One of the most popular BookTok romances ever is being adapted into a movie. Tessa Bailey's It Happened One Summer — the book with over 235 million hashtag views on TikTok — is officially in production. And the casting is exactly what fans had hoped for.
What is It Happened One Summer about?
Piper Bellinger is a glamorous LA "it girl" whose world falls apart after a viral scandal. Cut off from her family's money, she's given one task: go to the rugged fishing village of Westport and save her deceased father's pub — or lose everything.
There, she immediately clashes with Brendan Taggart, a gruff sea captain who has no patience for influencers. He's the last person she ever expected help from — and exactly what she needs.
It Happened One Summer is a classic opposites-attract, fish-out-of-water romance by Tessa Bailey. The book is a #1 New York Times bestseller and one of the most shared BookTok titles ever.
The cast
Nina Dobrev as Piper Bellinger
Known for The Vampire Diaries. Dobrev is also an executive producer on the film.
Tyler Hoechlin as Brendan Taggart
Known for Teen Wolf and Superman & Lois. BookTok has been fan-casting Hoechlin as Brendan for years.
Virginia Gardner as Hannah Bellinger
Known for Marvel's Runaways and Halloween. Plays Piper's sister.
Gavin Leatherwood as Fox Thornton
Known for Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Sex Lives of College Girls. Plays Brendan's best friend — newly added to the cast in August 2026.
The director
Peter Hutchings is directing the film — the same director who previously made The Hating Game, the 2021 BookTok romance adaptation. The script was written by Christina Mengert and Joseph Muszynski, the same writers as The Hating Game.
Tessa Bailey herself is involved as an executive producer.
When will the movie be released?
The film is officially shooting in New York. An official release date has not yet been confirmed — it is expected in 2026 or 2027.
The Bellinger Sisters series: read more from Tessa Bailey
It Happened One Summer is the first book in Tessa Bailey's Bellinger Sisters series. The series consists of two books:
| # | Title | Couple | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | It Happened One Summer | Piper & Brendan | 2021 |
| 2 | Hook, Line, and Sinker | Hannah & Fox | 2022 |
Interesting detail: Virginia Gardner plays Hannah and Gavin Leatherwood plays Fox in the movie — which means the second book also has movie potential if part 1 is a success!
Why BookTok has been waiting for this movie for years
It Happened One Summer has a very specific energy that is hard to capture on paper but works perfectly as a movie: the colorful Piper versus the gruff Brendan in a picturesque fishing village. Visually rich setting, clear chemistry, and a romance that both frustrates and obsesses you.
The combination of Nina Dobrev and Tyler Hoechlin — two actors both known for beloved teen series — gives the film a built-in nostalgic audience on top of the BookTok fanbase.
Read the book before the movie comes out
Use the waiting time wisely. It Happened One Summer is a quick read — most readers finish it in a weekend. And then read Hook, Line, and Sinker for Hannah and Fox's story — who are now also in the movie.
💕 Treat yourself to a Tessa Bailey-esque romance
Our romance bookmarks are perfect for marking your most swoon-worthy Piper & Brendan pages.
→ Browse romance bookmarks
Complete your It Happened One Summer reading kit
💕 The perfect reading kit:
✔ Romance bookmark — for the best opposites-attract pages
✔ Blind Date Book (Romance) — for when you're waiting for the movie
✔ Book Review Notebook — jot down what you thought of Piper and Brendan
✔ Reading Log (€1.99) — keep track of the Bellinger Sisters series
✔ Glass Can — for your iced coffee or matcha while reading
🚚 We ship worldwide
We ship all our bookish accessories to the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and all other EU countries. We also ship to the United Kingdom, America, and more countries worldwide.
→ View the full shop
Happy reading — and save the date for the movie! 💕📚
Frequently Asked Questions about It Happened One Summer
When is the It Happened One Summer movie coming out?
An official release date has not yet been confirmed. The film is in production in New York and is expected in 2026 or 2027.
Who plays Piper and Brendan in the movie?
Nina Dobrev plays Piper Bellinger and Tyler Hoechlin plays Brendan Taggart.
Is It Happened One Summer part of a series?
Yes — it is the first book in Tessa Bailey's Bellinger Sisters series. The second book, Hook, Line, and Sinker, follows Hannah and Fox.
Who is directing the It Happened One Summer movie?
Peter Hutchings, who previously directed The Hating Game, is behind the camera.
Is Tessa Bailey involved in the film?
Yes — Tessa Bailey is an executive producer of the film.
Who plays Fox Thornton?
Gavin Leatherwood (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Sex Lives of College Girls) plays Fox Thornton, Brendan's best friend.