Patrick Schwarzenegger Leads ‘Beach Read’ Film Adaptation
Filmogaz.com has learned that Patrick Schwarzenegger will star opposite Phoebe Dynevor in 20th Century Studios’ film adaptation of Emily Henry’s bestselling novel Beach Read. Patrick Schwarzenegger leads the film adaptation of Beach Read and will play the male lead, Gus Everett. The casting completes a high-profile pairing for the studio’s summer romantic comedy project.
About the story and source material
Beach Read was published in 2020 and became a New York Times bestseller. The novel follows January Andrews, a romance writer coping with grief and writer’s block after her father’s death. She spends the summer at his Michigan beach house and reunites with Gus, a former college rival. They make a pact to swap genres for a writing challenge, promising no romance, a pact that predictably unravels.
Creative team and production
Yulin Kuang will direct from her own screenplay. Kuang co-wrote Netflix’s People We Meet on Vacation. Neal H. Moritz produces through Original Films. Karina Rahardja is attached as an executive producer.
Studio and rights
20th Century Studios is overseeing the project. Sarah Shepard and Catherine Hughes are handling oversight for the studio. The literary affairs team, led by Clare Reeth, secured the adaptation rights to Henry’s book.
Casting process and Schwarzenegger’s selection
The search for the role of Gus spanned several months. Schwarzenegger was considered a dark horse early in the process. His audition tape and a chemistry read with Dynevor convinced filmmakers and studio executives.
How the role fits into Schwarzenegger’s rising profile
The casting marks another notable booking for Schwarzenegger after he landed the lead opposite Margaret Qualley in Amazon MGM Studios’ Love Of Your Life. He reportedly beat multiple contenders for both parts. These wins add momentum to his career.
Schwarzenegger recently earned praise for playing Saxon, the eldest Ratliff sibling, in season three of HBO’s The White Lotus. That performance drew some of his best reviews. It has placed him in awards conversations as Emmy voting approaches.
Other credits
- Tim Tebow in Ryan Murphy’s American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez.
- HBO Max’s Emmy-nominated limited series The Staircase.
- Prime Video projects The Terminal List and Gen V.
- Netflix’s Moxie, directed by Amy Poehler.
- The sci-fi thriller Warning, which he filmed recently.
Schwarzenegger is represented by UTA and Entertainment 360. His legal counsel is attorney Patrick Knapp. Filmogaz.com will provide updates as production progresses.
