Ella Balinska Joins Cast of 20th Century Studios' “Beach Read” Adaptation

20th Century Studios announced that British actress Ella Balinska has been added to the ensemble cast of its upcoming film adaptation of Emily Henry’s New York Times bestseller *Beach Read*. The film is currently in production in Toronto and is slated for theatrical release on May 7, 2027. Balinska’s specific role has not been disclosed.

Deadline Hollywood

*Beach Read* follows rival authors January Andrews, an idealistic romance novelist, and Augustus “Gus” Everett, a cynical literary-fiction writer, who both experience writer’s block while living in adjacent summer homes on a Lake Michigan beach. Their decision to swap genres drives the story’s central conflict. The novel’s popularity led 20th Century Studios’ literary affairs team, led by Clare Reeth, to secure adaptation rights.

Deadline Hollywood

The film’s leads are cast as January Andrews (Phoebe Dynevor) and Augustus Everett (Patrick Schwarzenegger). Supporting actors include Andie MacDowell, Kevin Bacon, Kristin Davis, Tig Notaro, and Inanna Sarkis. Director Yulin Kuang, who co-wrote Netflix’s *People We Meet on Vacation*, also wrote the screenplay. Production is overseen by Neal H. Moritz of Original Film, with executive producer Karina Rahardja and studio overseers Sarah Shepard and Catherine Hughes. Balinska, previously seen in Netflix’s 2022 *Resident Evil* series, the 2019 film *Charlie’s Angels*, and the indie sci-fi thriller *The Occupant*, is represented by United Talent Agency, Entertainment 360, and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole.

Deadline Hollywood

The project remains in active production in Toronto. The worldwide theatrical debut is scheduled for May 7, 2027. No additional filming dates or post-production milestones have been released.

Deadline Hollywood

The adaptation adds a literary-based film to 20th Century Studios’ upcoming slate. The ensemble combines established actors such as Andie MacDowell, Kevin Bacon, and Kristin Davis with emerging talent including Ella Balinska. Director Yulin Kuang’s prior work adapting a novel for Netflix and Neal H. Moritz’s role as producer highlight the film’s experienced creative leadership.

Deadline Hollywood

Studio communications describe the project as a rom-com that will blend “the lines between fiction and romance.” Production notes indicate that the acquisition of the book rights was coordinated by the literary affairs team under Clare Reeth. Executive producer Karina Rahardja and producers Sarah Shepard and Catherine Hughes are credited with overseeing the adaptation’s development for 20th Century Studios.

Deadline Hollywood

While the core cast and release date are confirmed, the precise character portrayed by Balinska remains undisclosed. No details regarding the film’s budget, marketing strategy, or post-production schedule have been released, leaving those aspects open for future updates.

Deadline Hollywood