Inanna Sarkis is officially part of "Beach Read." The Canadian actress has been tapped for a supporting role in 20th Century Studios' film adaptation of Emily Henry's beloved novel, according to Deadline.
Sarkis will play Shadi, the best friend of Phoebe Dynevor's character January. It is a key supporting part in a film that has steadily assembled a very impressive cast over the past several months.
The production is an adaptation of Henry's New York Times bestselling novel, and it is currently shooting. Sarkis joins an ensemble that already includes Andie MacDowell, Kevin Bacon, Kristin Davis, and Tig Notaro.
The story centers on idealistic romance novelist January Andrews and cynical literary fiction writer Augustus "Gus" Everett, rival authors with dramatically opposing worldviews who find themselves living next door to each other in a small Lake Michigan beach town for the summer, ultimately striking an unlikely bet to swap genres.
Patrick Schwarzenegger stars opposite Dynevor as Gus. The search for the role was an extensive process that took place over many months, with Schwarzenegger's chemistry read with Dynevor ultimately winning over filmmakers and the studio.
Yulin Kuang, the co-writer of Netflix's "People We Meet on Vacation," another Henry adaptation, is directing from her own script, with Neal H. Moritz producing via his Original Films. Karina Rahardja is exec producing, with Sarah Shepard and Catherine Hughes overseeing the project for 20th.
"Beach Read" is set to release exclusively in theaters on May 7, 2027.
For Sarkis, the role marks a significant step into a major studio tentpole. She first built her profile in the digital space, using her channels to showcase comedy skits and short films in which she writes, directs, and stars. She is widely known for playing Molly in the "After" film franchise, starring opposite Josephine Langford and Hero Fiennes-Tiffin. More recently, the Canadian star appeared in "Maintenance Required" and has built a steady career across film and television.
Published in 2020, "Beach Read" is a romantic comedy following January Andrews, a successful romance novelist who struggles with grief and writer's block after her father's death and the discovery of secrets he long kept hidden. The book has been a New York Times bestseller and was named one of the best books of the year by numerous publications, including Oprah Magazine and Goodreads.
With production now underway and a full cast locked in, "Beach Read" looks increasingly well-positioned to be one of the bigger romantic comedies of 2027.
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