Phoebe Dynevor lands lead role in 'Beach Read' movie based on beloved novel

Bridgerton star Phoebe Dynevor has been cast as the lead in the upcoming film adaptation of Emily Henry's bestselling romance novel Beach Read

Bridgerton star Phoebe Dynevor has secured the leading role in Beach Read, the upcoming film adaptation of Emily Henry's bestselling romance novel.

First released in 2020, the story centers on two authors and former college competitors who cross paths again unexpectedly and challenge one another to a writing competition, vowing not to become romantically entangled. Dynevor, best recognized for playing Daphne Bridgerton in the debut season of Netflix's popular period drama as well as in the dark political thriller Anniversary, will take on the role of romance author January Andrews.

In the story, January goes head-to-head with and ultimately develops feelings for Gus Everett, whose casting has not yet been announced. Fans of Henry's work have good reason to feel hopeful about the upcoming adaptation, as it's being helmed by Yulin Kuang, who co-wrote Netflix's recent adaptation of People We Meet on Vacation featuring Emily Bader and Tom Blyth, reports the Express.

Kuang is also writing the screenplay, with 20th Century Studios backing the project, meaning audiences can expect a theatrical release.

According to Deadline, the official synopsis states: "Beach Read is a romantic comedy following January Andrews, a successful romance novelist who struggles with grief and writer's block after her father's death and the discovery of secrets he's long kept hidden.

"Whilst spending the summer in his Michigan beach house to prepare it for sale, she unexpectedly reconnects with Gus Everett, an author who was once her rival in college.

"Both creatively stuck, they agree to a writing challenge over the summer, swapping literary genres whilst promising that there will be no romance between them. Of course, you know what they say about the best-laid plans."the-mirror-icon_entertainment_movies_bridgerton

Fans will no doubt be thrilled to watch January and Gus's captivating romance unfold on screen, as Henry's original novel has garnered glowing reviews from both critics and readers alike.

One five-star Amazon review gushed: "I've read this book at least six times now, and somehow, I love it more with each reread.

"Everything about this story is perfect. It's heartwarming, smart, and emotionally rich, but still manages to have me giggling, kicking my feet, and fully rooting for these two. This is such a comforting read I keep the audiobook on standby for whenever I have the chance to replay it."

Another reader enthused: "Together Gus and January have managed to chip away a piece of my heart to call their own. No romance book has had me screaming, crying, smiling and laughing as much as Beach Read."

A third devotee added: "Oh my word, I loved this book so much. I can't stop recommending it to people, even my guy friends.

"I'm not sure how anyone can consider this anything but a masterpiece." Beach Read does not currently have a release date.