Read It First! Movie Adaptations in Theaters This Month

Elizabeth Graney, Librarian, Literature & Fiction Department,
Collage of films adapted from books

If you've heard it once, you've heard it a million times—the book was better! There's nothing like debating the differences between a favorite book and its translation to the screen. But if you don't know your beloved series is coming out as a movie or that the fun-looking preview you saw was adapted from a book, how can you join the debate? The Library is here to the rescue! Here, we will be exploring the movie adaptations soon to hit screens big and small, and give you the chance to read before you view.


Coming This March


Book cover for Project Hail Mary
Project Hail Mary
Weir, Andy

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Astronaut Ryland Grace wakes up alone, light-years from Earth, with no idea who he is or what is going on. As his memories slowly return, he comes to realize that he is the last person left from a crew sent on a desperate mission to take out a danger that threatens Earth and everyone on it. Can Grace solve this scientific mystery in time to save all of humanity? The film adaptation of Andy Weir’s bestselling Project Hail Mary will star Ryan Gosling and premiere in theaters on March 20, 2026.


Book cover of The Count of Monte Cristo
The Count of Monte Cristo
Dumas, Alexandre

Count of Monte Cristo

When he is falsely imprisoned for treason by his rivals, Edmond Dantès loses everything. But with the help of a fellow prisoner, he escapes to the island of Monte Cristo and uncovers a fortune in buried treasure. Dubbing himself the Count of Monte Cristo, Dantès returns to wreak his revenge upon the men who imprisoned him. Alexander Dumas’ (pere) adventure novel, Count of Monte Cristo, was a sensation when first published and has remained popular ever since. PBS Masterpiece’s adaptation starring Sam Claflin and Jeremy Irons will premiere on Prime’s PBS station on March 1, 2026.

Official PBSTrailer


Book cover of Othello
Othello
Shakespeare, William

Othello

After discovering the secret marriage of the beautiful Desdemona to the Moorish general Othello, jealous Roderigo teams up with the duplicitous Iago to exact revenge. Othello is Shakespeare’s classic tale of jealousy, racism, and power-hungry minions. This newest cinematic release, starring Toby Jones and David Harewood, is a filmed version of the 2025 Theatre Royal Haymarket production of the play. It will premiere in theaters on March 4, 2026.


Book cover of Reminders of him : a novel
Reminders of Him
Hoover, Colleen

Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover

Released after five years in prison for a tragic and deadly mistake, Kenna Rowan returns to her hometown hoping to reunite with her four-year-old daughter. But her daughter’s caretakers are determined to keep Kenna and her daughter separated. The only person on her side is Ledger Ward, the local bar owner with a connection to her child. But if anyone discovers their burgeoning relationship, any hope of reconnection with her daughter will be lost. Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover is a tale of grief and hope after a terrible loss. The film, starring Maika Monroe and Tyriq Withers, will premiere in theaters on March 13, 2026.


Book cover of The pout-pout fish
The Pout-Pout Fish
Diesen, Deborah

The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen

In Deborah Diesen’s beloved picture book, The Pout-Pout Fish, Mr. Pout the fish has a permanent frown. But with the help of his underwater friends, he learns that he doesn’t always have to be so glum. The animated adaptation, starring the voice talents of Nick Offerman and Amy Sedaris, will premiere in theaters on March 20, 2026.


 

 

 

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