Podcast Summary: "Read it Before You See it"
I'll Read What She's Reading - Episode Released July 23, 2025

In the episode titled "Read it Before You See it," hosts Mikaela, Reggie, and Kennedy delve into the eagerly anticipated world of book-to-movie adaptations slated for release in 2025. This comprehensive discussion not only explores the forthcoming adaptations but also provides insightful commentary on what makes a faithful and successful transition from page to screen. Here's a detailed breakdown of their conversation:

1. Introduction to Book-to-Movie Adaptations

The hosts kick off the episode by outlining their focus on upcoming book-to-movie and TV show adaptations. They emphasize the importance of discussing their excitement, casting choices, and overall fidelity to the source material.

Reggie sets the stage by stating:

"We're going to be chatting about book to movie adaptations that are coming soon and just kind of like our thoughts and if we're excited about them or not."
[00:33]

2. What Makes a Good Adaptation?

Before diving into specific adaptations, the trio discusses the critical elements that contribute to a successful book-to-movie transformation.

• Fidelity to the Source Material:
  Mikaela highlights the challenge of visualizing literature:

  "Whatever the author describes, you know, keeping pretty similar to that because, at least the author had something she wanted in your mind when describing something."
  [01:09]

• Production Company and Casting Choices:
  Reggie underscores the significance of the production team's reputation and the casting of well-known actors:

  "My first thought was, like, the production company, like, who's putting it on? Because sometimes when things get picked up by certain places, I'm like, oh, this will be interesting."
  [01:55]

• Author's Involvement:
  Mikaela stresses the importance of authors being involved in the adaptation process to ensure authenticity:

  "I think too, a successful adaptation, the author is a big part of it... I'd rather have an adaptation not happen and the author be picky than an adaptation happen and an author not care."
  [04:06]

3. Spotlight on Upcoming Adaptations

a. "Project Hail Mary" by Andy Weir

Project Hail Mary, authored by Andy Weir, is the first adaptation the hosts discuss, showcasing considerable excitement.

• Trailer Reactions and Spoilers:
  Mikaela points out potential spoilers from the trailer:

  "It spoils the book absolutely, 100%. But did you guys know that the thing that everybody..."
  [04:56]

• Casting:
  Reggie expresses enthusiasm for Ryan Gosling's involvement:

  "Ryan Gosling, he's gonna be great."
  [05:50]

• Audiobook Recommendation:
  Both hosts recommend reading the book before watching the movie to preserve plot surprises.

b. "The Long Walk" by Stephen King

A reinterpretation of Stephen King's "The Long Walk," this adaptation has stirred mixed feelings among the hosts.

• Plot Overview and Trailer Impressions:
  Reggie shares his unease after watching the trailer:

  "I watched the trailer and I was scared. I was very terrified."
  [10:57]

• Casting Highlights:
  Featuring Mark Hamill and Charlie Plummer, the cast has garnered interest:

  "I see Mark Hamill... Charlie Plummer."
  [12:30]

• Release Information:
  Set to premiere in September 2025, Reggie cautions viewers about potential spoilers and emotional depth:

  "It seems like it also would be a very emotional read based off of what I've seen in the trailer."
  [14:10]

c. "Running Man" by Stephen King

Another Stephen King adaptation, "Running Man," blends horror and comedy elements.

• Genre and Release:
  Described as a "Horrormedy," it's slated for a November 7th release on Netflix.

• Plot and Casting:
  Glen Powell stars as the protagonist competing for prize money to save his daughter:

  "It's about Glen Powell as the main character... and he enters in a competition called the Running Man to help his sick daughter."
  [15:08]

• Adaptation Faithfulness:
  The hosts note that this remake aims to stay truer to the original book compared to its 1990s predecessor.

d. "I'm Glad My Mom Died" by Jeanette McCurdy

A deeply personal memoir adaptation with Jennifer Aniston involved.

• Production Details:
  Picked up by Apple TV, Jennifer Aniston is set to star and possibly produce alongside McCurdy:

  "Jennifer Aniston stars in a new series based on Jeanette McCurdy's best selling coming of age memoir."
  [28:25]

• Genre and Expectation:
  Classified as a dramedy, the adaptation promises emotional depth intertwined with comedic elements.

e. "People We Meet on Vacation" by Emily Henry

A romantic comedy adaptation that's generating buzz among fans.

• Casting and Reception:
  Featuring Pen Badgley, the adaptation raises hopes but also faces skepticism due to mixed feelings about the book's content.

• Release Information:
  Scheduled for release in January, the hosts express anticipation despite mixed reviews of the source material:

  "It's pretty spicy... I'm excited for that one."
  [35:14]

f. "Verity" by Colleen Hoover

A psychological thriller adapted for Amazon Prime and MGM Studios.

• Casting and Concerns:
  Anne Hathaway leads the cast, with Scott Eastwood making a comeback after years of hiatus:

  "Anne Hathaway... Scott Eastwood... released by Paramount Pictures on October 24th."
  [42:15]

• Content Sensitivity:
  Reggie mentions that certain book elements are triggering, raising questions about the film's rating:

  "There's some things on that book that triggered me a little bit and I am hoping they change."
  [40:52]

g. "The Housemaid"

A Christmas-themed adaptation with a star-studded cast.

• Cast and Release:
  Featuring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, the movie is set for a Christmas Day release:

  "Sydney Sweeney is the maid... Amanda Seyfried is playing the wife."
  [50:21]

• Expectations:
  The hosts are torn between anticipation and skepticism, highlighting the cast's potential to deliver a memorable holiday film.

4. Industry Insights and Final Thoughts

Towards the end of the episode, Mikaela and Reggie touch upon broader industry practices and their hopes for future adaptations.

• Author's Influence on Adaptations:
  They discuss how adaptations can affect an author's reputation and book sales, emphasizing the delicate balance between creative control and commercial success.

• Cover Art Concerns:
  Mikaela voices her dislike for authors changing book covers to feature movie actors:

  "I hope that doesn't happen. If you're listening, don't change your cover."
  [54:31]

• Future Episodes Tease:
  The hosts hint at further discussions on book-to-movie adaptations, acknowledging the ever-growing list of upcoming projects.

Notable Quotes

• Mikaela:

  "I'd rather have an adaptation not happen and the author be picky than an adaptation happen and an author not care."
  [04:06]

• Reggie:

  "I watched the trailer and I was scared. I was very terrified."
  [10:57]

• Mikaela:

  "I hope that doesn't happen. If you're listening, don't change your cover."
  [54:31]

• Reggie:

  "We hope you guys go read that before the movie comes out, because it's going to be good. How many times can we say that?"
  [10:35]

Conclusion

"Read it Before You See it" offers a thorough exploration of the dynamic relationship between literature and film. By dissecting upcoming adaptations, analyzing casting decisions, and pondering the fidelity to original works, Mikaela, Reggie, and Kennedy provide listeners with a nuanced perspective on what to expect from the next wave of screen adaptations. Whether you're a die-hard reader or a casual moviegoer, this episode equips you with the insights to navigate the exciting, chaotic, and relatable journey of seeing beloved books brought to life on screen.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, introductory segments, and the outro content unrelated to the episode's main discussion.