Colleen Hoover’s best-selling thriller Verity is coming to the big screen, and with a star-studded cast and fans are eager to see how the chilling novel will translate to film. From the cast and director to behind-the-scenes details, here’s everything we know so far about the highly anticipated adaptation.
The Plot
Based on Colleen Hoover’s 2018 novel, Verity is a dark psychological thriller that follows struggling writer Lowen Ashleigh, who is given the opportunity of a lifetime. After an accident leaves renowned author Verity Crawford unable to finish her best-selling book series, Lowen is hired by Verity’s husband, Jeremy Crawford, to complete the project.
However, while sifting through Verity’s notes at the Crawford estate, Lowen discovers an unfinished autobiography filled with disturbing confessions. Initially deciding to keep it from Jeremy, she soon finds herself questioning everything as she begins developing feelings for him. The story blurs the line between fiction and reality, keeping audiences guessing until the very end.
The official movie logline obtained by Variety hints at the tension-filled adaptation: “Upon arrival at the lavish Crawford estate, Lowen slowly learns that things are not exactly as they seem with the discovery of a secret, unfinished manuscript that may divulge chilling admissions about the family’s past. As Lowen ingratiates herself with Jeremy and his young son Crew, she must discern if Verity’s writings are merely lurid works of fiction or an ominous warning by a deranged psychopath.”
Who’s in the Cast?
The Verity film boasts an impressive lineup of A-list talent, making it one of the most exciting book-to-screen adaptations in recent years.
Anne Hathaway as Verity Crawford – The Academy Award-winning actress was confirmed for the titular role in November 2024. Anne Hathaway, who is also a producer on the film, was spotted on set in February 2025, bringing the enigmatic and sinister character to life.
Dakota Johnson as Lowen Ashleigh – The Fifty Shades of Grey star was announced in December 2024, much to the delight of fans. Dakota Johnson, who is also producing the film, has been actively involved in bringing Verity to the big screen.
Josh Hartnett as Jeremy Crawford – The Black Hawk Down actor rounds out the lead cast as Verity’s husband, Jeremy.
Additional cast members include Ismael Cruz Córdova, Brady Wagner, Irina Dvorovenko, K.K. Moggie, and Michael Abbott Jr.
Who’s Behind the Camera?
Michael Showalter – The director, known for The Idea of You, is at the helm of Verity. He also serves as a producer alongside Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, and Colleen Hoover.
Nick Antosca – The film’s script is penned by Nick Antosca, who has previously worked on Candy and The Act. Earlier versions of the screenplay were written by Colleen Hoover, Lauren Levine, Hillary Seitz, Angela LaManna, Will Honley, and April Maguire.
Filming and Behind-the-Scenes Details
Production is well underway, with filming taking place in New York City. In February 2025, Anne Hathaway and Josh Hartnett were spotted filming scenes in Queens, while Dakota Johnson was seen on set in March covered in fake blood for a pivotal opening scene. The blood-spattered moment—depicting Lowen witnessing a fatal pedestrian accident—sets the tone for the film’s dark and unsettling atmosphere.
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Additional scenes show Anne Hathaway and Josh Hartnett in happier times, dressed in formal attire and sharing tender moments. The imagery hints at the complex and often deceptive relationships at the heart of Verity.
What Has Colleen Hoover Said?
Colleen Hoover has expressed her excitement about the film on multiple occasions. In August 2024, she shared that she had read the script and was thrilled with its direction. When the lead cast was announced in December, she took to Instagram, writing, “Excited is an understatement.”
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The author, who initially self-published Verity in 2018 before it was acquired by Grand Central Publishing in 2021, has called it the book she “had the most fun writing.” Fans have long been eager for an adaptation, and it seems like their patience is finally paying off.
When Will Verity Be Released?
While Verity does not yet have an official release date, the film is already generating significant buzz. With filming underway and a powerhouse team behind it, fans can expect updates in the coming months.
What’s Next for Colleen Hoover Adaptations?
Verity isn’t the only Colleen Hoover book making its way to the screen. Regretting You and Reminders of Him have also been optioned for film adaptations. Meanwhile, It Starts With Us, the sequel to It Ends With Us, remains in limbo due to legal disputes between the production team and cast.
For now, all eyes are on Verity as it prepares to deliver the psychological thrills and jaw-dropping twists that made the novel a BookTok sensation. Stay tuned for more updates as we inch closer to its highly anticipated release.