Tom Bateman Says Everyone on Set Was ‘Fanning Over’ “The Love Hypothesis” Book on Set

**Tom Bateman and Lili Reinhart Discuss the Enthusiastic Adaptation of ‘The Love Hypothesis’**

At the inaugural Obsessed Fest hosted by Prime Video, actor Tom Bateman shared insights into the much-anticipated film adaptation of Ali Hazelwood’s bestselling novel, *The Love Hypothesis*. The event, which took place at Nya Studios in Los Angeles on June 27, 2026, was an opportunity for both cast and crew to reveal their commitment to staying true to the beloved source material.

During the festival, Bateman disclosed that the novel was a constant presence throughout the filming process, underscoring the team’s effort to honour the story and its characters. He noted that the cast and crew were enthusiastic about ensuring their adaptation resonated with the fervent followers of the original book. “People were really fanning over it,” Bateman remarked, reflecting the passion shared by the team.

Bateman revealed that during the film’s production in Montreal, co-star Lili Reinhart was particularly proactive in ensuring everyone was in touch with the novel. “I remember Lil gave me the book on set, and we’d, like you, [be] reading bits of it before shooting the scene,” he confessed. This collaborative approach illustrates how deeply the ensemble engaged with the narrative, making it a priority to embed its essence into their portrayal.

The narrative of *The Love Hypothesis* follows Olive Smith, a Ph.D. student who persuades the aloof Professor Adam Carlsen to enter into a faux relationship. What begins as a strategic arrangement to support her friend becomes complicated as real emotions arise, prompting both characters to navigate the nuances of their unexpected connection.

Interestingly, Bateman admitted that he had not opened the pages of the novel prior to receiving the screenplay. But upon reading it, he quickly became immersed in the narrative. “I got sent the script first. I had heard about the book, but I hadn’t read it,” he explained. “I read it and just fell in love with the characters and the world.” He acknowledged that, while the romantic comedy genre has its conventions, *The Love Hypothesis* offered a fresh twist that captivated him.

Reinhart echoed Bateman’s sentiments, describing how she delved into both the script and the book before agreeing to join the project. “The script was brought to me. I hadn’t read the book yet, but as soon as I got the script, I read the script and then I went and read the book and then I felt convinced to do it,” she said. Her admiration for the screenplay lay in its ability to encapsulate the heart of classic romantic comedies while maintaining the integrity of the characters crafted in the original novel.

Both actors recognised the pressures that accompany adapting a cherished story for the screen. Bateman articulated the challenge succinctly, acknowledging that each fan has their own personal vision of what the characters and narrative should embody. “It’s really hard when you’re adapting something for film because every single one of you who loves the book has your own idea of what these characters are gonna be like,” he said.

Yet, Bateman insisted that the entire production team approached the project with a shared goal of fidelity to the source material. “Every single person involved with this had such a deep love for the book and for doing it justice for everyone that loves it,” he stated. The team’s motivation was to create an adaptation that met the fans’ expectations while also celebrating the characters and their journeys.

As anticipation builds for the film’s release, Bateman hopes the audience feels their dedication. “The intention was always we wanna make this the best it could be. And who better to tell it to than a group of people who love it so much?” he remarked, highlighting the camaraderie and enthusiasm of the cast and crew.

*The Love Hypothesis*, which originally published in 2021, is set to hit theatres on September 23, and is also available for readers everywhere. As the film adaptation approaches its premiere, fans of Hazelwood’s novel are eagerly awaiting to see how their beloved story will come alive on the big screen, guided by a team that has clearly poured their heart and soul into the project.