sightupdate

Movies

Anne Hathaway to Star in "Verity" Film Adaptation

2024-11-20

Anne Hathaway is set to take on the lead role in the upcoming film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's best-selling book "Verity." This highly anticipated project brings together a talented team and promises to be a thrilling cinematic experience. The story follows Verity Crawford, a renowned author who faces a life-altering car accident, leaving her injured and unable to complete her thriller novel. Her husband Jeremy offers a struggling writer named Lowen a substantial sum of money to finish the series. As Lowen delves into the project, she uncovers dark secrets and an unfinished manuscript that raises questions about Verity's true nature. The roles of Jeremy and Lowen are yet to be cast, adding an air of mystery to the production. Michael Showalter, who collaborated with Hathaway on this year's rom-com "The Idea of You," will be directing the film for Amazon MGM and it is set to be released in theaters. Nick Antosca wrote the script, following previous attempts by Hillary Seitz, Angela LaManna, and Will Honley & April Maguire. Hathaway, Hoover, and Showalter will serve as producers under their respective banners of Somewhere Pictures, Heartbones Entertainment, and Semi-Formal Productions. Additional producers include Antosca of Eat the Cat, Jordana Mollick of Semi-Formal, and Stacey Sher of Shiny Penny. Lauren Levine of Heartbones will executive produce. "Verity" was self-published in 2018 and has become a literary sensation, spending months on the New York Times best-sellers list and selling over 1 million copies in 2023 alone. The story is described as a "gothic, psychosexual thriller" in the vein of "Rebecca" and "Gone Girl." Hoover's previous novel "It Ends With Us" was a box office success, grossing $349 million globally against a $25 million budget. Although a sequel called "It Starts With Us" was also a best-seller, it is not expected to be adapted into a film due to on-set issues between the lead actors. A film version of Hoover's book "Reminders of Him" is currently in development at Universal Pictures. Hathaway has an exciting lineup of upcoming projects. She will be seen in "Mother's Instinct" opposite Jessica Chastain, as well as David Lowery's melodrama "Mother Mary" and the sci-fi story "Flowervale Street." She will also reprise her role as Mia Thermopolis in Disney's "The Princess Diaries 3." Known for her outstanding performances in films like "The Devil Wears Prada," "Les Misérables," "Ella Enchanted," "The Dark Knight Rises," and "Oceans Eight," Hathaway continues to captivate audiences with her talent. Showalter's film and television credits are extensive and impressive. He has directed films such as "The Big Sick" starring Kumail Nanjiani and Zoe Kazan, "The Eyes of Tammy Faye" with Chastain and Andrew Garfield, Hulu's "The Dropout" featuring Amanda Seyfried as Elizabeth Holmes, and "The Shrink Next Door" starring Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd. He is also the co-creator of "Wet Hot American Summer" and the HBO Max series "Search Party." Deadline Hollywood was the first to report the news of Hathaway and Showalter's hirings, adding to the excitement surrounding this highly anticipated project.

Anne Hathaway Unravels the Secrets of "Verity"

Verity Crawford: The Injured Author

Verity Crawford, a famous author, finds herself in a dire situation after a car accident leaves her severely injured and incapacitated. Her life takes a sudden turn as she is unable to finish her thrilling novel. This sets in motion a series of events that will change her life forever and lead to the involvement of Lowen, a struggling writer.

The accident not only affects Verity physically but also emotionally. She must grapple with the consequences of her injury and figure out how to move forward. Her husband Jeremy's decision to offer a large sum of money to complete the remaining books in the series adds another layer of complexity to the situation.

Lowen: The Struggling Writer

Lowen, a struggling writer, is presented with a unique opportunity when Jeremy offers her a significant amount of money to complete Verity's novel. At first, it seems like a dream come true, but as she delves deeper into the project, she begins to uncover dark secrets.

Lowen is a complex character who is both driven and cautious. She is eager to prove herself as a writer but also wary of getting involved in something that may be more than she can handle. As she uncovers the hidden truths, she must decide whether to continue or walk away.

Michael Showalter: The Director

Michael Showalter, known for his work in both film and television, takes on the role of directing "Verity" for Amazon MGM. His previous collaborations with Anne Hathaway on "The Idea of You" have been well-received, and he is expected to bring his unique vision to this project.

Showalter's directorial style is known for its authenticity and attention to detail. He has a talent for bringing out the best in his actors and creating a compelling story on screen. With his involvement, "Verity" is sure to be a visually stunning and emotionally engaging film.

Hathaway's Upcoming Projects

Anne Hathaway has an impressive lineup of upcoming projects that showcase her versatility as an actress. In "Mother's Instinct" opposite Jessica Chastain, she will take on a new role and challenge herself as an actress.

She will also star in David Lowery's melodrama "Mother Mary" and the sci-fi story "Flowervale Street," demonstrating her ability to excel in different genres. Additionally, her reprisal of the role of Mia Thermopolis in Disney's "The Princess Diaries 3" is sure to delight fans.

Hathaway's extensive filmography includes notable works such as "The Devil Wears Prada," "Les Misérables," "Ella Enchanted," "The Dark Knight Rises," and "Oceans Eight." Her talent and dedication have made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

Hoover's Literary Success

Colleen Hoover's "Verity" was self-published in 2018 and quickly became a literary sensation. The book spent months on the New York Times best-sellers list and sold over 1 million copies in 2023 alone. Its popularity can be attributed to its gripping story and unique premise.

"Verity" is described as a "gothic, psychosexual thriller" in the vein of "Rebecca" and "Gone Girl," which has attracted a wide audience. Hoover's ability to create compelling and suspenseful stories has made her a household name in the literary world.

Previous Film Adaptations and Challenges

Hoover's previous novel "It Ends With Us" was a box office success, grossing $349 million globally against a $25 million budget. However, a sequel called "It Starts With Us" is not expected to be adapted into a film due to on-set issues between the lead actors.

This experience highlights the challenges of adapting successful novels into films. It requires careful casting, strong scripts, and a seamless production process to ensure the success of the adaptation. Despite the setbacks, Hoover's books continue to be popular and in demand.

Universal Pictures' "Reminders of Him"

A film version of Hoover's book "Reminders of Him" is currently in development at Universal Pictures. This news adds to the excitement surrounding Hoover's work and the potential for more successful film adaptations.

Universal Pictures is known for its high-quality productions and ability to bring stories to life on the big screen. With "Reminders of Him" in the works, fans can look forward to another thrilling film based on Hoover's work.