20th Century Studios’ adaptation of Emily Henry’s beloved romance novel Beach Read has officially started filming, and the first behind-the-scenes glimpse of its two leads has set the internet ablaze. Director Yulin Kuang shared a camera test photo of Phoebe Dynevor and Patrick Schwarzenegger on set, confirming production is underway ahead of the film’s May 7, 2027 theatrical release.
The Cast
Phoebe Dynevor, best known for leading the first season of Netflix’s Bridgerton, stars as January Andrews, a successful romance novelist dealing with grief and writer’s block after her father’s unexpected death. Patrick Schwarzenegger, who broke out in The White Lotus Season 3, plays Augustus “Gus” Everett, January’s grumpy college rival who ends up next door when she retreats to her late father’s Michigan beach house. As E! News reported, director Kuang called the casting process extensive, noting that Schwarzenegger’s chemistry read with Dynevor ultimately won over both filmmakers and the studio.
The supporting cast has also taken shape, with Kevin Bacon and Andie MacDowell joining the production in undisclosed roles, alongside Kristin Davis and Tig Notaro. Filming is currently underway in Toronto through July 24, 2026.
What Is Beach Read?
Published in 2020, Beach Read was Emily Henry’s breakout novel and quickly became a BookTok sensation. The story follows January and Gus, two writers with opposite styles, who make a deal to swap genres over the summer, with January attempting a serious literary novel while Gus tries his hand at something happy. The catch: no romance. The follow-through: exactly what you’d expect. Henry has since become one of the biggest names in contemporary romance fiction, with People We Meet on Vacation and Happy Place also receiving screen adaptations.
Fan Reaction
The first-look photo from the camera test has generated polarized responses online, with some fans enthusiastic about the pairing and others skeptical of the casting choices. Henry herself addressed the discourse in a May appearance on the Today show, noting that she trusts the filmmakers’ vision and is “along for the ride” alongside her readers. The film is directed by Yulin Kuang from her own script, produced by Neal H. Moritz via Original Films, and developed at 20th Century Studios, a Disney subsidiary.
Beach Read hits theaters exclusively on May 7, 2027. For more on Emily Henry adaptations, check out our coverage of Only Murders in the Building’s star-studded Season 6.
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