Colleen Hoover’s Thriller ‘Verity’ Completes Filming as Legal Battle Over Previous Film Continues

The movie adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling thriller Verity has officially finished filming. Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, and Josh Hartnett star in the project, which is set to hit theaters on May 15, 2026. The story follows struggling writer Lowen Ashleigh (Johnson), who is hired by Jeremy Crawford (Hartnett) to complete a book series after his wife, famous author Verity Crawford (Hathaway), is left incapacitated by a mysterious accident. While staying at their estate, Lowen discovers a manuscript that hints at dark family secrets, including the deaths of Verity’s twin daughters and suspicions that Verity may be faking her condition.

Director Michael Showalter, who previously worked with Hathaway on The Idea of You, shared his excitement about the film’s twisted plot. The script, written by Nick Antosca, went through multiple drafts before filming began in New York City earlier this year. Scenes included a bloody opening sequence where Johnson’s character is splattered with fake blood after witnessing a fatal accident—a direct nod to the book’s first chapter.

Hathaway announced the wrap on Instagram with a video transitioning from the book to the script:

“So Be It… that’s a wrap on the #VerityMovie production! See you in theaters May 15, 2026.”
Hoover reposted the video, calling the film “twisted and gorgeous” and thanking the cast and crew.

Legal Drama Impacts Sequels

Meanwhile, a legal dispute between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni—who co-starred in Hoover’s earlier adaptation It Ends With Us—has escalated. Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment during filming, which he denies. Baldoni countersued Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, for defamation. The conflict has delayed plans for It Starts With Us, the sequel to It Ends With Us, which Baldoni’s production company had optioned. A trial is scheduled for 2026, the same year Verity releases.

The drama hasn’t slowed Hoover’s momentum. It Ends With Us was a box-office hit in 2024 despite backlash over age discrepancies between the actors and their book counterparts (Lively was 36 playing 23-year-old Lily) and criticism of costume choices.

More Hoover Books Adapted

Hoover’s novels continue to dominate Hollywood. Regretting You, a mother-daughter drama starring Allison Williams and McKenna Grace, is set for release in October 2025. Reminders of Him, about a young mother rebuilding her life after prison, is in development at Universal. The 2017 TV series Confess, based on Hoover’s book of the same name, is available on Go90.

Hoover has sold film rights to multiple books but admits not all will make it to screens:

“I’ve sold a lot of film rights that eventually reverted back to me if the producers couldn’t get the project off the ground. I’m hoping this one works out, though!”

Fan Reactions and Controversies

Fans are divided over Verity’s casting. Some praise Hathaway’s ability to portray Verity’s chilling persona, while others question if the film can capture the book’s suspense. The novel’s graphic themes—including child death and manipulation—have also sparked debates about its suitability for mainstream audiences.

Hoover’s habit of using unique character names (like “Lowen” and “Verity”) has become a talking point. She admits borrowing names from fans at book signings and baby-name websites to ensure her characters stand out online.

Social Media Buzz

Behind-the-scenes photos of Johnson covered in fake blood and Hartnett in formal wear fueled online speculation. Fans dissected every detail, from the Crawford estate’s design to Jeremy and Lowen’s chemistry. Hoover’s Instagram posts about the film have garnered millions of likes, with followers calling the project “the definition of perfection.”

Also Read: Love, Death and Robots Season 4 Arrives on Netflix May 15

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Sources: GMA Network

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