3 Books becoming movies this Summer
When the hot summer sun beats down on the earth outside, it’s only natural to want to curl up in the soothing A/C from time to time. But you’ll get totally bored if you hibernate in your own apartment the entire summer, which is why it’s important to get out and take advantage of some free air conditioning every now and then. You could head to the mall, treat yourself to a mani-pedi, or enjoy a beloved childhood classic splashed across the big screen. With so many adaptations of books coming to theaters this season, you may want to go with the latter. Here are three novel adaptations you can expect to see at your local cinema this summer.
- Alice Through the Looking Glass, May 27. Just before summer officially begins, Johnny Depp will reprise his role as the ever-unpredictable—but somehow endearing—Mad Hatter for the second installment of the Alice in Wonderland movie series that debuted in 2010. Based on the book Through the Looking Glass, and What Alice Found There this adaptation recreates Lewis Carroll’s tale of Alice as she escapes an institution to return to a magical land filled with colorful characters. Alice Through the Looking Glass follows the golden-haired heroine as she faces off against a tyrannical opponent in an attempt to save her beloved Mad Hatter. Join her on her journey back to the vaguely creepy, persistently colorful Wonderland as she encounters familiar helpers and villains over the course of her quest. In addition to Johnny Depp, the movie also stars other big Hollywood names like Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, Sacha Baron Cohen, and even the voice of the late Alan Rickman.
- The BFG, July 1. Anyone who loved to read as a child certainly encountered the enchanting, playful writings of Roald Dahl, and The BFG might just be his most famous tale. Dahl has a knack for weaving tales that stretch the limits of one’s imagination, but with the help of director Steven Spielberg, the fantastic tale of The BFG is bound to translate flawlessly to the big screen. Tag along on young Sophie’s adventures with the BFG, also known as the Big Friendly Giant, while she learns about the importance of kindness and compassion—and the perks of having a giant as your BFF. As Sophie and the BFG develop a friendship, she learns that he’s not like other giants. He staunchly refuses to eat children, which makes him a target for ridicule in the giant world—but it’ll probably make him a hero in your eyes.
- The Legend of Tarzan, July 1. The beloved book Tarzan of the Apes has been recreated in various formats many times, including a beloved animated Disney adaptation, but this adaptation from seasoned director David Yates allows for depth in each character. A cartoon version simply can’t do that. It follows Alexander Skarsgard—or rather, Tarzan—as he leaves his comfortable life in London to return to the jungle. He’s long since adjusted to a civilized city life, but a mystery at a nearby mining encampment and the kidnapping of his beautiful wife (played by Margot Robbie) might just keep him from his cushy urban life for longer than he anticipated.
19 Books to Read Before the Movie Comes Out in 2016 [Buzzfeed]
12 Books You Need to Read Before They Become Movies in 2016 [MTV]
20 of 2016’s Most Anticipated Book-to-Movie Adaptations [EW]