Phoebe Dynevor Cast in Beach Read Film
Bridgerton star Phoebe Dynevor has been cast as January Andrews in the theatrical adaptation of Emily Henry's bestselling novel *Beach Read*, marking the first casting announcement for the project. The film represents what critics call "the return of the genuinely good rom-com" and will receive a theatrical release, signaling renewed studio confidence in romantic comedies. Other Emily Henry projects like *Funny Story* have shifted to streaming platforms.
- The film is being adapted for 20th Century Studios by writer and director Yulin Kuang. Kuang also co-wrote the screenplay for the film adaptation of another Emily Henry novel, *People We Meet on Vacation*. - The story follows January Andrews, a romance novelist, and Augustus "Gus" Everett, an acclaimed literary fiction author, who are former college rivals. They find themselves in neighboring beach houses for the summer, both struggling with writer's block. - To break their creative slumps, they challenge each other to a bet: January will write a serious literary novel, and Gus will attempt to write a romance with a happy ending. - Neal H. Moritz is set to produce the film through his production company, Original Films. Karina Rahardja will serve as an executive producer. - In addition to her breakout role in *Bridgerton*, Phoebe Dynevor has also starred in the films *The Colour Room* (2021) and *Fair Play* (2023). - Several other of Emily Henry's popular romance novels are also in various stages of film development, including *Book Lovers*, *Happy Place*, and *Funny Story*.
