The drama surrounding the body of work by bestselling author Colleen Hoover continues, with her novel 'Verity' making the leap to the big screen. The film, set to debut theatrically, is anticipated to match the success of her previous adaptation, 'It Ends With Us,' though it promises to present darker themes and bloodier scenes.
Recent images released show Dakota Johnson, who stars as Lowen Ashleigh, set against the backdrop of New York City—scene of some intense filming. On March 12, 2025, viewers watched as Johnson, aged 35, was covered in fake blood, embodying her character as she navigated the busy streets under the guidance of co-star Josh Hartnett. Hartnett is taking on the role of Jeremy Crawford, Verity's husband, whose essence looms large over the story's tension.
The photographs reveal not just the grim nature of the film but also offer tantalizing glimpses of scenes from the novel. Johnson, donned in headphones and long peacoat, had her face and neck splattered with blood, evoking intrigue about the forthcoming thriller. Hartnett, 46, was seen escorting Johnson across the street, giving fans their first real taste of the intense atmosphere the film seeks to convey.
The film adaptation of 'Verity' marks another exciting chapter for Hoover, whose works have translated well to film, fostering both anticipation and discussion among fans. Since 'Verity's' initial self-publication as an experiment back in 2018, it has sold over two million copies, garnering ratings of 4.3 on Goodreads and 4.6 on Amazon, indications of its popularity among readers and book clubs alike.
Set to explore themes of perception and obsession, 'Verity' tells the story of Lowen Ashleigh, who embarks on ghostwriting projects for Jeremy Crawford after his wife, the titular character Verity Crawford, is left incapacitated. Shortly after taking up residence at the Crawford home for creative purposes, Lowen uncovers troubling manuscripts indicating secrets about Verity’s life and their marriage.
Hoover’s writing, often associable with heartfelt romance, takes on darker tones here, attracting attention from both avid readers and casual audiences alike. The stark deviation from her typical genres has been received as refreshing, leading to some debate on social platforms about the potential cinematic translation. With such strong foundations noted, there are high hopes for the film’s adaptation.
Joining Johnson and Hartnett are accomplished actor Anne Hathaway, playing Verity Crawford, and additional cast members including Ismael Cruz Cordova, Irina Dvorovenko, Lou Martini Jr., Michael Abbott Jr., K.K. Moggie, and Brady Wagner. The presence of such notable talents elevates anticipation even higher, enabling fans to expect strong performances throughout.
Michael Showalter, known for his comedic work and previous association with Hathaway in 'The Idea of You,' steps behind the camera as director. His experience expands the dimension of the film, bolstered by the input of producers with extensive backgrounds, including Alex Hedlund and Nick Antosca, solidifying the horror foundation of the storyline.
While filming continues, the release date remains unannounced, leaving fans eagerly guessing when they might finally be able to witness the adaptation on screen. Backing from Amazon MGM Studios lends significant weight to the production, hinting at substantial investment and promotional support aimed at launching another Hoover-esque phenomenon.
Fans of 'Verity' are also awaiting the release of another one of Hoover's novels, 'Reminders of Him,' which is similarly being adapted for film and set to hit theaters later next year. The rapid growth and spread of Hoover’s work means there is ample enthusiasm to accompany each new project.
Despite some backlash against her previous film 'It Ends With Us', which received mixed reviews with only 56% on Rotten Tomatoes, the pegged projects draw significant audience interest, reflecting Hoover's brand value and the hunger for compelling storytelling. With this dual adaptation on the horizon, combined with her thriving popularity on platforms like BookTok, Hoover's audience remains more engaged than ever.
Johnson’s excitement for the role and the movie is reflected on social media. She has expressed, "Excited is an understatement" following casting announcements. This sentiment resonates with fans hopeful for yet another entertaining cinematic adaptation of Hoover's work.
With 'Verity' set to explore darker themes and reveal complex character relationships, its successful completion could mark another step forward for the evolution of book-to-film adaptations, one where suspense takes precedence over traditional romance. The promise of blood and adrenaline may just catapult Colleen Hoover’s gripping story to new heights as filmgoers prepare for their next thrilling experience.