Phoebe Dynevor to lead 'Beach Read' film adaptation

British actress Phoebe Dynevor has been cast in the lead role of the upcoming film adaptation of Emily Henry’s best-selling novel Beach Read.

Dynevor, best known for her breakout role as Daphne Bridgerton on Netflix’s period drama Bridgerton, will portray January Andrews, the central character in the popular 2020 romance novel.

The story follows a successful romance author struggling with writer’s block and grief who unexpectedly rekindles a creative and romantic challenge with a rival while spending a summer at her late father’s beach house.

The project, developed by 20th Century Studios, reunites Dynevor with director and screenwriter Yulin Kuang, who previously co-wrote the adaptation of another Emily Henry title, People We Meet on Vacation. (!) Kuang is set to both script and direct Beach Read for the studio, with production details and a release date yet to be announced.

Producers say Dynevor’s casting marks the first major breakthrough in assembling the film’s ensemble, with negotiations underway to fill the role of January’s love interest, Gus Everett.

Beach Read joins a growing slate of Emily Henry adaptations moving toward the screen, following the recent Netflix release of People We Meet on Vacation and other titles in development.

Details on filming locations, additional cast members and distribution plans are expected in the coming months as the production advances toward pre-production.