BookTok's favorite opposites-attract rom-com is officially headed to the big screen, and author Tessa Bailey is just as excited as her readers. It Happened One Summer, Bailey's bestselling 2021 novel, is being adapted into a film starring Nina Dobrev and Tyler Hoechlin — and according to Bailey herself, filming kicks off on July 13.
Here's everything we know so far, and why this adaptation has the romance community buzzing.
What is It Happened One Summer about?
The novel follows Piper Bellinger, a glamorous LA "it girl" whose picture-perfect world collapses after a viral scandal gets her cancelled overnight. Cut off from her family's safety net, she's exiled to a rugged Pacific Northwest fishing town with one job: fix up her late father's dive bar or lose everything.
There, she immediately clashes with Brendan Taggart, a no-nonsense sea captain who has zero patience for influencers — and even less patience for Piper. Naturally, their rivalry doesn't stay a rivalry for long.
It's a classic fish-out-of-water, opposites-attract story, and it became one of BookTok's most-loved contemporary romances, racking up more than 235 million hashtag views and a permanent spot on bestseller lists.
The cast: Nina Dobrev and Tyler Hoechlin as Piper and Brendan
Two familiar faces from beloved 2010s teen dramas are stepping into the lead roles:
- Nina Dobrev (The Vampire Diaries) plays Piper Bellinger
- Tyler Hoechlin (Teen Wolf, Superman & Lois) plays Brendan Taggart
- Virginia Gardner rounds out the cast as Piper's sister, Hannah Bellinger
Tessa Bailey called the casting a "dream team" in her official statement, adding that she's excited to see what the actors bring to Piper and Brendan's dynamic.
Tessa Bailey on the upcoming film
In a recent interview, Bailey confirmed that filming officially begins on July 13, with production taking place in Westport, Washington — the real coastal town that inspired the book's setting.
Bailey shared that she's especially looking forward to seeing Piper's more vulnerable side translate to the screen, noting that Piper rarely lets her guard down with anyone besides her sister — until Brendan. She also praised both lead actors as talented and funny, saying she's confident they'll bring the right chemistry to the roles.
Why this adaptation matters for romance readers
Book-to-screen adaptations have become a major moment for the romance community, and It Happened One Summer is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated rom-com releases in development. A few reasons this one stands out:
- It's based on one of the most viral BookTok titles of the past few years
- The director, Peter Hutchings, previously helmed The Hating Game, another beloved romance adaptation
- Bailey herself is involved as an executive producer, which often means a more faithful adaptation
- The opposites-attract, small-town setting is exactly the kind of cozy romance that translates beautifully to film
How to prepare for the release
No official release date has been announced yet, but with filming starting this summer, here's how to make the most of the wait:
- Reread the book now so the story is fresh whenever the release date drops.
- Follow the production for behind-the-scenes looks, since both stars are known for sharing content from set.
- Discover your own small-town romance with our Blind Date Book — a surprise pick for anyone who loves opposites-attract tropes.
- Mark your favorite scenes with one of our romance bookmarks.
Frequently asked questions about It Happened One Summer
When does the It Happened One Summer movie come out?
No official release date has been confirmed yet. Filming begins on July 13, with production taking place in Westport, Washington.
Who is in the It Happened One Summer cast?
Nina Dobrev plays Piper Bellinger, Tyler Hoechlin plays Brendan Taggart, and Virginia Gardner plays Piper's sister, Hannah.
Is It Happened One Summer part of a series?
Yes, it's the first book in Tessa Bailey's Bellinger Sisters series.
Who is directing the It Happened One Summer movie?
Peter Hutchings, who also directed the romance adaptation The Hating Game, is directing the film from a screenplay by Christina Mengert and Joseph Muszynski.
What should I read while waiting for the movie?
If you love opposites-attract, small-town romance, try our Blind Date Book (Romance) for a surprise pick with similar trope-heavy energy.
Ready for Piper and Brendan's love story?
Whether you're a longtime fan rereading the book before filming wraps, or just hearing about It Happened One Summer for the first time, this adaptation is shaping up to be one of the romance community's biggest moments of the year. Discover your own small-town, opposites-attract romance with our Blind Date Book, and bookmark your favorite moments with a romance bookmark.