The Girly Geek's Guide To: 2015 Book-to-Movie Adaptations

2015 is going to be a big year for the literary-minded moviegoers with numerous major adaptations set to hit the silver screen over the next twelve months.

This is the time of year when most people are still making an effort to work towards their new years resolutions, and I'm willing to bet that many people are aiming to read more in 2015. Not only are there tons of new novels being published this year, but a rather abundant amount are being translated from book to big screen. And of course, we all want to be that person who's read the title and goes to the cinema and remarks about how "The book was so much better." This list will help you be that person! Here are some of the most highly anticipated book-to-movie adaptations heading your way this year:
(Please note: some of these were a little bit tricky as they'd been released in some countries in 2014. I tried my best to include ones that are particularly noteworthy and are still set to be released in some locations this year.)

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

As you're all probably aware, Divergent came to life on screen last year and it's only necessary that the story continues with the sequel, Insurgent this year. I had been a huge fan of Divergent when I first read it, but I was not so impressed with its sequels. I'm quite nervous to see how it translates, because after seeing the trailer all I can think about how trope-y and cliché it seems to have been portrayed.

A little info: INSURGENT raises the stakes for Tris as she searches for allies and answers in the ruins of a futuristic Chicago. Tris (Woodley) and Four (James) are now fugitives on the run, hunted by Jeanine (Winslet), the leader of the power-hungry Erudite elite. Racing against time, they must find out what Tris's family sacrificed their lives to protect, and why the Erudite leaders will do anything to stop them. Haunted by her past choices but desperate to protect the ones she loves, Tris, with Four at her side, faces one impossible challenge after another as they unlock the truth about the past and ultimately the future of their world.

Release date:

• USA: March 20th
• AUS: March 19th

Starring: Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Kate Winslet, Ansel Elgort, Miles Teller, Naomi Watts, Zoe Kravitz.

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (Part 2)

Mockingjay Part 1 graced cinema screens around the world in November of 2014, and I'm sure I speak on behalf of the people when I say that we are all eagerly awaiting the final instalment to this epic series. I'm very nervous to see how all pans out, but I am excited none the less.

A little info: Mockingjay is the completion of Katniss Everdeen’s rebellion against the Capital and her fight to bring President Snow down. 

Release date:

• USA: November 20th
• AUS: November 20th

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Sam Claflin, Jena Malone and Donald Sutherland.

Cinderella by the Brothers Grimm

I'm a sucker for Disney movies and Cinderella will always have a special place in my heart, though I'm not too sure how I feel about this live action version of the classic tale. I've heard some people remark that Disney are running out of original ideas, and while it does kind of seem that way, I am still curious to see how it translates to the big screen.

A little info: The story of "Cinderella" follows the fortunes of young Ella whose merchant father remarries following the tragic death of her mother. Keen to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new stepmother Lady Tremaine and her daughters Anastasia and Drizella into the family home. But when Ella's father suddenly and unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family. Finally relegated to nothing more than a servant girl covered in ashes, and spitefully renamed Cinderella, Ella could easily begin to lose hope. Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella is determined to honor her mother's dying words. And then there is the dashing stranger she meets in the woods. Unaware that he is really a prince, not merely an employee at the palace, Ella finally feels she has met a kindred soul. It appears as if her fortunes may be about to change when the palace sends out an open invitation for all maidens to attend a ball, raising Ella's hopes of once again encountering the charming "Kit."

Release date:

• USA: March 13th
• AUS: March 26th

Starring: Lily James, Hayley Atwell, Helena Bonham Carter, Cate Blanchett, Holliday Grainger, Richard Madden.

The D.U.F.F by Kody Keplinger

I myself have yet to read the DUFF, but I've heard a fair share about it and am looking forward to reading it before seeing it translated to the silver screen. 

A little info:  High school senior, Bianca Piper, is somewhat of an outcast, but she has a gorgeous group of loyal friends to keep her company. Bianca's world is shattered when she learns the student body knows her as 'The DUFF' (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) to her prettier, more popular friends.Now, despite the words of caution from her favorite teacher, she puts aside the potential distraction of her crush, Toby, and enlists Wesley, a slick but charming jock, to help reinvent herself. To save her senior year from turning into a total disaster, Bianca must find the confidence to overthrow the school's ruthless label maker Madison and remind everyone that no matter what people look or act like, we are all someone's DUFF.

Release date: 

• USA: February 20th
• AUS: April 2nd

Starring: Mae Whitman, Robbie Amell, Bella Thorn, Allison Janney.

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L James

Though I have not read this one myself, and I definitely do not intend to, this is easily one of the most talked about adaptations of this year. (Probably because of how controversial it is). Even just seeing the posters makes me uncomfortable but I know that there are many fans of this series out there.

A little info: When Anastasia Steele, a literature student, goes to interview the wealthy Christian Grey, as a favor to her roommate Kate Kavanagh, she encounters a beautiful, brilliant and intimidating man. The innocent and naive Ana started to realize she wants him, despite his enigmatic reserve and advice, she finds herself desperate to get close to him. Not able to resist Ana's beauty and independent spirit, Christian Grey admits he wants her too, but in his own terms. Ana hesitates as she discovers the singular tastes of Christian Grey - despite of the embellishments of success, his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family - Grey is consumed by the need to control everything. 

Release date:

• USA: February 14th
• AUS: February 12th

Starring: Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan, Rita Ora.

The Mortdecai Trilogy by Kyril Bonfiglioli

A little info: Armed with only his good looks and special charm, an art dealer (Johnny Depp) travels the world to find a stolen painting that is rumored to contain the code to a bank account filled with Nazi gold.

Release date:

• USA: January 23rd
• AUS: Yet to be confirmed

Starring: Johnny Depp, Gwenyth Paltrow, Olivia Munn, Ewan McGregor, Paul Bettany.

The Scorch Trials by James Dashner

Though I wasn't the biggest fan of the Maze Runner books, I did watch the movie when it was released last year. It wasn't spectacular - I had countless issues with it, the biggest one being that virtually no questions are answered, so I am hoping that this next instalment brings us some more information and possibly a little bit more.. excitement. The first was quite anticlimactic. 

A little info: Solving the Maze was supposed to be the end. Thomas was sure that escape from the Maze would mean freedom for him and the Gladers. But WICKED isn’t done yet. Phase Two has just begun. The Scorch. There are no rules. There is no help. You either make it or you die. The Gladers have two weeks to cross through the Scorch—the most burned-out section of the world. And WICKED has made sure to adjust the variables and stack the odds against them. Friendships will be tested. Loyalties will be broken. All bets are off. There are others now. Their survival depends on the Gladers’ destruction—and they’re determined to survive.

Release date:

• USA: September 18th
• AUS: September 17th

Starring: Dylan O'brien, Thomas Sangster, Kaya Scodelario, Will Poulter, Ki hong Lee. 

Serena by Ron Rash

I won't deny, my need to see this movie stems mostly from my love of Jennifer Lawrence - though the synopsis is incredibly intriguing and I can't wait to see JLaw take on another strong female lead. Though Serena has already been released in Australia, I haven't had a chance to see it and hopefully will sometime in the near future.

A little info: Newlyweds George and Serena Pemberton are on their journey to create a timber empire and ruthlessly kill all who fall out of favor. When Serena finds out she can’t bear children, she seeks to murder the illegitimate child she believes George is trying to protect. 

Release date: 

• USA: March 27th
• AUS: Already released in November 2014

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper.

Paper Towns by John Green

Though I haven't had the pleasure of reading Paper Towns myself, I know there are huge amounts of people waiting to see how another of John Green's novels translates to screen. I am especially intrigued to see Cara Delevingne's debut performance too.

A little info: Margo Roth Spiegelman, the unattainable girl next door, convinces Quentin to embark on a journey of revenge, but come the next morning, Margo has gone missing and has left clues for Q. He and his friends go on a road trip in search of M, unsure if they will find her dead or alive.

Release date:

• USA: July 31st
• AUS: June 5th (Rumoured) 

Starring: Cara Delevingne, Nat Wolff.

Where Rainbows End (Love, Rosie) by Cecelia Ahern

Where Rainbows End is one of my favourite romance novels and you can't even imagine how excited I was when I found out that the two leads, Rosie and Alex would be portrayed by Lily Collins and Sam Claflin. The trailer is absolutely hilarious and incredibly swoonworthy and just thinking about it makes me giddy with excitement. Though this was already released in Australia, I have yet to see it so I'll probably be in tune with you American folks.

A little info: Rosie and Alex have been best friends since they were 5, so they couldn't possibly be right for one another... or could they? When it comes to love, life and making the right choices, these two are their own worst enemies. One awkward turn at 18, one missed opportunity... and life sends them hurling in different directions. But somehow, across time, space and different continents, the tie that binds them cannot be undone. Will they find their way back to one another, or will it be too late? 

Release date:

• USA: February 6th
• AUS: Already released

Rosie and Alex are best friends. They are suddenly separated when Alex and his family move from Dublin to America. Can their friendship survive years and miles? Will they gamble everything for true love?

Starring: Lily Collins, Sam Claflin, Suki Waterhouse

Still Alice by Lisa Genova

Though I haven't had the pleasure of reading Still Alice, I have seen the trailer and am looking forward to seeing Julianne Moore in what I'm sure is going to be a huge tear-jerker.

A little info: Alice Howland, happily married with three grown children, is a renowned linguistics professor who starts to forget words. When she receives a devastating diagnosis, Alice and her family find their bonds tested.

Release date:

• USA: January 16th
• AUS: February 5th

Starring: Julianne Moore, Alec Baldwin, Kate Bosworth, Kristen Stewart, Hunter Parrish.

The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks

I must admit I'm not the biggest fan of Nicholas Sparks' novels but I'm always a sucker for their films. Though they're not exactly Academy Award material, they make me feel things and it's always nice to be reminded that I have a soft spot somewhere in this cold heart of mine.

A little info: The Longest Ride centers on the star-crossed love affair between Luke, a former champion bull rider looking to make a comeback, and Sophia, a college student who is about to embark upon her dream job in New York City’s art world. As conflicting paths and ideals test their relationship, Sophia and Luke make an unexpected connection with Ira, whose memories of his own decades-long romance with his beloved wife deeply inspire the young couple. Spanning generations and two intertwining love stories, The Longest Ride explores the challenges and infinite rewards of enduring love.

Release date:

• USA: April 10th
• AUS: April 9th

Starring: Britt Robertson, Scott Clintwood, Jack Huston, Oona Chaplin, Alan Alda.


The Avengers: Age of Ultron by MARVEL

All I have to say about this one is - YeEEEeeEeEessSss

A little info: When Tony Stark jumpstarts a dormant peacekeeping program, things go terribly awry, forcing him, Thor, the Incredible Hulk and the rest of the Avengers to reassemble. As the fate of Earth hangs in the balance, the team is put to the ultimate test as they battle Ultron a technological terror hell-bent on human extinction. Along the way, they encounter two mysterious and powerful newcomers, Pietro and Wanda Maximoff.

Release date:

• USA: May 1st
• AUS: April 23rd

Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlet Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Samuel L. Jackson, James Spader, Elizabeth Olsen, Cobie Smulders, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Hayley Atwell.

Frankenstein (Victor Frankenstein) by Mary Shelley

A little info: Told from Igor's perspective, we see the troubled young assistant's dark origins, his redemptive friendship with the young medical student Viktor Von Frankenstein, and become eyewitnesses to the emergence of how Frankenstein became the man - and the legend - we know today.

Release date:

• USA: October 2nd
• AUS: Yet to be confirmed

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, James McAvoy, Jessica Brown Findlay, Andrew Scott, Mark Gatiss.

Did I miss anything big? Which ones will you be seeing? Also, which books will you be adding to your TBR?