In light of the recent failure of several new movies, major companies have become wary of investing in expensive and time-consuming original films that lack established franchises and fan bases. As a result, they have shifted their focus to remakes, which have garnered a mixed reaction and criticism. However, instead of investing in fresh new stories, filmmakers seem to be taking risks without focusing on curating content for future generations. Nevertheless, the rise of BookTok and the renewed love for reading in this generation could provide a valuable opportunity for change.
BookTok is a growing community that formed in 2019 as TikTok’s popularity began to surge. It focuses on highlighting several different genres of books, from fantasy, romance, young adult, and literary fiction. This platform serves to introduce stories to audiences who might not have considered reading a book initially. It enables authors to promote their works through reviews and recommendations, making it significantly easier to advertise books.
From BookTok’s popularity, many stories have been adapted to the big screen and have found success. Colleen Hoover is a renowned author famous for her romance novels. One of her books, “It Ends With Us,” became a sensation, gaining popularity not just on social media but also in movie theaters. Currently, she has three upcoming movies based on her works: “Regretting You,” set for release in 2025, “Verify,” and “Reminders of Him,” both scheduled for release in 2026.
The big screen is not limited to films; there is no need to fit so much information into just two hours when a series can keep viewers engaged for years. Jenny Han has mastered this approach and has become one of the biggest names in entertainment. She has multiple series across different platforms, including “XO Kitty” on Netflix, which has two seasons and has been renewed for a third, and “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” which also has two completed seasons, with the third and final season currently being released. This series has become one of the most followed in recent times. Additionally, Han is known for her “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before” trilogy. All of these adaptations originated from popular books, and the companies that took a chance on them have seen great success, capturing the attention of diverse audiences.
As the success of creators like Jenny Han is seen, it is clear that there is a growing appetite for fresh narratives that speak to a wider range of experiences. With the rise of platforms like BookTok, there is a shift in the way media is brought to the public. Rather than focusing on recycled stories that have been re-interpreted and produced constantly, new writers from different cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs, as well as new stories, will emerge for audiences. Remakes have faced rightful criticism for altering classic narratives without deepening their connections to communities, opting instead for superficial changes. Major companies can take the time to find stories that are marketed for certain groups that resonate with them, instead of selling them short and leaving audiences upset.
Grassroots digital communities now hold the power to influence Hollywood and the creation of the films they watch, replicating the classics of the past with narratives of today. The only way iconic films such as “The Godfather,” “Schindler’s List,” “The Hunger Games,” and “The Color Purple” were able to appear on someone’s screen was because of dedicated authors who had compelling stories to tell. Investing in storytelling is the best way to bring back the joy of cinema, forever honor the classics, and walk towards the future with innovation as we adapt literature for the big screen.