**Much-Anticipated Adaptation of Elle Kennedy’s ‘Off Campus’ Series Set for Prime Video Release**
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Elle Kennedy’s popular ‘Off Campus’ book series is finally making a transition from page to screen with its forthcoming adaptation premiering on Prime Video on May 13. Initially optioned in 2019, the project faced multiple delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a writers’ strike, leading Kennedy to doubt whether the series would ever see a production.
Reflecting on the ups and downs of the journey, Kennedy shared her feelings with PEOPLE: “There were a bunch of obstacles because there was COVID, there was a writer’s strike,” she explained. “I was like, you know what, this is never gonna happen.” However, after a prolonged wait, the production moved swiftly, leading to the exciting release of Briar University’s hockey tales in a television format.
The ‘Off Campus’ series comprises five novels, each spotlighting the life experiences of hockey players at Briar University as they explore love, heartbreak, and personal growth. The adaptation will closely follow the order of the books, commencing with ‘The Deal’, which tells the story of music major Hannah, who despises hockey, and the star player Garrett. This first season will feature actors Belmont Cameli as Garrett and Ella Bright as Hannah.
Kennedy expressed her enthusiasm in witnessing the casting process, particularly the chemistry tests that determined the interactions between the characters. “The casting process was really fun,” she noted. “It wasn’t just focusing on, do these two people have chemistry? It’s do all of these people have chemistry?” The importance of ensemble chemistry was palpable as cast members, including Bright, noted the intense atmosphere during their initial meetings, building excitement around the characters’ relationships.
While there have been adjustments made for the screen, Kennedy assured fans that the spirit of the series has not been compromised. “I was expecting there to be creative changes… and I kind of defer to the experts,” she commented regarding the alterations led by the Amazon team. Due to the introspective nature of the books, achieving the characters’ inner thoughts posed a challenge in the adaptation, but Kennedy believes that the dynamics, character development, and slow-burn romances remain true to the original narrative.
Bright echoed Kennedy’s sentiments, assuring readers of the series’ essence: “I think they kind of captured the overall Briar universe, as well as the angsty parts of the story.” This reinforces the anticipation among loyal fans, who can look forward to a faithful depiction of the characters they have come to love.
With such a significant emphasis on hockey romance, Kennedy acknowledged the genre’s growing popularity, particularly due to the influence of platforms like BookTok. “I think hockey romance has always been the most popular of the sports romances,” she said. The appeal of the genre has sparked interest among a broader audience, creating new fans along the way. However, Kennedy revealed that she had yet to read or watch the other major hockey romance, ‘Heated Rivalry’, as her attention is firmly placed on her next writing project.
As the premiere date draws near, excitement continues to build around the adaptation of the ‘Off Campus’ series. The books remain available for eager readers, who are expected to enjoy the blend of nostalgia and freshness that the Prime Video series promises to deliver. For fans of the original novels, the series promises to encapsulate the drama and complexity of young love within the unique setting of Briar University.
With the adaptation of Kennedy’s beloved work on the horizon, viewers can anticipate a vibrant exploration of not only romantic relationships but also the nuances of growing up. The series is set to debut on May 13 and promises to capture the essence underlying the original novels, ensuring that both existing fans and newcomers alike will be drawn into the world of ‘Off Campus’.