Patrick Schwarzenegger joins Phoebe Dynevor in Beach Read adaptation

LONDON: Patrick Schwarzenegger has been cast opposite Phoebe Dynevor in the film version of Emily Henry’s 2020 bestselling novel Beach Read, taking on the role of Gus Everett in the 20th Century Studios project.

Dynevor is set to play January Andrews in the adaptation, which is based on Henry’s widely read novel about two writers dealing with personal and professional uncertainty during a summer spent as neighbours in beach houses in Michigan.

The story centres on January, a romance writer who has lost belief in love, and Augustus Everett, a literary author struggling with intense writer’s block. Living next door to one another, they agree to a creative exchange in which Augustus tries to write something hopeful while January attempts a serious literary book.

That arrangement gradually extends beyond writing. As they immerse themselves in each other’s worlds, both characters are forced to confront difficult emotional histories. January takes Gus to romantic locations meant to inspire him, while he introduces her to darker subject matter, including interviews with surviving members of a cult. What begins as a professional challenge develops into a deeper emotional bond.

Director and production team

The film is being directed by Yulin Kuang, who also co-wrote the adaptation of Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation for Netflix. Kuang has previously spoken about the tone of Henry’s writing, saying that although the novels share emotional warmth, each one has its own distinct narrative identity and rhythm.

Discussing the casting process, Kuang said the team considered many actors over a six-month period and focused not only on individual performances but also on finding a pairing with believable chemistry on screen.

Kuang used that phrase to describe Schwarzenegger’s presence, saying his approach to romance and emotional expression stood out during auditions. She said the choice became more apparent after screen tests with Dynevor, when the two actors showed a natural dynamic together. According to the director, their chemistry reads produced a noticeable energy that helped confirm the decision to cast them opposite each other.

Growing screen interest in Emily Henry’s work

Schwarzenegger also expressed excitement about joining what fans have called the Emily Henry cinematic universe. He said he wanted to do justice to the original novel and its readership, while also praising Dynevor and Kuang for the collaborative process during auditions and early development talks.

Dynevor will lead the adaptation alongside Schwarzenegger as the project moves ahead with producer Neal H Moritz through Original Film. Karina Rahardja is serving as executive producer.

The adaptation adds to a broader slate of Emily Henry novels now being developed for the screen. With several of her titles already at different stages of adaptation, Beach Read is the latest example of Hollywood’s continued interest in contemporary romantic fiction and the audience that follows it.