The highly anticipated movie adaptation of Colleen Hoover‘s Verity is making waves as the cast is officially announced, promising to bring the suspenseful narrative to the big screen. Directed by Michael Showalter, known for his work on films like The Big Sick, the adaptation is set to follow Hoover's successful previous film It Ends With Us, which starred Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni and made over $346 million worldwide when it was released this past August.
On November 20, Hoover expressed her excitement for the project through her Instagram account, stating, “Verity is coming to theaters and I am so excited for this cast and the script and the director and the whole team bringing this to life. Cannot wait. More coming soon!” This announcement marks another milestone for Hoover, whose books have captured readers’ imaginations and turned her stories from page to screen.
What makes Verity particularly gripping is its plot centered around protagonist Lowen Ashleigh, played by Dakota Johnson. Lowen is depicted as a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin who receives an opportunity she simply cannot refuse. Jeremy Crawford, the husband of bestselling thriller author Verity Crawford, portrayed by Anne Hathaway, hires Lowen to finish the remaining books of Verity’s successful series. This task stems from Verity's inability to continue writing following a mysterious accident.
Upon arriving at the Crawford family's luxurious estate, Lowen quickly discovers unsettling truths and chilling revelations. The narrative reveals the depth of the psychological drama as Lowen uncovers Verity's unfinished manuscript, filled with dark secrets about the author’s life, including the tragic deaths of her twin daughters. This exploration will leave audiences questioning whether the manuscript conveys disturbing truths or merely serves as fictional horror.
Joining Hathaway and Johnson is Josh Hartnett, who takes on the role of Jeremy Crawford. Hartnett's recent performances, including his acclaimed work in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer, have put him back in the spotlight, making him a fitting addition to this star-studded cast. Together, the trio is set to create tangled relationships and dark mysteries, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
The screenplay for Verity is penned by Nick Antosca, with contributions from Colleen Hoover herself alongside other talented writers such as Lauren Levine and Hillary Seitz. This creative collaboration showcases the dedication to maintaining the essence of Hoover's compelling narrative as it transitions to the screen. Production is backed by notable entities like Eat the Cat, Semi-Formal Productions, and Shiny Penny, ensuring strong financial and creative support.
Colleen Hoover first released Verity as a self-published novel back in 2018. Since then, it has garnered immense popularity, especially within the BookTok and Bookstagram communities, leading to its acquisition by Grand Central Publishing and seeing sales surpass one million copies just this year. The gripping storyline, which intricately weaves thriller elements with literary depth, has made it one of her standout works.
The film adaptation is particularly exciting for fans of the genre, considering the strong legacy Hoover has already established with her prior film It Ends With Us. That adaptation's success set the stage for continued interest from audiences and studios alike, especially as Hoover's books blend relatable themes with emotionally charged narratives. The growing audience craving adaptations of her work speaks volumes about her narrative style and the trust placed by producers to faithfully bring her stories to life.
While the specific release date for Verity remains unclear, it is confirmed to be distributed theatrically by Amazon MGM Studios, giving it the potential for significant exposure. Expectations are high, and with such compelling source material and talented actors, the film could join the ranks of other successful book adaptations.
Colleen Hoover continues to evoke passion and intrigue surrounding her works, drawing readers and now viewers alike to her world of storytelling where the lines between reality and fiction blur, especially within familial dynamics. Fans eagerly anticipate the arrival of Verity and what promises to be another successful adaptation from this bestselling author.
Stay tuned for updates on the Verity film’s progress as more details become available, and prepare for the eerie themes of this gothic psychosexual thriller to come to life on the big screen with this captivating cast leading the charge.