Literature and film in 2026: the most anticipated adaptations of the year

From the pages to the big screen: the big stories that will shape 2025

Literary adaptations are one of the most powerful ways to connect with new audiences. Film offers the opportunity to relive beloved stories in a visually stunning way, while books provide the emotional and narrative depth that is often lost in translation to the screen. With the rise of streaming platforms and the return of movie theatres, the films based on books have been given a new lease of life, establishing themselves as one of the most anticipated and followed genres in 2025.

Expectations are high this year, with a number of literary adaptations that have generated endless buzz and speculation. From literary classics to contemporary titles, these stories are set to offer new angles on the way we consume literature and film.

1. "Mickey 17" by Edward Ashton

The film adaptation of Mickey 17 has caused great excitement in 2025, and no wonder, as it is directed by Bong Joon Ho, the director of the acclaimed Parasites (2019). Based on the novel of the same name by Edward Ashton, the film tells the story of Mickey, a man who becomes a cloned version of himself to complete dangerous missions on a distant planet, part of an experiment where clones are discarded after completing high-risk tasks. However, Mickey, left for dead by the cloning system, faces a new life full of ethical and existential dilemmas as he realises that cloning is not as perfect as they thought.

The story tackles issues that are highly relevant today, such as the ethics of cloning, social inequality and technological exploitation. With a script that promises to be as satirical as it is disturbing, Mickey 17 combines elements of science fiction and social critique, which Joon Ho brings to the screen in his signature style, deep in social reflection but loaded with dark humour. The cast, headed by Robert Pattinson, adds visual and emotional appeal to the plot, and his portrayal of the protagonist promises to be one of the film's strong points. With critical acclaim at festivals such as Berlinale 2025, the film is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of the year.

2. "Ashes in the mouth" by Brenda Navarro

Another highly anticipated adaptation in 2025 is Ash in the mouth, which brings the novel by Mexican writer Brenda Navarro to the big screen. The film is directed by Diego Luna, who has shown his talent behind the camera in previous projects. In this work, Luna ventures into directing a deeply emotional film that deals with separation and the reconfiguration of identity. The story focuses on a mother who lives the anguish of being separated from her daughter, as she struggles to be reunited with her. The context of migration and the difficult conditions of Latin Americans in Spain are at the heart of the plot, showing structural violence, uprooting and helplessness in a foreign country.

This project promises to be a human reflection that will touch the hearts of viewers, addressing universal themes of belonging, family and resilience. The script of Ash in the mouth seeks to maintain the essence of the novel, but also modernises its story with a strong visual charge that complements the deep emotions of the original work. The fact that Diego Luna takes the reins of this adaptation offers a guarantee of sensitivity and authenticity, which generates high expectations in the audience.

3. "The House of the Spirits" by Isabel Allende

One of the most emblematic novels of Latin American literature, The house of spirits by Isabel Allende, returns to the screen in series format, under the production of Prime Video. In this adaptation, the plot of the Trueba family is moved to a more contemporary context, maintaining the essence of the original work but broadening its scope with the series format. The story intertwines the fates of several members of the family over generations, where the supernatural intersects with the historical events of Chile.

The series will delve into themes such as love, politics, dictatorship and the struggle for freedom, but also how the characters face their destinies and the tragedies of their lives.

The adaptation will be one of Prime Video's big bets in 2025, with a cast that is still a mystery, but expected to include major international actors. The house of spirits remains an essential work for lovers of magical realism and promises a deep and exciting adaptation.

4. "The Monkey" by Stephen King

The history of The monkey is one of the most haunting and disturbing in Stephen King's vast oeuvre. This short story, which originally formed part of his collection Just After Sunset, is being adapted for the screen in 2025, which has generated great excitement among fans of the author and fans of psychological horror.

At The monkey, A man named Ted Brautigan faces a series of tragedies in his life after finding a mysterious toy monkey that appears to have evil powers. This toy, it seems, is linked to a series of tragic and terrifying events affecting those close to the protagonist.

The film adaptation of The monkey has generated great interest due to the emotional and psychological complexity of the work. Directed by Mike Flanagan, who has experience of successfully adapting King's work (as in The house on the hill), the film promises to capture the haunting atmosphere and mystery of the original story, while delving deeper into psychological terror and the repercussions of the characters' decisions.

The project has been backed by a stellar cast, with actors such as Ethan Hawke and Florence Pugh, who will play the main characters, promising great chemistry and emotional depth in their performances. The film will seek to explore themes of guilt, regret and fate, while maintaining the suspense that characterises King's best work.

5. "Nosferatu" by Bram Stoker

Bram Stoker's horror classic, Nosferatu, is getting a new adaptation in 2025 that promises to reimagine the legend of the vampire count, one of the most important myths of gothic literature. This new film version promises to maintain the essence of the original work but with a darker and more modern visual approach. Directed by David Robert Mitchell, this adaptation is set against the backdrop of 19th century Europe, where young Jonathan Harker discovers that he has been summoned to a remote mansion by a mysterious nobleman, Count Orlok. What begins as a simple business transaction quickly turns into a nightmare that threatens to wipe out everything the young man knows.

The film will be a melting pot of psychological horror, drama and suspense, supported by strong visuals and a tense atmosphere. With Bill Skarsgård as Count Orlok, the film is expected to be not only a faithful interpretation of the gothic elements of the original, but also a reinvention that respects the haunting character of Stoker's tale. This remake promises to stay true to the original work while offering new audiences a more refreshing and frightening vision of the myth.

6. "Sigue mi voz" by Ariana Godoy

The popular young adult novel Follow my voice by Ariana Godoy, which has won over thousands of readers on platforms such as Wattpad, will also be adapted into a film in 2025. The story follows a young woman who, after a series of unexpected events, is forced to embark on a quest to find her own voice, both personally and professionally. The plot not only explores themes of identity and self-acceptance, but also delves into the emotional challenges faced by teenagers growing up in a world full of expectations and social pressures.

This film will be a landmark for fans of emotionally charged romantic and teenage stories that have resonated with the younger generation of readers. While the script will remain faithful to the original novel, modern cinematic elements will also be introduced to provide a visually engaging experience full of poignant moments. The film aims to connect with a wide audience, both young and old.

7. "The Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" by George R.R. Martin

In a return to the world of Westeros, The Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will adapt George R.R. Martin's short novels, set years before the events of Game of Thrones. The series, to be released on HBO, follows the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire Egg, who travel the Seven Kingdoms in an age when nobility is still less sophisticated in character and power struggles are less overt but equally fierce.

Although Game of Thrones is over, fans of Martin's universe will once again be able to delve into this world of epic fantasy and politics with completely new, but equally fascinating characters.

The series promises to maintain the dark and detailed tone that made Game of Thrones, but with a lighter approach to politics, giving more space to adventure and character development. The audience expects this adaptation to be as successful as the previous instalments based on Martin's work.

8. Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein".

Frankenstein is one of the greatest classics of gothic horror, and in 2025 it will receive a new film adaptation that will delve into the ethical and philosophical dilemmas that the original work raises about creation and suffering. This new version, directed by Guillermo del Toro, will take a contemporary approach, exploring themes of artificial intelligence, scientific ethics and the consequences of manipulating life. The story follows Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a monster from human body parts, but faces the consequences of his own hubris and his monstrous creation.

Del Toro is known for his ability to combine horror with deep reflection, so this version promises to be not only visually stunning, but also philosophically stimulating. With a focus on human suffering and the characters' choices, Frankenstein will become a must-see film for horror and science fiction fans.