Following the January 9 premiere of its first Emily Henry adaptation 'People We Meet on Vacation,' Netflix has acquired film rights to her novel 'Funny Story'—with Henry scripting—and converted the in-development 'Happy Place' TV series into a feature film. Both projects are early-stage without casts or directors.
Emily Henry's romance novels are gaining momentum on Netflix screens. Just ahead of 'People We Meet on Vacation'—the adaptation of her 2021 bestseller starring Emily Bader and Tom Blyth, directed by Brett Haley—the streamer announced two new projects.
Netflix has secured rights to 'Funny Story,' about children's librarian Daphne who, post-breakup with her fiancé Peter (who chose his childhood friend Petra), rooms with Petra's ex, Miles. They bond while plotting to move on. Henry is writing the script, produced by Lyrical Media and Ryder Picture Company (Alexander Black, Aaron Ryder, Andrew Swett). No director yet.
Separately, 'Happy Place'—following exes Harriet and Wyn faking their relationship on a friends' Maine beach trip—is shifting from TV series to film via Nuyorican Productions (Jennifer Lopez, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, Benny Medina). Former showrunner Leila Cohan is no longer attached.
After screening an early cut of PWMO V, Henry expressed optimism: "I felt like they had pulled it off, and I felt like the readers were going to be extremely happy." She addressed romance's Hollywood stigma: "I think Hollywood is probably at least five years behind that."
Lyrical Media's Alex Black lauded Henry: "Emily Henry has a gift for creating characters that truly connect with audiences... We’re excited to be following up People We Meet on Vacation and collaborating with her on Funny Story."
Henry took a 2025 writing break, scripting 'Funny Story' and 'Great Big Beautiful Life.' She plans novel returns soon. Her 'Beach Read' and 'Book Lovers' develop elsewhere. No casting for the new projects.