From Bookshelf to Box Office in 2015

Over the last few years, some of our favourite movies have taken their stories from books. In 2014 alone we were treated to some absolute delights, including film adaptations of Gone Girl, Before I Go To Sleep and The Keeper of Lost Causes. We love it when one of our favourite books is adapted into a brilliant, successful film – so on that note, we thought we’d share with you some of the books we’re most excited to see hit the big screen this year.

Here are eight books taking the thrilling journey from bookshelf to box office in 2015.

The Woman in Black: The Angel of Death

A spooky offering here, adapted from Martyn Waites’s sequel to Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black and based on an original idea by Susan Hill herself. Set during World War Two, the story follows a teacher as she and a group of children are evacuated from London to Eel Marsh House. However, it soon becomes apparent that there is someone else in the house – someone who is far deadlier than any number of German bombs. Watch the trailer here.

Released: January 1
 

Foxcatcher

Based on a true story, this biographical drama follows brothers and Olympic wrestling champions Mark and Dave Schultz (Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo) and their relationship with John E. du Pont, their schizophrenic wrestling coach. On 22nd January 1996, du Pont shot Dave Schultz in the back at the infamous Foxcatcher Farm, sparking a two day siege. A tale of murder, madness and the quest for Olympic gold.

Released: January 9
 

Mortdecai

Adapted from the books by Kyril Bonfiglioli, Mortdecai introduces us to portly art dealer and seasoned epicurean Charlie Mortdecai, played by Johnny Depp. When Mortdecai comes into possesion of a stolen Goya, the disappearance of which is causing a diplomatic ruction between Spain and its allies, he finds himself in great need of his thuggish manservant to keep various governments and secret organisations at bay. With a great supporting cast including Ewan McGregor, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jeff Goldblum, this is one film that promises to please. Watch the trailer here.

Released: January 23
 

Inherent Vice

Inherent Vice, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Josh Brolin, has been adapted from the Thomas Pynchon novel of the same name. Set in 1970’s Los Angeles, it tells the story of Larry “Doc” Sportello who investigates when his ex-girlfriend shows up with a story about a plot to kidnap her billionaire land developer boyfriend. Doc soon finds himself caught up in a bizarre tangle of motives and passions involving surfers, hustlers, dopers and rockers, a murderous loan shark, a tenor sax player working undercover, an ex-con with a swastika tattoo, and a mysterious entity known as the Golden Fang.

Released:: January 30
 

Child 44

This is the highly anticipated adaptation of the novel by Tom Rob Smith and stars Gary Oldman and Tom Hardy. Officer Leo Demidov believes he’s building a perfect society. But after witnessing the interrogation of an innocent man his loyalty begins to waver, and when ordered to investigate his own wife, Raisa, Leo is forced to choose where his heart truly lies. Denounced by his enemies and exiled from home, Leo must risk everything to find a criminal that the Soviet State won’t admit even exists – and soon discovers the danger isn’t from the killer he is trying to catch, but from the country he is trying to protect.

Released: February 20
 

Our Kind of Traitor

Starring Ewan McGregor, Damian Lewis, Stellan Skarsgård and Naomie Harris, Our Kind of Traitor is adapted from the spy thriller by John le Carré. While on holiday in Antigua, Perry and Gail become embroiled with a Russian oligarch called Dima. Dima believes Perry is a British spy, and wants him to inform British intelligence about his criminal activities, in exchange for protection for himself and his family. This propels the young lovers on a tortuous journey through Paris to a safe house in the Swiss Alps, to the murkiest cloisters of the City of London and its unholy alliance with Britain’s Intelligence Establishment.

Released: April 24
 

Dark Places

After the incredible literary and cinematic success of Gone Girl, we’ll be receiving a second dose of Gillian Flynn in cinemas with the adaptation of her second novel, Dark Places. Libby Day, played by Charlize Theron, was just seven years old when her older brother massacred her family while she hid in a cupboard. Her evidence helped put him away. But now, twenty years on, when confronted by a secret society obsessed with solving notorious crimes, Libby is forced to confront the past and uncover the truth about what happened that day.

Released: TBA
 

Sacrifice

We can’t wait for more news about the adaptation of Sharon Bolton’s Sacrifice! Starring Radha Mitchell, Rupert Graves and David Robb, the story revolves around consultant surgeon Tora Hamilton who has moved to remote Shetland to be with her husband. In the peat soil near her new home she uncovers a perfectly preserved woman’s body. Runic symbols are carved into her skin. Her heart has been cut out. But as Tora begins to ask questions around the island, she receives her first threat. Here at Dead Good, we love Sharon’s writing and are so excited to see her story on the big screen!

Released: TBA
 

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What book would you most like to see adapted into a movie? Which of these are you most excited to see? Let us know in the comments below!