Adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel ‘Verity’ is set to hit cinemas in October 2026, with an exciting and intriguing storyline that promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Directed by Michael Showalter, the film stars Anne Hathaway as Verity Crawford, Dakota Johnson as Lowen Ashleigh, and Josh Hartnett as Jeremy Crawford.
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Colleen Hoover’s novel, first published in 2018, quickly captivated readers, landing at the top of The New York Times bestsellers list and selling over a million copies by 2023 alone. Now, the gripping tale is transitioning from page to screen, introducing a new audience to its haunting narrative.
The plot centres around Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer who is grappling with financial difficulties. Just when things look bleak, she is offered the opportunity of a lifetime: to complete the book series of the renowned yet reclusive author Verity Crawford, who has been incapacitated following a mysterious accident. Once she arrives at the Crawford family’s home, Lowen discovers an unfinished manuscript containing dark secrets that could potentially alter the lives of everyone involved.
As Lowen delves deeper into Verity’s past, she grapples with the unsettling question of whether the chilling revelations in the manuscript are merely fiction or represent a disturbing confession from a disturbed mind. Her growing connection with Verity’s husband, Jeremy, and their young son, Crew, further complicates matters as she contemplates how much of Verity’s truth she should reveal.
Anne Hathaway, who previously collaborated with Showalter on the romantic drama ‘The Idea of You’, expressed her enthusiasm for the role of Verity on social media. Following the announcement of her casting in November 2024, Hoover also shared her excitement, highlighting the impressive talent behind the film’s production. Johnson will not only star in the film but will also serve as an executive producer.
Hoover’s journey with ‘Verity’ has been particularly special for her; during an appearance on the show ‘Barely Famous’, she mentioned that writing this novel was her favourite experience out of her twenty bestsellers. In an interview during the premiere of another film adaptation of her work, ‘It Ends With Us’, Hoover reflected on the casting process, expressing her delight at the upcoming film’s development.
Casting updates were revealed throughout late 2024, with Johnson confirmed as Lowen and Hartnett as Jeremy, Verity’s husband. The anticipation surrounding the film increased as fans learned more about the project’s direction and cast.
The involvement of director Michael Showalter, known for his previous work on films like ‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye’ and ‘The Big Sick’, adds promise to the adaptation. The screenplay has changed hands several times, with Nick Antosca currently credited as the writer, ensuring a fresh yet loyal interpretation of Hoover’s story.
Filming commenced in early 2025 in New York City, with Hathaway and Hartnett spotted shooting scenes together, showcasing a mix of tender and foreboding moments that hint at the film’s tone. Meanwhile, Dakota Johnson was seen filming intense sequences indicative of the book’s darker elements, including an impactful car accident scene.
While the wait for the film’s release continues, a teaser trailer was unveiled on April 27, captivating viewers with a glimpse of the thrilling atmosphere they can expect. The trailer showcases haunting visuals, interspersing moments from Verity’s life with the menacing tone of the narrative.
The trailer begins with Lowen stealthily entering the Crawford residence and culminates in a chilling encounter, emphasising the transformation of trust into betrayal. “There is no light where we’re going. Darkness ahead,” Verity’s voice chillingly warns, setting the stage for a tense exploration of survival and secrets.
As the anticipation builds, ‘Verity’ is poised to draw both fans of the novel and new spectators eager to experience the film’s enigmatic storyline. With a premiere scheduled for October 2, 2026, audiences will soon have the chance to unravel the mysteries that lie within the Crawford family saga. As the film gears up for its release, it remains a topic of conversation among thriller enthusiasts and moviegoers alike.