Dakota Johnson is set to star in the upcoming adaptation of Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel, "Verity," playing the role of Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer. However, recent reports suggest that Johnson was not fully aware of the book's content before signing on to the project. This revelation has sparked curiosity and some concern among fans of the novel, given its dark and complex themes.
"Verity" tells the story of Lowen, who is on the brink of financial ruin when she receives a life-changing job offer. She is hired by Jeremy Crawford, whose wife, Verity, a successful author, is incapacitated after an accident and unable to complete the latest book in her series. Lowen's task is to sift through Verity's notes and writings to finish the novel. Arriving at the Crawford estate, Lowen uncovers a secret, unfinished manuscript that reveals chilling admissions about the family's past. As she grows closer to Jeremy and his young son, Crew, Lowen must determine whether Verity's writings are mere fiction or a warning from a disturbed mind.
The adaptation of "Verity" follows the success of another Colleen Hoover novel turned movie, "It Ends With Us." However, the latter film has faced its own set of controversies, including legal issues between its stars, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, leaving fans worried about "Verity" facing a similar fate.
Johnson's admission of not knowing the full scope of "Verity" before signing on has raised eyebrows, especially considering the novel's intense and potentially controversial themes. Some fans worry that without a thorough understanding of the source material, the adaptation might not capture the essence of the book accurately. However, others are reserving judgment, hoping that Johnson's acting skills and the film's direction will do justice to Hoover's work.
The cast of "Verity" includes Anne Hathaway as Verity Crawford and Josh Hartnett as Jeremy Crawford. The film is slated for release in 2026.
Despite the concerns, there's also excitement surrounding the project. Footage from "Verity" premiered at CinemaCon, offering a glimpse into the characters and their relationships, as well as the darker elements of the story. The teaser showed Hathaway and Hartnett meeting in a bar, followed by a shot of Hathaway's character, presumably paraplegic, and a dream sequence hinting at a sinister side. The teaser concludes with Johnson's character being asked about her work on the next "Verity" book, to which she replies, "It'll be the best one yet."
Only time will tell if Dakota Johnson's initial lack of knowledge about "Verity" will impact the final product. The success of the adaptation will depend on how well the cast and crew capture the novel's complex themes and characters.
