Everything You Need to Know About the Upcoming Film Adaptation of Ali Hazelwood’s ‘The Love Hypothesis’
Fans of contemporary romance and #BookTok favorites have reason to celebrate: Ali Hazelwood’s bestselling novel The Love Hypothesis is officially being adapted into a feature film. Starring Lili Reinhart and Tom Bateman, the adaptation promises to bring the beloved STEM romance to life, blending humor, heart, and the familiar tropes that made the book a cultural sensation.
With behind-the-scenes content circulating on social media, anticipation for the film continues to grow. Here’s everything we know so far about The Love Hypothesis movie.
What is The Love Hypothesis About?
The Love Hypothesis is a STEM-centric romance that follows Olive Smith, a third-year Ph.D. student at Stanford, who is navigating the challenges of a male-dominated field. When Olive needs to convince her colleagues that she is in a relationship, she impulsively kisses Adam Carlsen, a renowned but notoriously grumpy professor.
The fake-relationship trope kicks in, leading to humorous, heartfelt, and occasionally dramatic moments as Olive and Adam’s staged romance starts to feel all too real. The story blends academic ambition with romance, earning Hazelwood a dedicated following among readers who love smart, witty, and emotionally resonant stories.
Interestingly, Hazelwood originally wrote The Love Hypothesis as a Star Wars fanfiction, focusing on the Reylo pairing (Rey Skywalker and Kylo Ren). The narrative was later reworked for traditional publishing, eventually topping the New York Times Best Seller List for 40 weeks. Hazelwood has since transitioned to full-time writing, producing nine books and four novellas in the past four years.
Who is Starring in the Film Adaptation?
On July 16, 2025, Deadline confirmed that Lili Reinhart, known for her role in Riverdale, will star as Olive Smith and serve as an executive producer. Reinhart’s involvement brings added credibility and star power to the adaptation, particularly for fans of YA and romance films.
Tom Bateman, recognized for Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile, has been cast as Dr. Adam Carlsen. Bateman’s dramatic experience and on-screen charisma make him a fitting choice to play the intense, brilliant professor who finds himself entangled in a fake romance with Olive.
Other actors rumored or confirmed in supporting roles include Rachel Marsh, Nicholas Duvernay, Jaboukie Young-White, and Arty Froushan, who are expected to bring humor and dynamic energy to the adaptation.
Who is Behind the Film?
The adaptation is helmed by Claire Scanlon, director of Set It Up, with Ali Hazelwood herself serving as an executive producer. Hazelwood’s involvement ensures that the film remains true to the book’s tone, humor, and STEM-centric focus.
Hazelwood expressed her excitement in a statement:
“Honestly, I still can’t believe this is happening? Elizabeth Cantillon, Claire Scanlon, and Lili Reinhart have all created, produced, or starred in works that I’m absolutely feral about, and I am beyond honored that they’re choosing to bring their talent to this project.”
This collaboration between Hazelwood and the creative team promises a faithful, engaging, and visually appealing adaptation that resonates with both fans of the book and new audiences alike.
When Will The Love Hypothesis Film Be Released?
As of late August 2025, Amazon MGM Studios and MRC have not confirmed an official release date. Filming began in July 2025 and is currently underway. With the level of anticipation and the fast pace of production, experts speculate that the film could premiere in 2026, though an exact date is still pending.
While a theatrical release has not been confirmed, fans are hopeful for a cinema debut. Streaming options, including Prime Video, may also be considered, following the recent trend of hybrid releases for high-profile adaptations.
Behind the Scenes: Filming and Production
Social media has offered glimpses of filming, giving fans an early peek at the chemistry between Lili Reinhart and Tom Bateman. The adaptation aims to capture the wit, humor, and warmth of Hazelwood’s original story while showcasing a STEM-rich setting that mirrors Olive’s academic life.
Production sources note that the set design, wardrobe, and cinematography are carefully curated to reflect the aesthetics of a contemporary, young-adult romance. From campus libraries to bustling research labs, every location is designed to immerse viewers in Olive and Adam’s world.
Additionally, Hazelwood’s presence on set ensures that subtle details from the book—like Olive’s quirky habits and academic challenges—are faithfully recreated, appealing to long-time fans who value authenticity.
Why Fans Are Excited
The excitement surrounding the adaptation stems from multiple factors:
-
Beloved Characters – Olive and Adam are fan favorites, known for their wit, intelligence, and genuine chemistry.
-
#BookTok Popularity – The novel has a dedicated fanbase on TikTok, where viral videos have introduced new readers to the story.
-
STEM Representation – Hazelwood’s focus on women in STEM makes the story stand out in the romance genre.
-
Talented Cast and Crew – Lili Reinhart’s dual role as lead actress and executive producer signals a committed and high-quality production.
Fans are particularly excited to see whether the chemistry that made the book so engaging translates seamlessly to the screen, with both actors praised for their ability to convey the story’s emotional depth.
The Significance of Hazelwood’s Involvement
Having Ali Hazelwood involved as an executive producer is crucial. It guarantees the adaptation stays true to the novel’s tone, pacing, and character development. Hazelwood’s firsthand insights into Olive and Adam’s motivations ensure that viewers experience the same humor, vulnerability, and charm that made the book a cultural phenomenon.
As Hazelwood notes:
“Books and films are very different media, and I have complete trust in this brilliant team. I cannot wait to see the final product they’ll come up with.”
Where to Watch The Love Hypothesis
While details are still being finalized, it’s expected that the film will be available on Amazon MGM Studios platforms, potentially including Prime Video. Fans hope for a theatrical release to fully enjoy the romantic, cinematic experience on the big screen. Until then, following Lili Reinhart’s social media accounts is the best way to stay updated on trailers, behind-the-scenes clips, and official announcements.
Final Thoughts
The adaptation of The Love Hypothesis promises to be one of the most anticipated romance films of 2026. With Lili Reinhart and Tom Bateman leading the cast, Hazelwood’s direct involvement, and a creative team committed to preserving the book’s charm, fans have high expectations.
Whether you’re a longtime reader or new to Ali Hazelwood’s work, the film is shaping up to be a must-watch STEM romance, blending humor, heart, and authentic representation. As production continues, anticipation will only grow—ensuring that the movie adaptation of The Love Hypothesis is one of the most talked-about releases in contemporary romance.
