank you to the entire cast, crew, and production teams! And to @annehathaway for this video. Cannot wait for you guys to see this one; it’s gonna be twisted and gorgeous!"
The film adaptation of Verity follows the success of Hoover's first adaptation, It Ends With Us, which hit theaters in August 2024. The latter faced its share of controversies, particularly regarding casting age gaps and character styling, which Hoover addressed directly. Despite these challenges, It Ends With Us became a significant talking point among fans and critics alike.
Reports indicated that tensions escalated between director Justin Baldoni and star Blake Lively during the production of It Ends With Us, leading to creative disagreements, contract disputes, and even speculation of potential legal action. While both Baldoni and Lively have not publicly commented on these rumors, the on-set drama has left fans divided and raised questions about how it may have affected the film's final cut.
As for Verity, the excitement continues to build, particularly with the growing trend of adaptations from the BookTok community. Colleen Hoover has become a household name, and with multiple adaptations in the pipeline—including Regretting You and Reminders of Him—it's clear that her works are making a significant impact in Hollywood.
The film industry is increasingly tapping into the popularity of books, particularly those that have gained traction on social media platforms. The wave of adaptations has proven lucrative, and Hoover's novels, with their gripping narratives and emotional depth, are ideally suited for the big screen.
Fans of psychological thrillers and Hoover's work can expect a gripping cinematic experience with Verity, as the film promises to blend suspense, drama, and romance in a way that will resonate with audiences. With its release date set for May 2026, moviegoers have a lot to look forward to.
The film's strategic release date aims to provide counterprogramming against other male-skewing blockbusters debuting in May, such as The Mandalorian & Grogu and Avengers: Doomsday. This move highlights the growing recognition of women's stories in cinema, particularly those that delve into complex emotional landscapes.
As the film nears its release, anticipation continues to mount. With a star-studded cast, a compelling storyline, and the backing of a successful author, Verity is poised to be a major player at the box office. Fans are already marking their calendars for the release, eager to see how the chilling narrative translates to film.
In a landscape where adaptations are becoming increasingly common, Verity stands out as a testament to the power of storytelling and the impact of social media on literature. As Colleen Hoover continues to conquer Hollywood, audiences can expect more thrilling adaptations that bring her captivating narratives to life.
The excitement surrounding Verity is palpable, and with each passing day, fans grow more eager for the film's debut. Whether for the star power of Hathaway and Johnson or the gripping story that has captivated readers, Verity is set to make waves in the cinematic world.
