Patrick Schwarzenegger Joins Emily Henry’s Cinematic Universe

Patrick Schwarzenegger is set to star as Gus Everett in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Emily Henry’s 2020 bestselling novel, Beach Read. The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the casting, which pairs Schwarzenegger with Phoebe Dynevor, who will portray January Andrews.

A Summer of Opposites Attract

Beach Read centers around January Andrews, a romance writer disillusioned with love, and Augustus Everett, a literary fiction author battling a crippling case of writer’s block. Fate brings these polar opposites together when they find themselves living in neighboring beach houses in Michigan. They strike a deal: Augustus will attempt to write a happy story, while January will tackle the Great American Novel. Their agreement leads them on a journey of self-discovery, filled with unexpected adventures – from romantic locales to interviews with surviving members of a cult – and, potentially, a blossoming romance.

Behind the Scenes of the Adaptation

Yulin Kuang, who also penned the screenplay for the Netflix adaptation of Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation, is directing Beach Read from her own script for 20th Century Studios. Kuang previously shared with The Hollywood Reporter her enjoyment of writing Gus’s character, noting the distinct tone of Beach Read compared to People We Meet on Vacation. “They’re very different books,” she explained. “They both have that thread of Emily’s writing that feels like a warm hug. But I think they’re warm hugs after different events.”

Expanding the Emily Henry Universe

Neal H. Moritz will produce the film through Original Films, with Karina Rahardja serving as executive producer. Sarah Shepard and Catherine Hughes will oversee the project for 20th Century Studios. This adaptation marks the latest in a wave of Emily Henry’s novels being brought to the screen. With Book Lovers, Funny Story, and Happy Place also in development, Henry, often hailed as the “queen of rom-coms,” is rapidly expanding her cinematic footprint. People We Meet on Vacation, starring Tom Blyth and Emily Bader, premiered on Netflix in January, further solidifying the popularity of Henry’s work.

Source: Deadline

Stay tuned for more updates on the Beach Read adaptation and the growing Emily Henry cinematic universe!