We all know the book is always better than the movie. But the movie has beloved actors and pretty pictures and mood music and … popcorn.
I mean, let’s be honest, a lot of us are just in it for the popcorn, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Theater popcorn is delicious. Besides, when’s the last time you got a popcorn with your book order, hm? I rest my case.
This week’s Top Ten Tuesday is a page-to-screen freebie, so I thought it’d be fun to talk about what’s coming up that I’m looking forward to.
Because waiting is torture, and no one likes to be tortured alone, so join me. It’s fuuuun. You’ll love it. And there are some really promising movies and TV shows to look forward to.
✦ Children of Blood and Bone ✦
Status: Announced
While the book was more of a miss for me for various reasons, I always did think it was written a lot like it was meant to be a film. Even while I was reading it, I kept thinking it would make a better movie. No release date yet on this one, but I’ll be keeping my eyes out. I’m most excited to see the costumes and the world, because I feel like this is one of those books that may just come to life on the big screen in a way it didn’t with the writing, at least to me.
✦ The Art of Racing in the Rain ✦
Release Date: August 9, 2019
I’m a really big sucker for all things dog. I mean, how can you not be? They’re all cute and fluffy and just trying to be their best selves while maybe chewing a slipper or two because nobody’s perfect.
I’m actually interested in how this will translate to a movie, because it’s told from the point of view of a dog. I suspect that like the A Dog’s Purpose movie, it’ll rely a lot on narration, and I’m fine with that. I’ll just leave you with one final tip, for anyone planning on seeing this film: bring tissues. Lots and lots of them.
✦ Wicked ✦
Release Date: December 22, 2021
When I saw this, I maaaay have screamed. Just a little. My husband thought I was dying and was maybe a little disappointed to find that wasn’t the case and there were no zombies or ax murderers for him to take on. Ah, well. Can’t win them all.
Confession: I’ve always hated The Wizard of Oz. At best, it annoyed me, and at worst, it freaked me out a little. But I’ve always LOVED Wicked and the depth it brings to an otherwise too-good-to-be-true sort of world. Not everything’s black and white. Or, you know, green and … not.
I’m a little disappointed that we have to wait until 2021 for this, but I’m sure it’ll be well worth the wait.
✦ Good Omens ✦
Release Date: May 31, 2019
I really need to finish this book before the end of the month, but … I couldn’t be more excited. Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett are obviously a winning duo. The teaser trailers I’ve seen for this and what I’ve read of the book so far have me just so ridiculously excited for it. Sounds like my type of show.
Also, Dave Tennant as Crowley AND Benedict Cumberbatch as Satan? I’ve never seen a better reason in my life to be just a little bit naughty rather than nice. Also, could there be anyone better than Michael Sheen to be the second part of that heaven/hell duo? I think not.
✦ Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark ✦
Release Date: August 9, 2019
So … if this book scared the bejeesus out of you when you were younger, raise your hand. *hides safely under a comforter before raising her hand* I’m pretty sure this series of books scarred me for life. But in the good way that only horror can.
I’m not gonna go see this in the theater. Mostly because fifty other people don’t need to bear witness to me either peeing my pants or shouting not very nice things at the screen. Nope, just my husband gets that privilege. Lucky him.
✦ Unwind ✦
Status: Announced (Pre-Production)
If I’m honest, what I really want is a movie based on the Arc of a Scythe series. But since the series isn’t even done yet, I suppose that’ll have to wait a few more years. This is an acceptable second. I mean, it’s Neal Shusterman. I’d read any book he wrote and, therefore, watch the accompanying movies, like the trained monkey I am. This is one to watch for, but it’s, unfortunately, going to be a while before it actually comes to fruition. Because, as I’ve said before, Shusterman lives off the tears of his readers, and by extending that to the tears of his potential future viewers, it just guarantees his immortality.
✦ Chaos Walking (The Knife of Never Letting Go) ✦
Release Date: 2020
Confession: I’ve never actually read this book. Oops? I have, however, been told that I need to read Patrick Ness. Repeatedly. Even threatened over it once or twice. But because I’m a rebel with trouble doing what I’m told, I clearly haven’t. But now I have no choice, right, because you can’t watch the movie before reading the book. Pffft. Who does that? *Raises hand on the down-low*
The only thing I love more than dystopian books is dystopian movies. Even the really bad ones. I mean, the cheesier, the better. This one, though, looks like it’s got aaaall the promise, and I’m looking forward to it. Also, Tom Holland is in this, and I think he’s done a fantastic job as Spider-Man, but I’m also excited to see what else he can.
✦ It: Chapter Two ✦
Release Date: September 6, 2019
Okay, so, don’t hate me, but as much as I love Tim Curry (and also John Ritter and Richard Thomas), the 1990 version of It just didn’t do it for me. I was, like, 12 or 13 when I finally watched it, and I thought it was hilarious. Which I’m pretty sure is not the reaction they were going for? So between laughing and drooling over the actors, I’m pretty sure the point went so far over my head, it didn’t even cast a shadow on me.
The book, though, had all the creepy vibes, and I know it’s a controversial statement, but I felt like the 2017 version captured that atmosphere much better. It felt much grittier and more like a Stephen King novel, and it was so frigging creepy. So I’m definitely looking forward to chapter two and seeing where they take this next movie.
✦ Call of the Wild ✦
Release Date: February 21, 2020
There have been about 9593 adaptations of this movie, and I will never watch them all, but I’ll be darned if I’m about to miss this one. Jack London was one of my early author loves, and Call of the Wild was one of the first dog/wolf books I read, which spawned a never-ending series of other wolf/dog/cat books I read as an adolescent. I say that like I’m not still gobbling them up like candy.
I’m assuming this one will be different somehow. Remakes have been really popular the past few years, and I’ve actually liked a lot of the ones that have come out, so I’m eager to see what the new twist or spin they put on this ends up being.
✦ Death on the Nile ✦
Release Date: October 9, 2020
So … remember when I said I like to read books before watching the movies? This is the exception. I used to love Agatha Christie waaaay back when, but now? Now I’m really in love with the idea of being able to watch the movie and let the mystery unfold through the actors and not know how it’s going to end and be comparing it to the book. I’m pretty sure mystery is the unique exception to this.
Also, Gal Gadot is in this movie! Which is reason enough to go see it, right? And while it wasn’t the best movie I’ve ever seen, I did really enjoy Murder on the Orient Express, and I loved Kenneth Branagh as Poirot, so I’m 100% on board for more of that, please.
I’m looking forward to several of these too!!
Especially Death on the Nile! I also love Neal Schustermans work but I haven’t read this one yet- have to give it a go.
I own Unwind, but I haven’t read it yet, either. xD So you’re not alone. But I’m slowly working my way through all of his work. Scythe is where I was introduced to him. :3
I love scythe and thunderhead, Dry is excellent too, co written with his son and THAT would make an awesome film. Incredibly cinematic.
I haven’t read Dry yet! But I did get my copy of it, so … soon! I try to slip in books I know I’ll love when I’ve hit a reading slump. Save them for a special occasion. :3 Actually, the film rights for Dry *have* been purchased, and I almost added it to my list, except that it’s so recent that there’s literally no information on it except that the rights were bought by someone lol. So HOPEFULLY (*crosses fingers*) we’ll be seeing news about that in the next couple of years?
Oh I am SO looking forward to that!!!
There’s gonna be a Death on the Nile movie??? This literally made my day! Great picks 🙂
RIGHT?! I figured Murder on the Orient Express would be a one-off thing. I’m so glad to see it isn’t. 🙂
I can’t wait for Good Omens and Death on the Nile. I agree that Children of Blood and Bone would make a better visual story. Especially in terms of those animal. Giant cats that can be saddled that have horns? I need a better description or a visual!
Have you seen Avatar: The Last Airbender? I know that was an influence for CoBaB (and honestly, that’s all I could think of in a lot of scenes and plot elements, because it felt so similar), so I felt like I could picture those animals pretty well, because they felt like something that would live in AtLA. The whole world is built of really fun mixes of animals, like the Snow Leopard Caribou (https://avatar.fandom.com/wiki/Snow_leopard_caribou) or the Saber-tooth Moose Lion (https://avatar.fandom.com/wiki/Saber-tooth_moose_lion), which is super cute as a baby and would probably be worth getting eaten up once it’s grown just to own one. :3
Yes, I have. And I agree, it’s all I could think of too. But these didn’t seem to be mashups. Or if they were, I couldn’t figure out what the second animal was!
I have read and love most of the books on your list AND I cannot wait to see her their screen adaptations!
random *her*, lol
Hopefully, they live up to the expectations! But with source material like this, how could they not, right? 😉
You have fabulous taste in books, Sammie. I want to see all of these!
My TTT. Thanks for stopping by earlier.
Ha, thanks! Glad you enjoy it. 🙂 Now, if only they would hurry up and release them instead of making us wait, right?
I read Unwind and thought it was kind of a standard YA, not up to par with Scythe or Dry. I’d rather see a Scythe film first!
I’ve heard that from several people, unfortunately. But I don’t imagine Scythe will be picked up for film until at least after The Toll comes out this year, unfortunately. D: If that ever becomes a movie, though, I’ll be able to die happy. xD
The movie rights to Dry were already purchased, though! So depending on the studio, it may be a thing soon-ish (and by that, I mean years from now, but I feel like all us bookish types are used to waiting by now lol).
Yeah, I’ve heard there’s a trend for YA film rights to be snapped up and then film companies just sit on them. I guess they like to see what they think will become big/they can make money on. But it’s frustrating because you always read, “So-and-so purchased the film rights” and then you think a film is imminent–except you never get a film, sometimes. 🙁
I know, and that frustrates me to no end. =/ If you’re going to buy the rights, make the film, dang it! I have hope, though. Because it’s all I have left after finishing Thunderhead. *cries* It’s all I have left to cling to! *insert dramatic theatrics here*
I haven’t actually even read Dry yet. I was going to say I’m saving it for a rainy day, but that sounds … rude and wrong considering what the characters are going through. xD
You should at least read Dry with a glass of water. Reading it made me really thirsty!
I’ll read it with a cup of tea! Because let’s be honest, I’m fine with no water except for the fact that I wouldn’t be able to make coffee anymore. xD That’s the real nightmare scenario.
I’m so excited for Good Omens and the Knife of Never Letting Go/Chaos Walking adaptations! I’m reading Good Omens right now in order to be ready for the show. I can’t wait to see how they adapt it, plus the cast is perfect.
I agree about Children of Blood and Bone. I didn’t think it was as well written as I expected due to the hype, but I can see it being a really cool movie or series. 🙂
I’m waiting until the last minute to read Good Omens. So I’ll probably pick it up next week. :3 I’m excited to start it.
I agree! If nothing else, I can imagine the world would be something super neat and colorful and pretty to see on the big screen. 😀
I have my fingers crossed for Good Omens. I want it to be enjoyable.
I didn’t love Children of Blood and Bone either. I found myself not connecting to the story or characters and eventually ended up not finishing it.
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I hope it will be, too. I’ve seen the trailers, and they look stunning and fabulous and perfect. So I have high expectations going in, which is probably not a good idea, but I live on the edge. Muahaha.
I had the same gripe (though I did end up finishing it). I wonder if the movie will improve things. It’s a very different experience watching something, and you’re not in the character’s heads (which is annoying when you don’t like a character and you have to watch the story from their point of view). I’ll be interested to see, though, how that changes things. 🙂
I like the idea of The Art of Racing in the Rain. I just think it might make me cry.
It was beautiful, but the book for sure made me cry. I have no doubt the movie will be the same!
Oh wow! I somehow missed Wicked being turned into film! How did that happen?! Lol. I enjoyed the book for that one and will be interested to see if the movie goes the way of the book or the musical. Should be interesting either way!
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I didn’t know until I started researching for this post, either! I was curious, too, but I didn’t find any mention of whether it would be adapted from the book or the musical, so I guess we’ll have to wait and see. I always wanted to go see the musical, but getting to Broadway and buying tickets just … isn’t happening any time soon lol. That’s really the only downside of musicals to me.
Great picks! I hadn’t heard they were doing The Call of the Wild.
I don’t think there’s a lot of details out about it yet, so it’s another one of those wait and see things. I’m sure they’ll start pushing it more when it gets closer. 🙂
I have yet to read The Art of Racing in the Rain. I read a LOT of dog books. I will need to read that soon before the movie.
I enjoyed it! There were parts that were definitely slow, but I thought it was a really sweet, unique take on the “dog story” sort of trope.
I’m also curious how the dog POV will come into play in The Art of Racing in the Rain movie. I loved Unwind (I have loved every book I have read by Shusterman!) and the Chaos Walking series! I hope all of these turn out to be fantastic adaptations!
I hope they’re great, too! I mean, it’s hard to go wrong with that source material, right? 😉
Oh my gosh, I totally screamed when I got to Wicked haha. I hadn’t heard it was being adapted for sure, but that’s so exciting! I also hadn’t heard about Scary Stories, but I have to go see that one <3 Great topic choice and list!
There’s not a whole slew of details about Wicked yet, but there’s enough! Like a release date! That’s the most important thing lol. Thanks!
I’m so excited for Good Omens – it looks like it will be amazing!!
I agree! They’ve got some top-notch actors for it, too. I’m excited. 😀 Not too much longer to wait now!
Oh my god, The Art of Racing in the Rain is finally a movie? *screams* I’m so there!
I’ll also be watching Scary Stories…but I’m going to curl up in the movie theater and probably watch most of it with my eyes closed.
YES! I was so excited when I heard it.
You’re so brave to go watch it in theater. xD I couldn’t. Phew, no. I don’t handle scary movies well, especially out in public. If it’s anything like the stories, it’ll be worth watching, though!
I am a huge fan of Wicked too! I love dark retellings, and it’s probably one of my favorites out there. 😉
I thought it was great! Brought some real depth and perspective to a book/movie I didn’t feel like had any. I always hated Wizard of Oz for being too … on-the-nose and simple. Good guys are good, bad guys are bad. There’s no reason why, but that’s just how it is. I prefer more nuanced things.
Agreed! I do feel those classics had a tendency to be rather simplistic, so that’s why I enjoy these darker retellings. I can’t speak for Wizard of Oz (besides the movie) since I haven’t read the books, but I can totally imagine it being relatively shallow. 🙂
Oh my god the fact that they have announce Wicked is going to be a film is the best news I’ve had all day (granted it is before 7am where I am but still). I loved the show on Broadway so hopefully a film will be just as amazing.
The Chaos Walking trilogy is a favourite of mine (and if it’s still on your TBR list I’d recommended it. It’s highly addictive reading) I can’t wait for that one to be released. I haven’t read Unwind but it’s on my TBR list (I loved Neal Shusterman’s Scythe) but maybe the release of a movie will convince me to get around to it a little sooner!
Great picks for this week. 🙂
Glad I could make your early morning. xD I hate mornings, so hey, that’s something to me. 😛
I definitely plan on reading Chaos Walking! It’s just a matter of when to squeeze it in, like so many things lol.
I’ve heard that Unwind isn’t quite as good as Scythe, but I haven’t read it yet, either, so I guess we’ll see. I’m looking forward to picking it up, too.
Ohhhh MY! I did not know that Wicked was going to be coming out as a movie!!! I’m a huge fan and this made my day finding out about this! I love your list! Scary Stories is going to be great 😀
I’m so glad! I didn’t know until I started looking for this post, too! Now I’m dying waiting. xD
I am also looking forward to the Good Omens adaptation 🙂 However I don’t completely agree that the book is always better than the film. For example, I loved the Stardust film but found the book disappointing. I also equally love The Lord of the Rings books and films 🙂
That’s true. I don’t really feel that way aaaaall the time, either. xD Just a lot of the time. I agree with you on Lord of the Rings, though. I watched Stardust, but I never read the film.
If you loved the Stardust film, I would recommend not reading the book 😉
I really want to watch Good Omens but I’d like to read it first. I can’t wait for The Art of Racing in the Rain to come out. I feel like I’ve been waiting for that movie forever. Great list!
I didn’t hear about it until several months ago, so I feel pretty lucky that I didn’t actually have to wait all that long, in the grand scheme of things. xD Though, I’ve been waiting for Good Omens forever, and that’s killing me, so I know how you feel lol.
The Art of Racing in the Rain is on my TBR for so long. I guess, the movie adaptation will finally force me to read it 😀 and I can’t wait for CoBaB movie adaptation too.
I think that’s sometimes the great thing about movie adaptations. It kicks us into gear to read all those books we’ve been putting off. xD
I’m waiting for Scary Stories too! I loved the book and I’m so curious to see if they will keep the grotesque vibes of the illustrations in the movie too! That being said, I’m easily scared so I will probably cry from start to finish and will probably avoid the theater too lol
Scaredy cats unite! But in a very bright-lit room, with the curtains shut and no spooky music, thanks. 😛 I was wondering that, too. The illustrations were so gross that I had trouble looking at them, even though I loved the stories. I’m grossed out so easily lol.
It’s going to be a while before I actually see Good Omens but I am so excited for it nontheless. <3
I don’t think I could wait, even if I wanted to. xD I didn’t think that would be the case at first, but then after watching all the trailers and everything, there’s no way I’m going to be able to not watch it right away. I should probably work on my impulse control haha.
Ooh, I’m looking forward to The Call of the Wild adaptation! Great picks! 🙂
I’m so excited for most all of these, but I’m probably the most nervous for Chaos Walking…! 😀
Why are you nervous about that one in particular? Loved the book and not sure the movie will live up to it?