Better Than The Movies Movie Adaptation Lands at Netflix With Julia Hart Set to Direct
Netflix is officially bringing Better Than The Movies to the screen.
The streaming giant has tapped acclaimed filmmaker Julia Hart to direct a feature adaptation of Lynn Painter’s bestselling young adult romantic comedy novel, Better Than The Movies. The project marks another major milestone for the beloved book, which continues to attract readers and romance fans five years after its original publication.
With a passionate fan base, a proven creative team, and one of the most popular YA romance stories in recent years, Better Than The Movies is shaping up to be one of Netflix’s most anticipated upcoming adaptations.
What Is Better Than The Movies About?
A #1 New York Times bestseller, Better Than The Movies follows Liz Buxbaum, a high school senior who believes life should play out like the romantic comedies she adores.
Determined to capture the attention of her longtime crush, Liz enlists the help of her frustrating—but undeniably charming—next-door neighbor. As the two spend more time together, Liz begins to realize that real-life romance may not follow the script she expected.
The novel cleverly embraces fan-favorite rom-com tropes, including:
- Enemies to lovers
- Fake relationships
- Boy-next-door romance
- Childhood crushes
- Romantic comedy references
The story has resonated with readers for its humor, heart, and fresh take on modern romance.
Julia Hart to Direct the Netflix Adaptation
Julia Hart will direct the feature adaptation and also serves as a co-writer on the screenplay.
Hart collaborated on an early draft with her husband and creative partner Jordan Horowitz, while screenwriter Heather Flanders also contributed to the project.
Horowitz will produce through Original Headquarters alongside Shauna Phelan.
The project continues Hart’s growing relationship with Netflix following her upcoming teen drama Don’t Say Good Luck, starring Sunny Sandler.
Hart is known for directing:
- Miss Stevens
- Fast Color
- I’m Your Woman
- Disney’s Stargirl
- Disney’s Hollywood Stargirl
Her experience creating character-driven stories centered around young adults makes her a strong fit for the adaptation.
Why Better Than The Movies Became a Bestseller
Since its publication by Simon & Schuster, Better Than The Movies has become one of the most successful YA romance novels of the past decade.
The novel has achieved:
- #1 New York Times Bestseller status
- 41 months on The New York Times YA Paperback Bestseller List
- 12 weeks on The New York Times YA Hardcover Bestseller List
Its continued popularity has been fueled by social media, BookTok recommendations, and a devoted fan base that continues to champion Lynn Painter’s work.
Who Are the Casting Directors for Better Than The Movies?
Casting is one of the most important elements of any book-to-screen adaptation, especially for a fan-favorite novel like Better Than The Movies.
One of the casting teams attached to the Netflix project is MK Casting, a respected casting company known for helping productions identify emerging and established talent for film and television projects.
Casting directors work closely with producers and filmmakers to find actors who can authentically bring beloved characters to life. For Better Than The Movies, that means finding performers capable of capturing the chemistry, charm, humor, and emotional depth that readers have come to love from characters like Liz Buxbaum and Wes Bennett.
While Netflix has not yet announced the film’s cast, the involvement of experienced casting professionals signals that the project is moving forward as the production team begins assembling its ensemble.
Better Than The Movies Casting Call
Interested in auditioning for Better Than The Movies or similar Netflix productions?
Netflix ‘Better Than The Movies’ Lead Role Casting Call for Liz
Female Lead Actor Casting Call for Feature Film Adaptation
Job Description
A feature film adaptation of a bestselling novel is seeking a female lead actor for a major starring role. Casting directors are looking for a talented young performer to portray a romantic, imaginative teenager navigating friendship, love, and personal growth. No acting experience is required, making this an exciting opportunity for both emerging and experienced talent. Singing and piano skills are a plus but are not required.
Job Responsibilities
- Portray a lead character in a feature film adaptation
- Deliver an authentic and emotionally engaging performance
- Participate in rehearsals, filming, and promotional activities as required
- Collaborate closely with directors and fellow cast members
- Follow creative direction throughout production
Requirements
- Female talent ages 18–25
- White or mixed-race ethnicity
- Red hair preferred
- Strong personality and natural screen presence
- Comfortable portraying a 17-year-old character
- Singing and piano skills are a plus but not required
- Must be available for the entire filming period in Chicago
Compensation
- Lead role in a feature film adaptation
- Professional acting credit
- Opportunity to work on a major streaming production
- Valuable industry exposure and career-building experience
Netflix ‘Better Than The Movies’ Lead Role Casting Call for Wes
Male Lead Actor Casting Call for Feature Film Adaptation
Job Description
A feature film adaptation of a bestselling novel is seeking a male lead actor for a starring role. Casting directors are looking for a charismatic young performer to portray a talented athlete with humor, confidence, and emotional depth. This is an excellent opportunity for aspiring and experienced actors to take on a leading role in a major film production. No acting experience is required.
Job Responsibilities
- Portray a lead character in a feature film adaptation
- Perform dramatic and romantic scenes
- Work closely with directors and cast members
- Participate in rehearsals and filming activities
- Bring authenticity and personality to the role
Requirements
- Male talent ages 18–25
- Open to all ethnicities
- Athletic appearance preferred
- Strong charisma and natural screen presence
- Comfortable portraying a 17-year-old character
- Ability to convey humor, confidence, and emotional vulnerability
- Must be available for the entire filming period in Chicago
Compensation
- Lead role in a feature film adaptation
- Professional acting credit
- Opportunity to appear in a major streaming production
- Industry exposure and portfolio-building experience
Lynn Painter Continues Expanding Into Hollywood
The Netflix adaptation of Better Than The Movies is not the only Lynn Painter project heading to Hollywood.
The bestselling author recently set up a feature adaptation of her novel Fake Skating at Sony Pictures, with Will Gluck’s Olive Bridge Entertainment attached to produce.
As studios continue investing in romance-focused content, Painter’s growing catalog has become a valuable source of adaptation material.
What This Means for Fans of YA Romantic Comedies
Netflix has found success with young adult romance adaptations, and Better Than The Movies appears to be a perfect fit for the platform’s audience.
The combination of a bestselling source novel, an experienced director, and a dedicated fan base gives the project significant momentum as development continues.
Although casting announcements and a release date have not yet been revealed, fans are already eagerly awaiting news about who will portray Liz, Wes, and the rest of the novel’s beloved characters.
Stay Updated on Better Than The Movies Casting News
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