'People We Meet on Vacation' Author Has More Hollywood Adaptations in Pipeline Amid Netflix Release

Published 01/07/2026, 8:59 AM CST

Sunlight spilling across a quiet beach house. A half-packed suitcase by the door. Two people talking about what they really feel. The writing of Emily Henry pulls readers into these moments gently, letting emotion settle before the story reveals its shape. Each chapter feels visual by design, moving with the rhythm of romantic cinema while holding the depth of contemporary fiction. 

It is this cinematic clarity that makes the stories feel naturally suited for the screen. And now, one of those stories, People We Meet On Vacation, is already coming on Netflix, with more following close behind.

Emily Henry's novels find a new presence on screen with multiple adaptations on way

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What began as beloved beach reads is now shaping into a growing slate of film and television adaptations. Five of Emily Henry’s novels are currently in development for the screen, with Netflix emerging as a key player in bringing two of the emotionally driven romances to life. Leading the charge is People We Meet on Vacation, the first adaptation to move into full production and release.

Then comes Happy Place that is being developed as a television series under Jennifer Lopez’s Nuyorican Productions. The project falls under Nuyorican’s multi-year first-look deal with Netflix, with Bridgerton co-executive producer Leila Cohan attached as showrunner. The move signals Netflix’s intent to treat Henry’s work as long-form, character-rich storytelling rather than one-off adaptations.  

Beyond Netflix, other studios have secured rights to adapt the rest of her recent novels. Beach Read is being adapted into a feature film at 20th Century Studios, with Yulin Kuang set to write and direct. Book Lovers is in development as a feature film from Tango, with Sarah Heyward writing the screenplay. Meanwhile, Funny Story is also headed for the big screen, with the author herself adapting the novel into a feature script for Lyrical Media and Ryder Picture Company.

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While most of the other books are in work, here is everything you need to know about Emily Henry's first adaptation, People We Meet on Vacation.

Everything to know about People We Meet on Vacation

People We Meet on Vacation will follow the story of Poppy and Alex, two complete opposites who form an unlikely friendship that slowly deepens into something more. Poppy is adventurous, spontaneous, and always chasing the next experience, while Alex is quiet, routine-loving, and happiest with a book in hand. Despite their differences, they commit to taking one vacation together every year, creating a tradition that becomes the backbone of their relationship.

Over time, these trips capture moments of laughter, conflict, vulnerability, and unspoken feelings, revealing how deeply intertwined their lives have become. The story unfolds across timelines, moving between past vacations and the present, where Poppy and Alex have stopped speaking after a mysterious fallout. As they reunite for one final trip, the narrative gently peels back layers of misunderstandings, missed chances, and emotional truths

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Directed by Brett Haley, known for his work on films like Hearts Beat Loud and All the Bright Places, the cast features Emily Bader as Poppy Wright and Tom Blyth as Alex Nilsen, who form the heart of the story. Supporting roles include Sarah Catherine Hook, Jameela Jamil, Lucien Laviscount, Lukas Gage, Miles Heizer, Tommy Do, Alice Lee, Alan Ruck, and Molly Shannon, rounding out a diverse ensemble that brings the novel’s vibrant world of friends and family to life

With Netflix anchoring the slate with two projects and multiple studios involved, this wave of adaptations feels less like a trend and more like a long-term shift.

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Which adaptation are you most excited to watch? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Sarah Ansari

78 articles

Sarah Ansari is an entertainment writer at Netflix Junkie, transitioning from four years in marketing and automotive journalism to storytelling-driven pop culture coverage. With a background in English Literature and experience writing across NFL, NASCAR, and NBA verticals, she brings a research-led, narrative-focused lens to film and television. Passionate about exploring how stories are crafted and why they resonate, Sarah unwinds through sketching, swimming, motorsports—and yearly winter Harry Potter marathons.

Edited By: Itti Mahajan

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