Your first look at Colleen Hoover's Verity is here and it's a bloody mess.

Colleen Hoover has become a publishing phenomenon, dominating the book market in recent years. In 2022, she achieved an extraordinary feat with six of her books landing in the top 10 bestsellers list, according to NPD BookScan, with Verity securing the second spot.

Hoover's success can be largely attributed to her huge following on #BookTok, where fans of her novels recommend the works and discuss the characters created through her literature. 

We've already seen the success of her book-to-movie adaptations through It Ends With Us, which starred Blake Lively and was released in 2024. 

Verity, however, is a different beast. 

The thriller marked a significant departure from Hoover's usual novels, proving her versatility as an author and expanding her already massive readership.

Now, it's about to be turned into another blockbuster hit starring Dakota Johnson, Anne Hathaway and Josh Hartnett — and the first photos from filming have appeared. And let's just say, there's blood everywhere.

Here is everything we know about the film, including the cast, release date, and more.

What is Verity by Colleen Hoover about?

The story follows a gripping psychological thriller narrative centred around Lowen Ashleigh (Johnson), a struggling writer who receives what appears to be the opportunity of a lifetime when she connects with Jeremy Crawford (Hartnett).

They meet in traumatising circumstances, crossing paths when they witness a bloody accident as a pedestrian is hit by a passing truck. The scene was filmed on the streets of New York this week, as seen in first-look images.

Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett shoot one of the opening scenes for Verity. Image: Getty.

Josh and Dakota take a bloody stroll in Manhattan. Image: Getty.

Jeremy, the husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford (Hathaway), hires Lowen to complete his wife's unfinished book series.

While sorting through Verity's notes at the Crawford estate, Lowen discovers an unpublished autobiography containing bone-chilling admissions about Verity's past, including disturbing details about her relationship with Jeremy and the tragic deaths of their daughters.

The manuscript's discovery forces Lowen to grapple with whether to share these dark revelations with Jeremy, especially as she develops feelings for him.

When did the adaptation of Verity get announced?

The exciting announcement came on November 20, 2024, when Amazon MGM Studios confirmed they would be bringing the bestselling thriller to the screen.

The project marks another significant adaptation in Hoover's growing media empire, following the successful release of It Ends With Us.

Per People, the script was written by Nick Antosca (who wrote the Gypsy-Rose Blanchard documentary) and will be directed by Michael Showalter (Big Sick, The Eyes of Tammy Faye). It is being developed by Amazon MGM Studios.

Who will be cast in the adaptation of Verity?

@brieslayy no im like so excited i cant believe it #booktok #verity #annehathaway #colleenhoover ♬ 2 hands - tate mcrae

Oscar-winner Anne Hathaway is taking on the role of Verity Crawford, the mysterious bestselling author at the centre of the beloved story. The project will reunite Hathaway with director Michael Showalter, following their collaboration on The Idea of You.

In December 2024, Deadline confirmed that Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett will star opposite Hathaway.

Johnson will play Lowen Ashleigh, the struggling writer tasked with finishing Verity's books. And Hartnett will play Verity's husband, Jeremy Crawford, who hires Lowen.

Johnson most recently produced and appeared in Daddio, a TeaTime Pictures production, alongside Sean Penn. Hartnett, meanwhile, recently portrayed Ernest Lawrence in the award-winning Christopher Nolan film Oppenheimer.

Hathaway will serve as producer on the project, while Johnson will executive produce.

What has Colleen Hoover said about the adaptation?

Colleen Hoover is the author behind 'Verity'. Image: Instagram/@colleenhoover

Hoover has expressed tremendous enthusiasm about the project, sharing her excitement on social media. 

"Verity is coming to theatres, and I am so excited for this cast, the script, the director, and the entire team bringing this to life. I cannot wait," she announced. 

The author isn't just watching from the sidelines either — she's taking an active role as one of the film's producers alongside Hathaway.

It's hoped that this project will be as lucrative as It Ends With Us, a project that grossed $349.5 million but cost only $25 million to make.

When is the adaptation of Verity being released?

While an official release date hasn't been announced yet, the project is currently in active development. With the screenplay being finalised and additional casting decisions still pending, industry observers speculate the film might arrive in early 2026.

Watch the trailer for her first adaptation 'It Ends With Us' here. Post continues below.

What's next for Colleen Hoover adaptations?

The Verity adaptation joins an impressive lineup of Hoover's works making their way to the screen. Following the success of It Ends With Us starring Blake Lively, other adaptations are in various stages of development. 

Reminders of Him is expected to hit theatres in February 2026, while Regretting You, featuring Allison Williams, Mckenna Grace, and Dave Franco, is also in the works.

The announcement of Hathaway's casting in Verity represents another significant milestone in Hoover's journey from self-published author to literary phenomenon. With the combination of Hathaway's acting prowess, Showalter's directorial expertise, and Hoover's gripping source material, this adaptation promises to bring one of her most chilling stories to life in a way that will satisfy both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Featured Image: Getty

This article was originally published in Novemeber 2024 and has since been updated to include new information.