Nina Dobrev, Tyler Hoechlin, and Virginia Gardner to Star in Rom-Com Adaptation of Tessa Bailey’s 'It Happened One Summer'

Published 08/27/2025, 9:38 PM EDT

There comes a moment in the life of a writer when ink on the page longs for a second act upon the silver screen. The transition from novel to motion picture is considered a crown jewel of literary accomplishment, though selecting the right ensemble is as perilous as arranging a dinner party with quarreling aristocrats. Rarely does it happen without calamity, yet Tessa Bailey appears to have strolled into the impossible with the grace of one who finds pearls in bargain bins. The path from paper to projector now demands its cast of characters.

Tessa Bailey's dreams are coming close to a finish as It Happened One Summer has unveiled its dazzling and meticulously chosen cast.

Meet the cast of It Happened One Summer

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Nina Dobrev, Tyler Hoechlin, and Virginia Gardner have officially stepped into the spotlight of Tessa Bailey’s romantic comedy adaptation It Happened One Summer. The production, now in pre-production, carries both the weight of the novel’s fervent readership and the excitement of Hollywood buzz. Bailey herself expressed unfiltered joy, declaring the trio to be her dream cast and applauding the creative team responsible for translating her vibrant small-town romance into a cinematic confection.

The three performers arrive with diverse portfolios that elevate the film’s anticipation. Dobrev recently completed Bear Country with Russell Crowe and continues to surprise fans with new facts about herself, reinforcing her reputation for versatility. Hoechlin closed his acclaimed tenure as Superman in Superman & Lois, bringing a heroic presence to lighter fare. Gardner, meanwhile, wrapped the romantic comedy Fck Valentine’s Day* opposite Marisa Tomei, sharpening her comedic edge. Collectively, their resumes suggest a film primed for both charm and mass appeal.

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The ensemble of It Happened One Summer is quite what book fans have imagined which further raises the anticipation for the upcoming film 

What to expect from It Happened One Summer

With Peter Hutchings of The Hating Game guiding the direction and a screenplay crafted by Christina Mengert and Joseph Muszynski, It Happened One Summer positions itself as a romantic comedy that balances glitz with grit. The involvement of producers Claude Dal Farra and Brian Keady, alongside Frolic Media’s executive team, underscores a commitment to bringing Tessa Bailey’s lively narrative to screen with polish and commercial resonance. Global sales by Embankment ensure the film’s reach extends beyond American shores.

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Audiences can expect a collision of worlds when Piper Bellinger, an LA socialite stripped of her privileges, lands in a coastal town far from her comfort. The setting provides fertile ground for comedy, heart, and modern commentary on fame’s fleeting nature. Her unexpected clash and eventual bond with Brendan, the stoic captain, suggests a story designed to charm through friction, romance, and the inevitability of opposites attracting.

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Are you looking forward to seeing Nina Dobrev, Tyler Hoechlin, and Virginia Gardner in It Happened One Summer?

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Iffat Siddiqui

523 articles

Iffat is an Entertainment Journalist at Netflix Junkie. A word wizard, she had the sorting hat smoke at the seams owing to her excellence in everything Hollywood and cinema until it finally declared that she belonged to the Royals, specifically Meghan Markle. Boasting over 300 articles (and counting), each one tastefully infused with the right mix of facts, wit, opinion, and essentially everything to make a perfect pop culture piece, she is the epitome of a trustworthy entertainment journalist.

Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui

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