EXCLUSIVE: Inanna Sarkis (Maintenance Required) has joined the cast of Beach Read, 20th Century Studios’ film adaptation of Emily Henry’s bestselling New York Times novel. Sources tell Deadline that the project is currently filming this month.
While representatives for 20th Century Studios declined to comment, reports indicate that Sarkis will portray Shadi, the best friend of Phoebe Dynevor’s character, January. She joins a high-profile ensemble that includes Patrick Schwarzenegger, Andie MacDowell, Kevin Bacon, Kristin Davis, and Tig Notaro.
Beach Read follows the story of January Andrews (Dynevor), an idealistic romance novelist, and Augustus “Gus” Everett (Schwarzenegger), a cynical literary fiction writer. Despite their opposing perspectives, both are struggling with severe writer’s block. After finding themselves as neighbors in a quiet Lake Michigan beach town for the summer, the two rivals strike a deal to swap genres, leading to a blurring of the lines between their professional rivalry and personal attraction.
Scheduled for a theatrical release on May 7, 2027, the film is directed by Yulin Kuang, who also penned the screenplay. Kuang previously co-wrote the Netflix adaptation of Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation. The production is handled by Neal H. Moritz via Original Films, with Karina Rahardja serving as executive producer, alongside Sarah Shepard and Catherine Hughes for 20th. The acquisition of the book rights was spearheaded by Clare Reeth and the literary affairs team.
Sarkis, who first rose to prominence as a digital creator, has expanded her filmography with roles in the After franchise and Amazon’s romantic comedy Maintenance Required, starring opposite Madelaine Petsch and Madison Bailey. Her upcoming projects include the hot air balloon thriller The Ascent alongside Gregg Sulkin and the thriller The Red Mask, in which she stars opposite Helena Howard.
Additionally, Sarkis will appear in the David Mamet-written film The Prince alongside Nicolas Cage, Giancarlo Esposito, J.K. Simmons, and Andy Garcia. She is currently preparing for her directorial debut with the project Touch the Sky and is represented by CAA and Luber Roklin Entertainment.
