Penn Badgley, Paul Giamatti, LeVar Burton and More to Narrate New Ray Bradbury Audiobooks (Exclusive)

Penn Badgley, Paul Giamatti, LeVar Burton, and other notable celebrities are set to lend their voices to narrate new audiobooks of classic works by renowned author Ray Bradbury, an exclusive reveal by PEOPLE discloses. The publisher, Simon & Schuster, has announced the upcoming release of a series of audiobooks featuring Bradbury’s timeless fiction, bringing a fresh perspective to beloved titles such as ‘Fahrenheit 451’ and ‘The Martian Chronicles’.

The highly-anticipated audiobook for Bradbury’s iconic 1953 novel, ‘Fahrenheit 451’, will be narrated by actor and podcaster Penn Badgley, scheduled for release on May 6. The novel portrays a dystopian society where books are outlawed and targeted for destruction by authorities. Interestingly, Badgley himself is preparing for the publication of his debut book, ‘Crushmore: Essays on Love, Loss, and Coming-of-Age’, co-written with his Podcrushed cohosts Nava Kavelin and Sophie Ansari, due in October 2025.

Renowned actor, director, and producer LeVar Burton will be bringing to life ‘The Martian Chronicles’, another Bradbury classic, slated for publication on July 1. The novel, originally penned in 1950, follows the voyages of a group of humans who escape Earth to settle on Mars, celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2025. Burton, acclaimed for his roles in productions like ‘Roots’, ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’, and ‘Reading Rainbow’, boasts a collection of accolades including seven NAACP Awards, a Peabody Award, a Grammy Award, and 15 Emmy Awards.

Furthermore, Academy Award nominee Paul Giamatti is set to narrate a new edition of Bradbury’s 1962 dark fantasy novel, ‘Something Wicked This Way Comes’, to be released on September 30. This eerie tale, a part of Bradbury’s Green Town trilogy, unfolds the narrative of two young boys enticed into a mysterious carnival that arrives in their town. Marin Ireland, Ari Fliakos, and Prentice Onayemi will also contribute their narrating talents to the audiobook for ‘The Illustrated Man’, a compilation of interconnected short stories exploring themes of truth, humanity, and technology.

Ray Bradbury, born in Waukegan, Illinois on August 22, 1920, crafted an extensive literary legacy throughout his career, publishing over 30 books and 600 short stories, predominantly in the science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres. His remarkable contributions to literature were honoured with prestigious awards including the National Medal of the Arts in 2004, the National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, and a Pulitzer Prize Special Citation. Additionally, Bradbury’s creative genius shone through in his Emmy-winning scripts for shows such as ‘The Twilight Zone’ and ‘Alfred Hitchcock Presents’.

Enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the audiobooks can now pre-order these captivating new editions, available through various retailers selling books. The evocative storytelling talents of Penn Badgley, LeVar Burton, Paul Giamatti, and the accompanying narrators promise to breathe fresh life into Ray Bradbury’s cherished works, providing audiences with a unique auditory experience of his timeless tales. Through this exciting collaboration with esteemed celebrities, Simon & Schuster continues to make literature accessible in innovative formats for audiences to enjoy and appreciate.