Summary (tl;dr)

Actors Anne Hathaway and Josh Hartnett are trending due to the upcoming release of their new psychological erotic thriller film, "Verity," an adaptation of Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel, which premieres in the United States on October 2, 2026. The film also stars Dakota Johnson, and promotional activities, including premieres and cast interviews, are generating significant buzz.

Essential Background

"Verity" is based on Colleen Hoover's 2018 psychological thriller novel of the same name, which achieved significant popularity, especially after 2020 due to social media trends. The novel tells the story of a struggling writer, Lowen Ashleigh, who is hired by Jeremy Crawford to complete the book series of his injured, bestselling author wife, Verity Crawford. While staying at the Crawfords' home, Lowen uncovers a disturbing autobiography written by Verity, leading to a complex and unsettling series of events. The book is known for its intense and provocative tone, including a memorable "headboard bite" scene.

The film adaptation has been in development for several years, with Michael Showalter signing on to direct in November 2024 and Anne Hathaway joining the cast the same month. Josh Hartnett and Dakota Johnson were cast the following month.

The Full Story

Anne Hathaway, Josh Hartnett, and Dakota Johnson are currently trending as they promote their new film, "Verity," which is set to be released in U.S. theaters on October 2, 2026. The psychological erotic thriller, directed by Michael Showalter, had its world premiere at the Curzon Mayfair Cinema in London on September 24, 2026. The cast has been participating in various promotional events, including press junkets and interviews, discussing the challenges and unique aspects of adapting Colleen Hoover's popular novel.

Hathaway portrays Verity Crawford, the incapacitated author, while Hartnett plays her husband, Jeremy Crawford. Dakota Johnson stars as Lowen Ashleigh, the writer hired to complete Verity's books. Interviews have highlighted the cast's commitment to honoring the book's "devilish" spirit and specific details, such as a notorious "headboard bite" scene, which Hathaway humorously noted became "just another part of her Tuesday" during filming. The film is anticipated to be a "pulpy, popcorn thriller" that leaves audiences questioning who to trust.

Why It Matters

The trending status of Anne Hathaway, Josh Hartnett, and "Verity" signifies the high anticipation for this film adaptation of a widely popular novel. Colleen Hoover's books have a substantial fanbase, and previous adaptations have seen significant box office success, though some have also faced off-screen legal battles. "Verity" is a departure from Hoover's typical romance genre, leaning into a darker psychological thriller, which creates interest for both fans of the book and those curious about the genre shift. The casting of well-known actors like Hathaway and Hartnett, coupled with the book's intense content, is generating considerable buzz and is expected to draw a large audience, contributing to a significant year for the motion picture industry.

Geographic Location

• London, Greater London, United Kingdom (world premiere of "Verity" film)
• United States (scheduled theatrical release of "Verity" film)