Rom-com fans, get ready because the It Happened One Summer movie adaptation, based on Tessa Bailey’s bestselling novel, is officially happening!
This book isn’t just any rom-com; it’s a viral BookTok sensation, a New York Times bestseller, and one of the most talked-about romances of the decade. Now, the book is coming to life with a dazzling cast and creative team already turning heads.
Tessa Bailey has carved out a standout spot in contemporary romance with her sharp, witty characters and steamy, heartfelt stories. She first burst onto the bestseller list with Fix Her Up in 2019, and since then, she’s delivered hit after hit—from the Bellinger Sisters series to her latest Big Shots books.
And if the movie adaptation of It Happened One Summer hits the right spot and becomes a hit, we can expect more books from the author to be picked up for movie and TV adaptations.
The upcoming adaptation is already causing a stir as production is underway, and major names have joined the project, as announced by the author herself. The film is being produced by Embankment and BCDF Pictures, with The Hating Game director Peter Hutchings at the helm.
What is the Plot of It Happened One Summer Movie?
‘It Happened One Summer’ fits Tessa Bailey’s career arc perfectly as it blends small-town charm and feel-good romance with character growth and plenty of humor.
The story follows Piper Bellinger, an LA socialite cut off by her stepfather, who is exiled to a cold coastal town, forced to work at her estranged late father’s bar, and is compelled to confront her own delusions. What starts as a punishment turns into a deeply personal journey, especially when the rugged and handsome sea captain, Brendan, steps into the picture.
The novel’s charm lies in its grumpy/sunshine dynamic, witty banter, and heartfelt sincerity—traits that have made it a modern rom-com favorite.
If you haven’t read the book yet, here’s the official synopsis, which will give you an idea of what to expect from the upcoming film adaptation:
Piper Bellinger is fashionable, influential, and her reputation as a wild child means the paparazzi are constantly on her heels. When too much champagne and an out-of-control rooftop party land Piper in the slammer, her stepfather decides enough is enough.
So he cuts her off and sends Piper and her sister to learn some responsibility running their late father’s dive bar in Washington.
Piper hasn’t even been in Westport for five minutes when she meets big, bearded sea captain Brendan, who thinks she won’t last a week outside of Beverly Hills. So what if Piper can’t do math, and the idea of sleeping in a shabby apartment with bunk beds gives her hives. How bad could it really be? She’s determined to show her stepfather—and the hot, grumpy local—that she’s more than a pretty face.
Except it’s a small town, and everywhere she turns, she bumps into Brendan. The fun-loving socialite and the gruff fisherman are polar opposites, but there’s an undeniable attraction simmering between them. Piper doesn’t want any distractions, especially feelings for a man who sails off into the sunset for weeks at a time.
Yet as she reconnects with her past and begins to feel at home in Westport, Piper starts to wonder if the cold, glamorous life she knew is what she truly wants. LA is calling her name, but Brendan—and this town full of memories—may have already caught her heart.
It Happened One Summer Movie Release Date:
As of now, an official release date for the ‘It Happened One Summer’ movie hasn’t been announced. The film is in development, with casting confirmed and production underway, so fans can likely expect a release window sometime in late 2025 or early 2026.
Adaptations of this scale usually take 12–18 months from the start of filming to premiere, so while we’re all impatiently waiting, the timeline makes sense. Keep an eye on the author’s social media for the first official updates, including teaser trailers and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks.
Who is the Cast of the Film adaptation of It Happened One Summer?
The author took to Instagram to break the news of the confirmed casting, which came as a shock to her fans. The movie adaptation of the novel was announced a couple of years ago, and no further updates have been shared since then.
And when the news broke, it was to reveal the actors who would portray your favorite characters.
So far, only 3 cast members have been announced, and they are Nina Dobrev, Tyler Hoechlin & Virginia Gardner!
While it hasn’t been revealed which characters these actors will portray, we can make an educated guess:
- Nina Dobrev will play Piper Bellinger
- Tyler Hoechlin will play Brendan Taggart
- Virginia Gardner will play Hannah Bellinger, Piper’s sister
Behind the camera, the movie has a solid team as well. Peter Hutchings, known for directing The Hating Game, is overseeing the adaptation, while Christina Mengert and Joseph Muszynski are handling the screenplay.
Production companies Embankment Films and BCDF Pictures are backing the project, which bodes well considering their track record with romantic comedies.
Should You Read the Book Instead?
If you haven’t read It Happened One Summer yet, the answer is a resounding yes—read it before the movie comes out!
While the adaptation will capture the heart of Piper and Brendan’s love story, there’s something special about experiencing the book first. Tessa Bailey’s witty banter, Piper’s inner transformation, and the sizzling chemistry between the leads shine brightest on the page.
The novel also provides more depth into the Bellinger sisters’ bond and Piper’s emotional journey—details that may not make it into the final screenplay. Additionally, reading the book now allows you to join the fandom conversation, select your favorite moments, and anticipate how the film will bring them to life.
And if you fall in love with the world, you can dive straight into the sequel, Hook, Line, and Sinker, which tells Hannah’s story.
In short: whether you’re new to Tessa Bailey or a longtime fan, reading the book before watching the It Happened One Summer movie will make the experience even more rewarding!
Upcoming Book Adaptations: