✨ Let’s get into it ✨
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💡 TLDR
Nina Dobrev and Tyler Hoechlin are officially bringing BookTok’s favorite steamy romance, *It Happened One Summer*, to the big screen! Get ready for major Schitt's Creek vibes as Piper trades Beverly Hills for a rugged fishing captain in Westport.
Lowkey (okay highkey), if you spend any time on BookTok, you already know Tessa Bailey is the absolute queen of steamy romance. Her bestseller It Happened One Summer is finally getting the big screen treatment, and the casting news is honestly everything. Get ready, because we are officially heading to Westport!
The Cast Bringing Westport To Life
The movie follows Piper, a Beverly Hills girl who gets sent to small-town Washington after a major scandal, only to fall head over heels for Brendan, a rugged fishing boat captain. Nina Dobrev plays Piper. The Vampire Diaries alum has been teasing us with dreamy behind-the-scenes shots from the set, basically confirming that blondes really do have more fun. She’s starring alongside Tyler Hoechlin, who is taking on the role of Brendan. Tessa Bailey herself is already obsessed with them, noting how talented and funny they both are as they bring these characters to life.
💫 Nina Dobrev plays Piper.
Inspired By Schitt’s Creek Energy
If you’re wondering why Piper feels so relatable despite her privileged background, there is actually a secret inspiration behind her character arc. Bailey revealed that she drew heavy influence from Alexis Rose in Schitt’s Creek when writing the book. Specifically, she pointed to an episode where Alexis fumbles through her job at the town vet but manages to comfort a client—a moment that mirrors Piper’s own journey. Like Alexis, Piper wants the best for everyone but doesn’t realize she can be a total rock for others until her back is against the wall. This depth is part of what made the novel a No. 1 hit on Goodreads!
Rounding out the main crew, we have Virginia Gardner stepping in as Piper’s sister, Hannah, and Gavin Leatherwood playing Fox, Brendan’s bestie. Directed by Peter Hutchings and written by Christina Mengert and Joseph Muszynski, this adaptation is going to be such a mood. We can only hope they capture all that blush-inducing dialogue that made the book famous in the first place.
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❓ People Also Ask
Who is starring in the movie adaptation of It Happened One Summer?
Nina Dobrev and Tyler Hoechlin are the lead actors in the film adaptation of It Happened One Summer. Dobrev plays the main character Piper, a Beverly Hills socialite who moves to a small town in Washington. Hoechlin portrays Brendan, a rugged fishing boat captain who becomes Piper's love interest. The supporting cast includes Virginia Gardner as Piper's sister Hannah and Gavin Leatherwood in the role of Brendan's best friend, Fox.
What is the plot of the It Happened One Summer movie?
The story follows a Beverly Hills woman named Piper who relocates to a small town in Washington following a major scandal. While living in Westport, she unexpectedly falls head over heels for Brendan, a rugged fishing boat captain. The narrative explores her journey from a privileged background to finding connection and depth in a new environment. This romantic arc is based on the bestselling novel written by Tessa Bailey that gained massive popularity on BookTok.
How was the character of Piper inspired by Schitt's Creek?
Author Tessa Bailey drew heavy inspiration from the character Alexis Rose from the television show Schitt's Creek when developing Piper. Specifically, Bailey modeled Piper's relatability and growth after an episode where Alexis fumbles through a job at a town veterinarian but still manages to comfort a client. This influence helps Piper transition from a privileged individual into someone who provides unexpected emotional support for others when facing difficult situations in her new life.
Who are the directors and writers behind the It Happened One Summer adaptation?
Peter Hutchings is the director responsible for bringing the film adaptation of It Happened One Summer to life. The screenplay for the movie was written by Christina Mengert and Joseph Muszynski. This creative team is tasked with translating Tessa Bailey's bestselling romance novel to the big screen. Their work focuses on capturing the specific tone and famous dialogue that helped the original book achieve a number one ranking on Goodreads.
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📰 Source: Bustle