Netflix Adapts Lynn Painter’s Better Than The Movies
Production wraps on the romantic comedy adaptation featuring Beatrice Kitsos and David Iacono.
1Adaptation Development Status
Netflix is moving forward with a feature film adaptation of Lynn Painter’s best-selling novel, Better Than The Movies. While the book was originally published five years ago, the project has progressed rapidly since securing a director and a home at the streaming service. Production on the film has officially wrapped recently.
2Lead Cast Members
The film stars Beatrice Kitsos, known for her role in Percy Jackson and the Olympians, as Liz Buxbaum. She is joined by David Iacono, who appears in Jurassic World Rebirth and The Summer I Turned Pretty, portraying the character Wes Bennett. These two actors will lead the romantic comedy's central narrative.
3Supporting Ensemble Cast
The production features a diverse supporting cast including Deacon Phillippe as Michael Young and Nicole Bruner as Jocelyn. Other notable actors joining the project are Luke Kirby, Judy Greer, Claire Coffee, Ora Duplass, Veronica Garrubbo, and Kynlee Heiman. Heiman is specifically cast to portray the role of Young Liz in the film.
4Directorial and Production Team
Julie Hart, who previously directed the coming-of-age drama Don’t Say Good Luck, serves as the director for this adaptation. The screenplay was written by Heather Flanders and Hart Jordan Horowitz. Horowitz is also producing the film through Original Headquarters alongside Shauna Phelan and Melanie Krauss, maintaining a consistent creative partnership.
5Creative Team History
The collaboration between director Julie Hart and producer Hart Jordan Horowitz is well-established within the industry. They previously worked together on the Netflix project Don’t Say Good Luck, which starred Sunny Sandler. This existing professional synergy suggests a streamlined production process for their latest romantic comedy venture on the streaming platform.
6Author’s Expanding Portfolio
Author Lynn Painter has a prolific history of writing young adult and adult romance novels. Beyond this adaptation, her book Fake Skating is currently being developed into a film by Sony Pictures and Olive Bridge Entertainment. That project is currently scheduled for a theatrical release on July 16, 2027, directed by Josh Boone.
7Literary Context and Sequels
The source material, Better Than The Movies, is part of a larger literary universe created by Painter. The story has a direct sequel titled Not Like The Movies, which was published in 2024. Painter’s other notable young adult works include The Do-Over from 2022 and Betting On You, released in 2023.
8Future Streaming Outlook
While production has concluded, Netflix has not yet announced an official streaming release date for the film. Fans of the original novel are awaiting further updates regarding the debut. Given the current momentum of book-to-screen adaptations, this project represents a significant addition to the platform's growing library of romantic comedy content.
Original article: Deadline — Netflix Adapts Lynn Painter’s Better Than The Movies