Amazon MGM Studios has officially greenlit the film adaptation of The Love Hypothesis, the widely loved romantic novel by Ali Hazelwood. This upcoming romantic comedy will feature Tom Bateman in the lead role of Professor Adam Carlsen, alongside Lili Reinhart as Olive Smith — who will also executive produce the film.
Originally a popular piece of fanfiction inspired by Star Wars characters Rey and Kylo Ren, The Love Hypothesis gained massive traction as a published novel in 2021. It went on to spend several months on The New York Times bestseller list and continues to have a loyal fan base across the globe. The novel is praised for its charming blend of science, humor, and heart — making it a perfect fit for a modern rom-com.
The movie follows Olive Smith, a focused and skeptical biology Ph.D. student who ends up in a fake relationship with her grumpy, sharp-witted professor, Adam Carlsen. What begins as a staged romance to convince a friend quickly spirals into real emotional tension and romantic sparks, resulting in a heartwarming and humorous story of unexpected love.
Director Claire Scanlon, known for her hit Netflix rom-com Set It Up, will helm the project, while Sarah Rothschild, who wrote The Sleepover, will adapt the screenplay. The combination of strong source material and a capable creative team has already sparked excitement among fans of both the book and the romance film genre.
Interestingly, Tom Bateman’s casting as Adam Carlsen brings a full-circle moment to the project. The original fanfiction that inspired the novel featured characters modeled after Rey and Kylo Ren — with Daisy Ridley playing Rey in the Star Wars films. Bateman is Ridley’s real-life husband, adding a unique behind-the-scenes twist that fans are already talking about.
Lili Reinhart, best known for her role in Riverdale, not only stars in the film but also serves as executive producer through her company, Small Victory Productions. She expressed enthusiasm for the role, stating that Olive Smith’s character embodies both intelligence and emotional complexity — something Reinhart is eager to bring to the screen.
A Full-Circle Story from Fan Fiction to Film Adaptation
The journey of The Love Hypothesis is as fascinating as the story itself. Originally written and published online in 2018 under the title Head Over Feet, the book began as a piece of Star Wars fanfiction. Author Ali Hazelwood later reworked the story, removing the direct references to the sci-fi universe and creating original characters while maintaining the emotional core of the narrative.
The novel resonated with readers for its unique academic setting, feminist themes, and honest portrayal of women in science — an underrepresented group in mainstream media. By combining these elements with a charming fake-dating trope and witty dialogue, Hazelwood struck a powerful chord with fans of contemporary romance.
Now, with the film adaptation underway, expectations are high. The production is backed by MRC Film and Elizabeth Cantillon’s Bisous Pictures. With both Hazelwood and Reinhart on board as executive producers, the film is likely to stay true to the spirit of the book — balancing intelligence, humor, and emotion.
The supporting cast and full production schedule are yet to be announced, but filming is expected to begin later this year. Given the strong creative team and massive anticipation, The Love Hypothesis could become one of the most talked-about romance films of 2025.
This adaptation also reflects a growing trend in Hollywood: turning popular romance novels — especially those that originated from online platforms or fan communities — into major film projects. As audiences increasingly seek out fresh, character-driven love stories, The Love Hypothesis is positioned to deliver just that.
With Lili Reinhart and Tom Bateman bringing Olive and Adam to life, and Claire Scanlon guiding the tone and pacing, the film promises a delightful experience for fans of heartfelt, intelligent rom-coms.
