From adaptations of classics to brand new favorites, May’s line-up of new releases is looking really stacked. We’ve got thrillers, comedies, action, romance, and pretty much every other genre you can imagine. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry (maybe). You’ll be entertained. Here’s what’s coming your way.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 (Theatrical Release, May 1)
Andy (Anne Hathaway) is heading back to Runway magazine in The Devil Wears Prada 2. This film is not a direct adaptation of Lauren Weisberger’s sequel, Revenge Wears Prada, but it is based on Weisberger’s characters from The Devil Wears Prada. Meryl Streep also returns as Miranda Priestly, Runway‘s editor-in-chief. Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci also reprise their roles. The film’s other stars include Justin Theroux, Kenneth Branagh, Tracie Thoms, Simone Ashley, and Lucy Liu. David Frankel, who directed The Devil Wears Prada, also returns to direct this one.
Animal Farm (Theatrical Release, May 1)
Andy Serkis’ animated film adaptation of George Orwell’s Animal Farm also hits theaters this month. You can expect this to deviate from the source material in a few ways, including the addition of a coming-of-age story about a piglet named Lucky, played by Stranger Things‘ Gaten Matarazzo. There’s also Seth Rogan as Napoleon, Kieran Culkin as Squealer, Glenn Close as Freida Pilkington, Steve Buscemi as Mr. Whymper, Laverne Cox as Snowball, Woody Harrelson as Boxer, and Kathleen Turner as Benjamin.
Lord of the Flies (Netflix, May 4)
Here’s another classic adaptation coming in May! Lord of the Flies hits Netflix on the 4th. The four-episode series is based on the 1954 William Golding novel of the same name. It already premiered in the UK on the BBC in February and currently has a 91% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. So, if you loved reading this one in high school (didn’t we all?), this might be the right adaptation to give a watch!
The Other Bennet Sister (BritBox, May 6)
And here’s another adaptation that originally released earlier this year in the UK and is now getting a US release date! This British period drama series was adapted by Sarah Quintrell (The Power, His Dark Materials) from the 2020 novel of the same name by Janice Hadlow. Essentially, it’s Pride and Prejudice, but from the perspective of Elizabeth Bennet’s sister Mary. Ella Bruccoleri stars as Mary Bennet, Maddie Close as Jane, Poppy Gilbert as Elizabeth, Grace Hogg-Robinson as Lydia, Molly Wright as Kitty, and Tanya Reynolds as Caroline Bingley.
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Remarkably Bright Creatures (Netflix, May 8)
The adaptation of Shelby van Pelt’s 2022 novel about the friendship between an octopus and a human is out on Netflix in early May. Sally Field plays Tova Sullivan, a widow who is a night cleaner at the aquarium, who befriends an octopus named Marcellus (Alfred Molina). Lewis Pullman plays Cameron, a 30-year-old maintenance worker who also befriends Tova. Oliva Newman (First Match, Where the Crawdad Sings) directs from a script written by her and John Whittington (The Lego Batman Movie).
Song of the Samurai (HBO Max, May 9)
This Japanese drama series is based on the manga series Chiruran: Shinsengumi Requiem, written by Shinya Umemura and illustrated by Eiji Hashimoto. This is a story about the Shinsengumi samurai corps during the late Edo period. Yuki Yamada stars as Hijikata Toshizo, the “last samurai” of the Shinsengumi. The series also stars Gô Ayano and Kento Nakajima. The manga, which spans 36 collected volumes, has previously been adapted into an anime and a stage play. This is the first live-action adaptation.
Off Campus (Prime Video, May 13)
This romantic drama series is based on the Off Campus series by Elle Kennedy. Off Campus was developed by Louisa Levy (Death and Other Details, Stumptown) and stars Ella Bright, Belmont Cameli, Mika Abdalla, Antonia Cipriano, Jalen Thomas Brooks, Josh Heuston, and Stephen Kalen. The first season is based on the first novel in the series, The Deal, which follows the relationship between Hannah Wells (Bright) and college hockey player Garrett Graham (Cameli). The series has not premiered yet, but it’s already renewed for a second season, so feel free to get invested!
Is God Is (Theatrical Release, May 15)
Is God Is is written and directed by Aleshea Harris and is based on her 2018 play of the same name. This will be Harris’ feature directorial debut. Kara Young and Mallori Johnson star as Racine and Anaia, twin sisters who are seeking revenge against their abusive father, who left them with burn scars. The film also stars Sterling K. Brown, Vivica A. Fox, and Janelle Monáe. It gets a theatrical release on May 15 by Orion Pictures.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder (Netflix, May 27)
Season two incoming! The second season of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is coming to Netflix at the end of the month. This six-episode series is based on the second novel in Holly Jackson’s YA series, Good Girl, Bad Blood. This time, Pip (Emma Myers) investigates the disappearance of her friend Connor’s brother. Zain Iqbal, Asha Banks, Jude Morgan-Collie, Henry Ashton, and Yali Topol Margalith are also returning. Joining the cast are Misia Butler, Eden H. Davies, Jack Rowan, and Freddie England.
Spider-Noir (Prime Video, May 27)
Based on the Marvel comic series Spider-Man Noir, Prime’s superhero noir series follows Ben Reilly (Nicolas Cage), a private investigator and superhero living in New York City in the 1930s. You might also recognize this character from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Nicolas Cage first played the role in this animated film, and is now reprising the role for this live-action series. Lamorne Morris, Li Jun Li, Karen Rodriguez, Abraham Popoola, Jack Huston, and Brendan Gleeson also star. All eight episodes of the first season are set to release on Amazon Prime on May 27.
We’ve got a few exciting adaptations from authors of color this month, but we’re always hoping for more! Here are more adaptations from authors of color out in 2026.
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