By Bryanne Salazar
8:29am PDT, Aug 8, 2017
Whether you think book-to-film adaptations are très trashy or très chic, they're big business in Hollywood. Wonderwall.com rounded up every big-screen adaptation of a literary work that's already opened or is set to debut in theaters in 2017, starting with "The Glass Castle," which comes out on Aug. 11! Destin Cretton directs the film adaptation of the haunting memoir "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls. It tells the story of her childhood in a dysfunctional, deeply impoverished home in which she and her siblings continuously moved due to her father's alcoholism and her mother's inability to hold down a job. Brie Larson stars as Jeannette, who grew up to be a respected gossip columnist, alongside Naomi Watts as her mother and Woody Harrelson as the father who promises his children he's going to build them a shiny "glass castle." Now keep reading for more!
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"The Dark Tower" series by Stephen King
The film adaptation of Stephen King's "The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger" takes viewers on a journey to Mid-world, where a young boy and a hero embark on a quest to find and protect the Dark Tower while battling evil forces that are trying to stop them. Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey star in the Nikolaj Arcel-directed sci-fi film, which is not expected to be a direct book-to-film adaptation. It hit theaters on July 28.
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"Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly
The film adaptation of "Hidden Figures" is the riveting true story of how three incredible black women played an integral role — as engineers and mathematicians — in getting NASA's first American astronaut into orbit. Directed by Theodore Melfi and starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monae, this moving tribute was pre-released in select cities on Christmas Day 2016 but didn't open wide in theaters until Jan. 6.
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"The Zookeeper's Wife" by Diane Ackerman
"The Zookeeper's Wife," which debuted on March 31, is based on the true story of zookeepers Antonina Zabinski and her husband, Dr. Jan Zabinski, who joined the resistance and helped save hundreds of people from certain death at the hands of the Nazis. Directed by Niki Caro and starring Jessica Chastain, the film is a reminder that everyone has the potential to be a hero.
"Beauty and the Beast" by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve
A classic fairy tale, which has been told and retold hundreds of times, comes to life in this stunning Disney remake, which debuted on March 17. Directed by Bill Condon and featuring Emma Watson as Belle, this beautiful, timeless tale will inspire both the young and the young at heart.
"Live by Night" by Dennis Lehane
This drama filled with tangled webs and betrayal is, at its heart, about a man's yearning for power. Directed by and starring Ben Affleck, this 1920s Prohibition-era tale is a dark, sensual look at organized crime. Like "Hidden Figures," the film was pre-released in select cities on Christmas Day 2016 before coming to theaters across the country on Jan. 13.
"Tulip Fever" by Deborah Moggach
An artist falls dangerously in love with a young bride when he's commissioned to paint her portrait, leading them both down a dangerous road in "Tulip Fever," which debuts on Aug. 25. The film, directed by Justin Chadwick and starring Alicia Vikander, Christoph Waltz and Dane DeHaan, promises to be as passionate as it is thrilling.
"The Lost City of Z" by David Grann
"The Lost City of Z," a powerful true story that will tickle history buffs and those who are fans of "Indiana Jones," was directed by James Gray and entered theaters on April 14. When Percy Fawcett, a British explorer played by Charlie Hunnam, finds evidence of an advanced civilization in the Amazon, he knows he must journey deep into uncharted territory to prove that the scientifically accepted version of human history and evolution might be all wrong.
"The Circle" by Dave Eggers
When Mae Holland (Emma Watson) takes a job at an advanced technology and social media firm, she becomes an unwitting participant in the globalization of knowledge that proves to have terrifying consequences for the people she loves. Directed by James Ponsoldt, "The Circle" is a frightening look at technology gone awry that's totally believable, which makes it even scarier. Tom Hanks stars as the public face of the company in the thriller, which debuted on April 28.
"My Cousin Rachel" by Daphne du Maurier
In "My Cousin Rachel," a young man is wrought with anger toward his cousin, whom he believes murdered his guardian. However, when Rachel returns after a long absence, the man finds himself inexplicably infatuated with her, causing his world to fall apart. Roger Michell directed the film, which was released on July 14 and starred Rachel Weisz and Sam Claflin.
"The Shack" by William P. Young
Directed by Stuart Hazeldine, the uplifting adaptation "The Shack," which debuted on March 3, focuses on a young father named Mack whose life has been destroyed by a devastating loss. As Mack (Sam Worthington) sinks into a bottomless pit of depression, a mysterious letter arrives in his mailbox and sets him on an incredible journey of self-discovery, faith and, ultimately, healing. Octavia Spencer also stars in the film.
"Before I Fall" by Lauren Oliver
The thought-provoking drama "Before I Fall," which debuted on March 3, focuses on the life of Samantha Kingston, a 17-year-old who seems to have it all — until she dies in a car accident. Told through first-person narration, Samantha discovers she must relive the day of her death for an entire week to understand what happened to her. Directed by Ry Russo-Young and starring Zoey Deutch and Halston Sage, this film might just surprise you!
"A Monster Calls" by Patrick Ness
Tear-jerker alert! Directed by J.A. Bayona and starring Lewis MacDougall (pictured), Sigourney Weaver, Felicity Jones and Liam Neeson, the adaption of "A Monster Calls," which debuted on Jan. 6, is all about a boy struggling to come to terms with his mother's death. A heady dose of magical realism and a fantastic monster (voiced by Liam) reminds us that our imagination can be our greatest salvation.
"A Dog's Purpose" by W. Bruce Cameron
What if dogs had past lives too? In the emotional, light-hearted drama "A Dog's Purpose," which debuted on Jan. 27, we meet a dog named Bailey who finds himself reincarnated again (and again), experiencing different lives and remembering all the beautiful moments he's ever shared with his many human friends. Directed by Lasse Hallström and starring Dennis Quaid and Josh Gad as the voice of Bailey (and all his incarnations), this film adaptation will make you hug your furry friends a little tighter.
"The Dinner" by Herman Koch
When two families come together over dinner to discuss how to handle a potentially life-altering decision, secrets, lies and intrigue are pushed to the forefront. "The Dinner," directed by Oren Moverman and starring Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Rebecca Hall and Steve Coogan — which was released on May 5 — attempts to answer the question "What wouldn't we do for our children?"
"It" by Stephen King
Fans are lucky to have another book-to-film adaptation from the terrifying mind of Stephen King in theaters this year. "It," which Andres Muschietti is directing, centers on a group of young friends who decide to take on the insidious clown Pennywise, who's been kidnapping and murdering children for centuries. Bill Skarsgård is set to star as Pennywise in the horror flick, which debuts on Sept. 8.
"Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie
A remake of the original 1974 movie, "Murder on the Orient Express" is based on the famed detective novel of the same name and promises to be a playful, exciting cinematic ride. Starring Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz and Michelle Pfeiffer, the Kenneth Branagh-directed film is a fun mystery that will have viewers questioning every character's innocence when it debuts on Nov. 22.
"Red Sparrow" by Jason Matthews
A seductive Russian spy is sent on a mission to entangle a CIA operative but winds up falling in love in the Francis Lawrence-directed film "Red Sparrow," which is due on Nov. 10. Jennifer Lawrence stars as a double agent who must betray her country opposite Joel Edgerton as the man for whom she's willing to risk everything.
"The Mountain Between Us" by Charles Martin
When two strangers survive a plane crash in stormy weather, they must learn to rely on each other to stay alive in "The Mountain Between Us," which debuts on Oct. 20. Kate Winslet and Idris Elba star in the Hany Abu-Assad-directed story about forbidden love that blooms amidst devastation.
"Same Kind of Different as Me" by Ron Hall and Denver Moore
A couple finds that after 19 years of marriage, their future is uncertain. Everything changes in "Same Kind of Different as Me" when the wife dreams of a strange man who appears in real life just days later. Renee Zellweger, Greg Kinnear and Djimon Hounsou star in the Michael Carney-directed film, which debuts on Oct. 20 and is as much about love and forgiveness as it is the power of human kindness.
"Wonder" by R.J. Palacio
A young boy with a severe facial deformity (Jacob Tremblay) attends school for the first time as a fifth grader and must face curious stares and finger-pointing from his classmates in the Stephen Chbosky-directed adaptation "Wonder," which is due on Nov. 17. The film reminds us that being different is something to celebrate.
"Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon
When Maddy, a chronically ill 18-year-old who's never left the confines of her house, falls in love with her neighbor, Olly, from behind sealed glass windows, she realizes there's more to life than the safety of her contamination-free home. The pair embark on a potentially life-threatening journey outdoors so Maddy (Amandla Stenberg) can have one perfect day. Stella Meghie directed the film "Everything, Everything," which debuted on May 19.
"The Adventures of Captain Underpants" by Dav Pilkey
Kevin Hart, Kristen Schaal and Ed Helms lend their voices to the David Soren-directed animated film "The Adventures of Captain Underpants," which is based on the popular "Captain Underpants" children's book series. This fun family film, which debuted on June 2, made lots of audiences laugh.
"A Century of November" by W.D. Wetherell
Although little is known about the film "A Century of November" — including its complete cast and director — we do know the story is about the odyssey of a father whose son has just died in World War I. Leaving his apple orchards behind, Charles Marden embarks on a journey to Belgium, the place his son fell in battle, to find closure after a devastating loss. We also have a release date: Nov. 11!
"Lundon's Bridge: and the Three Keys" by Dennis H. Christen
"Lundon's Bridge: and the Three Keys" is a children's tale come to life, bringing together ancient magic from the deep sea that can transform dolphins into humans, humans into dragonflies and an evil jellyfish into a wicked fairy godmother. Directed by David Winning, this film, which has been in production for years, originally had Paris Jackson slated to play the role of Lundon. It's supposedly due in December.
"The Yellow Birds" by Kevin Powers
The Iraq war is the turbulent setting for drama "The Yellow Birds," which explores the turmoil of battle and debuted at Sundance in January. The Alexandre Moors-directed film follows two friends (Alden Ehrenreich and Tye Sheridan) who are serving together under a troubled sergeant and centers on a promise that threatens to be broken. Jennifer Aniston also stars in the film, which has yet to set a release date.
"Annihilation" by Jeff Vandermeer
Natalie Portman, Oscar Isaac and Jennifer Jason Leigh are set to star in the Alex Garland-directed film "Annihilation," which is based on a trilogy about scientists who enter Area X, a place where the laws of nature don't apply. During their secret expedition, things become increasingly more dangerous. A release date for the sci-fi thriller has yet to be announced, though it's expected to open in theaters later this year.
"Thank You for Your Service" by David Finkel
Directed by Jason Hall, "Thank You for Your Service" — a drama that surprisingly stars comedian Amy Schumer alongside Haley Bennett and Miles Teller — focuses on the effect post traumatic stress disorder has on service men and women who have survived war. A release date for the film has yet to be set, though it's expected to open in theaters later this year.
"The Breadwinner" by Deborah Ellis
"The Breadwinner," an animated film directed by Nora Twomey, shares the plight of a young Afghani girl who must disguise herself as a boy in order to find work to support her family. A release date for the film has yet to be set, though it's expected to open in theaters later this year.
"The Giant Under the Snow" by John Gordon
When a teenage girl finds an old buckle on a school field trip, she sets upon an adventure with two of her friends to wage the last battle between the forces of good and evil. No word yet on the cast or director of this upcoming fantasy film, though "The Giant Under the Snow" is supposedly due later this year.
"Infinity: Chronicles of Nick" by Sherrilyn Kenyon
When you're a teenage boy living in New Orleans, life is already hard enough without having to use your hidden superpowers to save the world. Nick is just an average guy who happens to also slay vampires. No word yet on who will direct or star in this young-adult film, though "Infinity: Chronicles of Nick" is supposedly due sometime this year.
