Netflix has found the lead actors for its upcoming adaptation of Lynn Painter’s New York Times best-selling YA novel “Better Than the Movies.”
Beatrice Kitsos (“Percy Jackson and the Olympians”) will star as Liz Buxbaum opposite David Iacono (“Jurassic World Rebirth”) as Wes Bennett.
Julia Hart (“I’m Your Woman”) will direct the film and co-write the screenplay with her husband, Jordan Horowitz, who also serves as a producer alongside Shauna Phelan.
‘Better Than the Movies’ is a Rom-Com Love Letter
Painter’s “Better than the Movies” is a love letter to romantic comedies, celebrating fan-favorite tropes while offering a fresh take on the genre.
A perpetual daydreamer and lover of rom-coms, Liz is determined to get her long-time crush Michael to notice her — even if it means befriending her neighbor Wes. Throughout her childhood, Wes has always been a thorn in Liz’s side. Unfortunately, his friendship with Michael serves as an in to get her dream prom date. As Liz and Wes scheme to get Michael’s attention, their growing connection forces Liz to reconsider everything she believed about love and happy endings.
Published by Simon & Schuster, “Better Than the Movies” is a #1 New York Times bestseller. According to Tudum, it has appeared on the New York Times monthly YA paperback list for 44 months and the weekly YA hardcover list for 20 weeks.
Kitsos and Iacono React to Joining the Adaptation
Netflix announced the casting on Instagram on July 31 with the caption, “Meet Liz and Wes!”
Painter celebrated the news in the comments, writing, “They’ve totally NAILED the casting; the Wes/Liz chemistry is insane here.”
Kitsos and Iacono also shared their excitement about joining the production on Instagram.
“Liz has been my dream role since reading the book. I am honoured and so so excited for this opportunity,” Kitsos wrote. “Thank you to Lynn and Julia and all those who saw Liz in me.”
Fans were eager to hear Kitsos would be leading the adaptation, especially after she expressed interest in auditioning for Liz. When the film was announced in May, Kitsos shared her plea to Instagram saying, “pls let me audition.”
Meanwhile, Iacono shared the casting announcement alongside a selfie holding up the novel.
“Cant wait to bring this guy to life,” his caption read.
Netflix has yet to announce a release date for “Better Than the Movies.” However, a previously released casting notice indicates the production will begin filming in Chicago this fall.
Lynn Painter’s Next Adaptation Is Underway
“Better Than the Movies” marks the second of Painter’s novels to receive a screen adaptation.
Her hockey romance “Fake Skating” will receive a theatrical release from Sony Pictures and Will Gluck’s Olive Bridge Entertainment. Josh Boone (“The Fault in Our Stars”) will direct. Painter also signed on as an executive producer. The studio has yet to announce the cast, but it has slated the film for a July 16 theatrical release next summer.
Painter reacted to the adaptation announcement back in March.
“FAKE SKATING is officially becoming a major motion picture event, coming exclusively to movie theaters,” she said in an Instagram post. “Thank you to all the love you have shown Dani and Alec along the way. This film wouldn’t be possible without the fans!!”
