What's New and Coming Soon in Book-to-Screen

Including 'Lady of the Lake', 'It Ends With Us', 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles', and more

There's a lot going on in the book-to-screen world right now. We're excited to watch, but first we want to read (or reread), because, as we all know, the book is (almost) always better. Here are sixteen of the books that inspired the latest adaptations. Order your copy of the source material so you can read before you watch.

Note: Age recommendations often vary between the original book and its adaptation. We have consulted internet sources such as commonsensemedia.org to provide age recommendations for many of these materials, but we encourage readers to do their own research as well.

The Imaginary by A. F. Harrold

Streaming now on Netflix

The unbreakable bond between human Amanda and her imaginary friend, Rudger, is threatened when imaginary friend hunter Mr. Bunting arrives on the scene. Rudger escapes with other lost imaginaries, but now he's alone and missing his best friend. Meanwhile, Amanda is starting to forget him. The animated adaptation of the middle grade novel is rated PG.

Mafia Spies: The Inside Story of the CIA, Gangsters, JFK, and Castro by Thomas Maier

Streaming now on Paramount+

This nonfiction work by the author of Masters of Sex tells the story of gangsters Johnny Roselli and Sam Giancana who were hired by the CIA during the cold war to assassinate Fidel Castro. The ambitious espionage plot involved a wide assortment of characters, including government officials, the mob, and even Frank Sinatra. The six part docuseries is appropriate for teens and adults.

Lady in the Lake by Laura Lippman

Streaming now on Apple TV+

1960s Baltimore: Maddie is a middle-aged housewife turned aspiring reporter. When she pursues the murder of a young Black woman, her investigation brings her into contact with a world that used to be on the periphery of her life. Combining modern psychological insights with elements of classic noir, the series adaptation (Ages 14 and up) of the gripping novel stars Natalie Portman.

Snowpiercer by Jacques Lob, Benjamin Legrand, and Olivier Bocquet

Season four is streaming now on AMC and AMC+

In the dystopian graphic novel series, the world has become a frozen wasteland, and humans have made a new home in a perpetually moving train. The final season of the visually stunning—and frequently violent—live-action adaptation finds the characters facing new challenges as they try to save humanity. Starring Jennifer Connelly, Sean Bean, Archie Panjabi, and Daveed Diggs.

Deadpool vs. Wolverine by Larry Hama

Deadpool & Wolverine is in theaters now

Katanas and claws clash in their brutal first meeting. But when someone targets Weapon X survivors, Wolverine must ride to Deadpool's rescue. And when a bounty is placed on Logan's head, guess who tries to collect? The odd-couple duo return for more fourth-wall-breaking shenanigans in the new film starring Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, and Emma Corrin.

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

Streaming now on Netflix

Pip is a high-school student turned investigator who decides to reexamine the closed case of her childhood friend Sal's murder. Along the way, she discovers dark secrets that may put her in jeopardy. The series adaptation (ages 14 and up) of the young adult novel stars Emma Myers, Zain Iqbal, and Asha Banks. Content warnings for the TV show include drugs, violence, and language.

Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson

In theaters now

One evening Harold takes a walk in the moonlight. Armed only with an oversized purple crayon, young Harold draws himself a landscape full of wonder and excitement. This enduring storybook (ages 3 and up) celebrates the power of imagination. The live-action adaptation (ages 8 and up) of the beloved classic stars Zachary Levi, Zooey Deschanel, and Lil Rel Howery.

The Umbrella Academy by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá

Streaming now on Netflix

The fourth and final season of the adaptation of this comic book fantasy series departs from the text as it follows the siblings of the Hargreeves family into an alternate existence in which they are stripped of their superpowers. Facing new enemies, they must navigate different ways to battle evil. The quirky, dark series (ages 15 and up) stars Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, and David Castañeda.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird

Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is streaming now on Paramount+

The newest iteration of this popular YA comic book series reunites brothers Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo as they deal with the pressures of going to high school in New York City. Trained in ninjutsu, the turtle squad face Big Apple villain Bishop. The animated 12-episode adaptation (ages 8 and up) is voiced by Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr., Ayo Edebiri, and others.

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

In theaters now

Seeking a fresh start, floral designer Lily moves to Boston and opens a flower shop. When she falls for neurosurgeon Ryle, she looks past red flags that suggest he might have violent tendencies. Adding pressure to the relationship, Lily's teenage love unexpectedly resurfaces in her life. The film, with a surprisingly bookish cast, is rated PG-13 and contains depictions of domestic violence.

Bad Monkey by Carl Hiaasen

Streaming now on Apple TV+

When suspended police detective turned restaurant inspector Andrew Yancy hears about a severed arm discovered in the Florida Keys, he sees an opportunity to earn back his detective badge. The clues lead Yancy on a wild, often hilarious, ride with a crew of zany characters. The TV series stars Vince Vaughn, Michelle Monaghan, and Jodie Turner-Smith. Contains adult content.

The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace by Jeff Hobbs

Rob Peace is in theaters now

This biography traces the heartbreaking true story of Rob Peace, a brilliant molecular biochemistry and biophysics student at Yale University. But Rob struggles with pressures at home, particularly from his father, Skeet, who wants his help to overturn the murder conviction that led to Skeet's incarceration. The film (rated R) stars Jay Will, Mary J. Blige, and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

The Crow by James O'Barr

Coming to theaters August 23

After being brutally murdered alongside his wife, musician Eric Draven is granted the chance to be resurrected and avenge his beloved Shelly. This horror fantasy graphic novel charts his blood-soaked revenge journey. The newest adaptation of the book (also a 1994 film starring Brandon Lee in his final role) stars Bill Skarsgård, FKA Twigs, and Danny Huston. Rated R.

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

Season 2 will be released on Apple TV+ on August 23

This bestselling historical novel (#15 on the recent NYT list) chronicles four generations of a Korean family and their relationship with Japanese society. In this season, matriarch Sunja gets newly acquainted with someone from her past. Meanwhile, Sunja's grandson, Solomon, is exploring new opportunities for himself in Tokyo. The acclaimed series is appropriate for teens and adults.

The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat by Edward Kelsey Moore

Coming to Hulu on August 23

Nicknamed "The Supremes," Odette, Clarice, and Barbara Jean are high school best friends who have stuck together through thick and thin over four decades. But now, they are facing struggles that threaten to fracture their lifelong bond. The heartwarming film (rated PG-13) stars Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Sanaa Lathan, and Uzo Aduba.

Unfinished Tales Of Númenor And Middle-Earth by J. R. R. Tolkien

Season 2 of The Rings of Power is coming to Prime Video on August 29

Set thousands of years before The Lord of the Rings trilogy, this definitive collection of stories and essays provides inspiration for this series (Ages 12 and up) starring Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Robert Aramayo, and Owain Arthur. In season two, evil brews across the land infiltrating every corner of Middle Earth as Sauron and the rings of power take hold.

Most Anticipated

Here are a few of the most exciting upcoming adaptations we've got on our radar.

• Uglies by Scott Westerfeld—An upcoming Netflix film adaptation will star Joey King
• The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand—An upcoming Netflix series will star Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Dakota Fanning, and Eve Hewson.
• Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper—The film premiered earlier this year at Sundance and will be coming to Disney + later this year.
• Trust by Hernan Diaz—The Pulitzer Prize-winning novel will be adapted into an HBO series starring Kate Winslet.
• Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch by Gregory Maguire—The long-anticipated film starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande is slated for theater release in November.

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Read more by Ashly Moore Sheldon