Emily Henry's bestselling novel People We Meet on Vacation is being adapted into a feature film, and there are a ton of exciting updates about Netflix's rom-com. First published in 2021, the book concerns a pair of platonic friends (Poppy and Alex) who spend every summer vacation together. However, despite their protestations to the contrary, those around Poppy and Alex see them as the perfect couple. Having fun with the usual meet-cute structure of the romantic comedy story, Henry's novel thrilled by including all the details readers anticipated while also offering surprises within the characters as well.

Netflix is no stranger to hit book adaptations, and the streamer's prowess in the romantic comedy genre is well known. The translation of People We Meet on Vacation is the first time any studio has tackled Henry's work, and that sort of unclaimed territory is rare in the increasingly competitive world of streaming. This gives Netflix the edge, and they will also have the chance to set the tone for the inevitable slew of future adaptations of Henry's other bestselling books. With major cast already announced, People We Meet on Vacation is already shaping up to be a hit.

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People We Meet On Vacation Latest News

Several New Cast Are Added

People We Meet on Vacation Cover

As work continues behind-the-scenes on the Emily Henry adaptation, the latest news sees People We Meet on Vacation round out its cast. First reported by Deadline, it has now been confirmed that Miles Heizer (Parenthood), Tommy Do (Hacks), Alice Lee (The Union), Alan Ruck (Succession), and Molly Shannon (Only Murders in the Building) have been cast. The five new actors the likes of Tom Blyth and Emily Bader, though their roles have yet to be disclosed.

People We Meet On Vacation Is Confirmed

The Project Was Announced In 2022

A Relaxing Couple on the Cover of People We Meet on Vacation
Custom image by Brennan Klein

Emily Henry's novel took the world by storm in 2021, and it didn't take long for Netflix to swoop in and scoop of the movie rights. The adaptation of People We Meet on Vacation was ostensibly revealed in October 2022 when it was announced that production company 3000 Pictures had hired Brett Haley to direct (via Deadline). Haley is no stranger to heartfelt comedy, having directed Hearts Beat Loud in 2018. Yulin Kuang is penning the adaptation, and recently adapted I Believe In a Thing Called Love for Netflix.

All 5 of Emily Henry's adult romance novels are currently being adapted.

People We Meet On Vacation Cast

Tom Blyth & Emily Bader Will Star

Netflix's adaptation of People We Meet on Vacation is already a star-studded affair, and the cast is growing. Though it took the better part of two years for cast details to be revealed, Tom Blyth (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes) is set to play the introverted Alex. Emily Bader of My Lady Jane fame will play the adventurous Poppy. ing the duo are Sarah Catherine Hook (The White Lotus), Jameela Jamil (The Good Place), Lucien Laviscount (Emily in Paris), and Lukas Gage (Smile 2), though their roles remain a secret for now.

Rounding out the ensemble, Miles Heizer (Parenthood), Tommy Do (Hacks), Alice Lee (The Union), Alan Ruck (Succession), and Molly Shannon (Only Murders in the Building) have been cast. However, like many of their counterparts, their roles have not been disclosed yet.

The confirmed cast of People We Meet on Vacation includes:

Actor

People We Meet on Vacation Role

Emily Bader

Poppy

Emily Bader as Rose looking upset in her childhood bedroom in Fresh Kills

Tom Blyth

Alex

Tom Blyth as Coriolanus Snow in an Academy Training Video for The Hunger Games The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

Sarah Catherine Hook

Unknown

Sarah Catherine Hook in First Kill

Jameela Jamil

Unknown

Jameela Jamil as Titania looking smug in She-Hulk Attorney at Law

Lucien Laviscount

Unknown

Alfie (Lucien Laviscount) smiling at Emily in Emily in Paris Season 4 Part 2 trailer

Lukas Gage

Unknown

Lukas Gage as Cat King with a flirtatious smile in Dead Boy Detectives season 1

Miles Heizer

Unknown

Miles Heizer as Alex Standall 13 Reasons Why

Tommy Do

Unknown

Tommy Do poses against a pink backdrop

Alice Lee

Unknown

Alice Lee as David's wife, Emily.

Alan Ruck

Unknown

Connor Roy (Alan Ruck) sits outside in Succession

Molly Shannon

Unknown

Bev Melon (Molly Shannon) ing Mabel in her new projects as a podcast producer in Only Murders in the Building Season 4 Episode 5
Image via Hulu

People We Meet On Vacation Story Details

A Classic Rom-Com Premise Is Expected

A composite image of Tom Blyth looking over his shoulder in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes in front of Emily Bader standing in a field in My Lady Jane
Custom Image by Dalton Norman

With plenty of mystery, humor, and will-they-won't-they drama, People We Meet on Vacation could transform the rom-com genre for years to come.

The best rom-coms typically take well-worn concepts and manage to reinvent them in a way that is engaging and fun. Emily Henry's novel does that in strides, and the Netflix adaptation isn't expected to change much from People We Meet on Vacation. In the novel, Poppy and Alex are long-time platonic friends from college who used to take yearly vacations together. After a falling out that lasts for several years, Poppy rekindles the friendship and the duo go on one last trip to Palm Springs together.

While basking in the California desert sun, the pair attempt to recoup memories of previous trips, including a trip to Croatia which could transform the state of their friendship. With plenty of mystery, humor, and will-they-won't-they drama, People We Meet on Vacation could transform the rom-com genre for years to come.

People We Meet on Vacation (2025) - Poster
People We Meet on Vacation
Director
Brett Haley
Writers
Emily Henry, Yulin Kuang
Producers
Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen, Isaac Klausner

People We Meet on Vacation is a film adaptation centered on the enduring friendship between two contrasting personalities, Alex and Poppy. Despite their differences, they maintain a strong bond through a shared annual vacation over several years, navigating life's complexities and their evolving relationship.

Main Genre
Romance