2020 is now upon us, meaning there are plenty of good films, TV shows, albums, and, of course, books to look forward to. Hollywood has been adapting books into films ever since it first opened for business and 2020 will see a number of high profile novels being brought to the big screen. So, here are 10 film adaptations of books to watch out for this year.
Dolittle – 7 February
Based upon Hugh Lofting’s classic books, Dolittle stars Robert Downey Jr. as the eccentric animal lover who can talk to all creatures great and small. The film will follow Dolittle as he embarks upon a daring adventure to a mythical island where he will discover his old self, as well as some truly magical creatures. The film will feature some top Hollywood talent voicing the animals, including Emma Thompson, Tom Holland, Rami Malek and Marion Cotillard.
TO ALL THE BOYS 2: P.S. I Still Love You – 12 February
Serving as a sequel to To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, P.S. I Still Love You is based on Jenny Han’s novel of the same name. Set to be released exclusively on Netflix, the film is the second installment in the To All the Boys series and sees Lana Condor star as Lara Jean Song Covey. It seems Netflix is very confident as work on a third film is already underway.
Emma. – 14 February
Jane Austen’s classic novel, Emma, has been subjected to countless adaptations over the years, but this looks like one film version you’ll want to check out. Set as a comedy-drama, Emma. stars Anya Taylor-Joy as the titular character and also features Bill Nighy Mia Goth and Miranda Hart. This more modern take will see Emma experience “misguided matches and romantic missteps to find the love that has been there all along”.
Call of the Wild – 21 February
Based on Jack London’s The Call of the Wild, this adaptation will see Harrison Ford acting alongside a CGI canine as they embark on an epic adventure into the coldest and most remote regions of America. Anyone who’s read the book will know what trials lie before them but, together, man and beast can accomplish a great deal. Here’s hoping this one is able to live up to the quality of London’s book.
The Invisible Man – 28 February
Here’s one for those of you who enjoy a good scare. The Invisible Man is loosely based upon the novel by H.G. Wells and tells the story of a young woman who is apparently being haunted by the ghost of her former lover, but is he quite as dead as people think? The film stars Elisabeth Moss and a spin-off film is currently in the works.
The Personal History of David Copperfield – 8 May
No prizes for guessing which book this one’s based on! Written and directed by Armando Iannucci, (best known for The Thick of It and The Death of Stalin) The Personal History of David Copperfield follows the misadventures of Mr. Copperfield in this witty comedy-drama. The cast includes Dev Patel as the titular character, Tilda Swinton as Betsey Trotwood, Hugh Laurie as Mr. Dick, and Peter Capaldi as Mr. Micawber.
Artemis Fowl – 29 May
Based on Eoin Colfer’s books, the film will tell the story of 12-year-0old genius Artemis Fowl, who comes from a long line of criminal masterminds, as he journeys to find his missing father. The film will be directed by Kenneth Branagh and was original set for a release last year before it was delayed to 2020. The books have been highly successful and no doubt there are plenty of fans eager to check this one out.
Death on the Nile – 9 October
Another film directed by Kenneth Branagh, and will see the actor reprise his role as Agathe Christie’s Hercule Poirot in this classic detective story. We’re yet to get a trailer but, given that the cast includes Gal Gadot, Russell Brand, Rose Leslie, Letitia Wright, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders, we’re willing to bet this is one to keep an eye out for.
The Witches – 9 October
The Witches is one of Roald Dahl’s most beloved books, and now we have a film adaptation to look forward to. This is only the second feature length film adaptation to be made of the children’s book and the star-studded cast consists of Anne Hathaway, Octavia Spencer and Chris Rock. Here’s hoping this is an adaptation Dahl would approve of.
Dune – 18 December
Director Denis Villenueve has been knocking films out the park recently with titles like Sicario, Blade Runner 2049, and Arrival, and now he’s at the helm of a film adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune. After the disastrous 1984 movie adaptation, fans of the Dune books have had to settle with the idea they may never see the book get a faithful adaptation, but now there’s hope. If anyone can do the books justice, its Villenueve, and the strong cast that includes Oscar Isaac, Rebecca Fergusson, Josh Brolin, Jason Mamoa, Javier Bardem and Zendaya certainly has us hopeful. We can’t wait to see the first trailer!
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