This year has been keeping the audience engaged in books and films simultaneously with the aesthetic modern retelling of timeless stories. Even with older adaptations existing, the same plot and the same characters appear different in every adaptation with their fresh perspectives in terms of themes, setting or even a message. From romance to fantasy to satire to period stories, here is a list of upcoming retellings to look forward to.
Sense and Sensibility
A 2026 Jane Austen adaptation directed by Georgia Oakley is a tale of two sisters who through heartbreak learn their way in life. Being a classic Austen story it demonstrates the themes of social disparity towards women in terms of inheritance and marriage. Set to release on 25th September, this adaptation offers a naturalistic approach to the financial situations of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne.
East of Eden
An adaptation of John Steinbeck's 1952 novel of the same title, is executive produced by Zoe Kazan. Starring Florence Pugh as Cathy Ames, this drama follows her intertwined life with two brothers of the Trask family: Adam and Charles. Streaming on Netflix on October 1, the drama reinterprets the biblical tale of Cain and Abel through sibling rivalries, generational trauma and moral choices.
Pride and Prejudice
Drawing on the enduring Austen novel, director Euros Lyn and writer Dolly Alderton present the beloved pair of Miss Bennet and Mr Darcy in an episodic format. Following the novel, the drama depicts the life of Bennet sisters as their mother pushes for their marriage. With a star studded cast of Emma Corrin, Jack Lowden, Louis Partridge, Olivia Colman and more, the drama is scheduled to release on Netflix this fall.
The Master and Margarita
Based on Mikhail Bulgakov’s semi-autobiographical novel, this adaptation follows a writer who writes a novel where Devil wreaks havoc on those who have wronged the author after his previous work gets censored. Directed by Michael Lockshin, it stars August Diehl, Yevgeny Tsyganov, Yuliya Snigir and Claes Bang, among others and it is set to be released in September.
Dune Part 3
Following part 1 & 2, this adaptation of Frank Herbert’s novel continues with Paul Atreides ascent to power while the Bene Gesserit along with Princess Irulan and the Spacing Guild conspire against him as they form an alliance. This sequel continues to be a star cast along with the addition of Robert Pattinson and Anya Taylor Joy to the ensemble. Featuring another of Hans Zimmer’s immersive background scores, especially the war cry, the film is set to release in theatres in December 2026.
Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew
The magical world behind the wardrobe is coming back on screen through Greta Gerwig’s singular vision of C.S. Lewis’s 1955 novel of the same title. The story 'shows how all the comings and goings between our own world and the land of Narnia first began,' as the novel’s opening lines read, and leads to the events of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (1950). This adaptation is set to release in February 2027.
The Nightingale
Directed by Michael Morris, the adaptation depicts the survival of two sisters who strive for freedom under enemy occupation. The characters, Vianne Mauriac and Isabelle Rossignol are played by real-life sisters Dakota and Elle Fanning, marking the first time the two have acted together on screen. Bringing Kristin Hannah's 2015 novel to screen, the film is said to be in theatres in March 2027.
The Magic Faraway Tree
An adaptation of Enid Blyton’s 1943 novel, it follows a couple who relocate their screen-addicted family to the countryside intending to get their children to play outdoors. The countryside woods have a surprising adventure for the kids awaiting magical creatures that will become a part of their journey. Directed by Ben Gregor, this film boasts a star cast of Andrew Garfield, Rebecca Ferguson, Nicola Coughlan and more.
Words Shruti Verma
Date 16.9.2026