Six brilliant book adaptations period-drama lovers need to know about

When it comes to films or books, we all have our personal preferences, and often our favourite films have been adapted from a brilliant book that was simply too good to leave to our imaginations. Some of the best adaptations have been taken from classic literature, such as the works of Jane Austen or Emily Brontë. Most of these period classics have taken on various lives and have been adapted time and time again, due to their story being as old as time. These stories clearly still resonate today, as there are six period adaptations currently in the works and being prepared for the big screen.

In a recent post on Instagram, @cassmorann shared six film adaptations that period lovers need to know about.

Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights

What we know so far: "Emerald Fennell is directing the new adaptation of Brontë's work starring Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff. The film, produced by Robbie's LuckyChap Entertainment, has begun filming in the UK and is scheduled for a February 2026 release by Warner Bros."

The Odyssey by Homer

What we know: "Christopher Nolan's epic film adaptation of Homer's The Odyssey is scheduled for a July 17, 2026 release, with production beginning in Spring 2025 in locations including Morocco and Sicily. It will be shot entirely using brand new IMAX technology, bringing the ancient saga to the format for the first time. While official cast lists are scarce, reports suggest Matt Damon is confirmed as Odysseus, with Anne Hathaway as Penelope, and various other actors potentially in the ensemble."

John Steinbeck's East of Eden

What we know: "Netflix is developing a seven-episode limited series based on John Steinbeck's East of Eden, with Florence Pugh starring as Cathy Ames and Zoe Kazan adapting the novel and serving as a co-showrunner. The series will explore the multi-generational Trask family saga from Cathy's perspective, focusing on themes of generational trauma, good versus evil, and the importance of personal choices. The cast also includes Christopher Abbott as Adam, Mike Faist as Charles, and Hoon Lee, with filming having taken place from October 2024 to March 2025."

Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

Here's the rundown: "An upcoming adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is a six-part limited series for Netflix, written by Dolly Alderton, with Emma Corrin as Elizabeth Bennet and Jack Lowden as Mr. Darcy, supported by an extensive cast including Olivia Colman and Fiona Shaw. Filming began in the UK in July 2025, and while a specific release date hasn't been announced, it's anticipated for mid to late 2026."

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

What we know: "An upcoming Sense and Sensibility film, described as a "fresh take" on Jane Austen's novel, is currently in production in the UK, with filming beginning in July 2025. Starring Daisy Edgar-Jones as Elinor Dashwood and Esmé Creed-Miles as Marianne Dashwood, the film is directed by Georgia Oakley and written by Diana Reid. Other cast members include Caitríona Balfe, Frank Dillane, George MacKay, and Fiona Shaw. No release date has been set, but with production underway, a release in 2026 or later is expected."

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

All we know: "Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein is an upcoming Netflix film set for a limited theatrical release on October 17, 2025, with a full release on November 7, 2025. The film stars Jacob Elordi as Frankenstein's Monster and Oscar Isaac as Dr. Frankenstein, with Mia Goth and Christoph Waltz also in the cast. Del Toro aims to create a "Miltonian tragedy" that captures the spirit of Mary Shelley's novel, focusing on themes of fatherhood, the creature's isolation, and a father-son relationship, rather than a traditional horror film."