Lili Reinhart, best known for her role in the hit series “Riverdale,” has opened up about her upcoming romantic comedy, “The Love Hypothesis,” during Prime Video’s inaugural Obsessed Fest at Nya Studios. Reinhart, alongside co-star Tom Bateman, shared their initial hesitations about participating in a romantic comedy, despite being charmed by the script and the compelling narrative.
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Reinhart revealed that she hadn’t read the bestselling novel by Ali Hazelwood prior to receiving the script. “Although I wasn’t sure I wanted to pursue a romantic comedy, I was quickly sold on the idea after reading the script,” the 29-year-old actress commented during the festival’s panel on 27 June 2026. She then expanded her understanding by reading the book, which further convinced her to take on the role.
Bateman, who is 37 years old, echoed Reinhart’s sentiments regarding his own experience with the project. “I was sent the script but had yet to read the book, and like Lili, I was uncertain about entering the romantic comedy genre,” he stated. “However, after absorbing the script, I found myself enamoured with the characters and the world they inhabit.”
“The Love Hypothesis” tells the story of Olive Smith, a Ph.D. candidate who finds herself in a predicament when she impulsively kisses her intimidating professor, Adam Carlsen, to demonstrate to her best friend that she has moved on from her ex. What begins as a seemingly convenient arrangement leads to unexpected emotions as both characters discover more about each other than they first anticipated.
For Reinhart, the appeal of the story lies not only in the central romance but also in the strong elements of friendship that underscore the narrative. “The film intricately weaves Olive’s loyalty to her best friend into the plot,” she explained. “While it is certainly a romantic comedy about two individuals falling for each other, the foundation rests upon a beautiful female friendship.”
She also highlighted that Olive and Adam’s relationship provides a refreshing take on typical romantic tropes. “They are not exactly enemies, but rather polar opposites, which makes the dynamic enjoyable to portray,” Reinhart said, noting how she quickly connected with the lovable qualities of both characters.
Bateman added his thoughts, remarking on the premise that these two seemingly incompatible individuals find common ground. “These characters shouldn’t work together in theory,” he said. “Yet, through their efforts to support Olive’s friend, they uncover each other’s true selves.”
Adapting a beloved book for the screen is inherently challenging, especially with high expectations from fans. Reinhart expressed that maintaining the essence of the novel was critical throughout the filmmaking process. “The goal was to create an enduring romantic comedy while keeping the integrity of the characters intact,” she stated. “We wanted to honour the source material, and I believe our writer, Sarah, successfully captured the heart of the book.”
Bateman concurred, noting the complexity of transforming individual reader interpretations into a cohesive film representation. “Everyone who loves the book brings their own vision of what the characters look like,” he said. “Each person involved had a deep appreciation for the book and aimed to do justice for the fans.”
The passion for the story was palpable on set, according to Bateman, who noted, “The book was always present during filming. I recall Lili handing me the book on set, and we would read sections of it before shooting scenes. Our focus was always on staying true to the narrative.”
As anticipation mounts ahead of the film’s release, Reinhart expressed hope that both dedicated fans of the book and newcomers alike will resonate with the story. “The excitement has been building for a year now,” she shared. “My sincerest wish is for the readers to enjoy it, while also making sure those who haven’t read the book find satisfaction in the film.”
“The Love Hypothesis” is set to be released in cinemas on 23 September, coinciding with the availability of Hazelwood’s novel, which is accessible at retailers everywhere. With its fresh exploration of romance, friendship, and the intertwining of both, the film is positioned to appeal to a broad audience awaiting its debut.