Netflix has announced the cast of its upcoming YA romantic comedy Better Than the Movies, based on Lynn Painter’s bestselling novel. Beatrice Kitsos and David Iacono will lead the film as high school seniors Liz Buxbaum and Wes Bennett, with Deacon Phillippe, Nicole Bruner, Luke Kirby and Judy Greer among the newly announced cast members.
The adaptation will bring Painter’s popular romance to the screen with a story that draws on some of the most familiar rom-com tropes while putting its own spin on the genre. The film is directed by Julia Hart, who also co-wrote the screenplay.
What Is Better Than the Movies About?
Better Than the Movies follows Liz Buxbaum, a high school senior and devoted fan of romantic comedies. When she wants to win the attention of her longtime crush, she turns to her irritating-but-charming next-door neighbor Wes Bennett for help.
Liz’s knowledge of romance movies becomes part of her strategy as she attempts to create her own happily-ever-after. Along the way, however, the familiar rules of the genre begin to work differently than she expects.
The film plays with classic romantic-comedy setups including fake relationships, enemies-to-lovers dynamics and the boy-next-door trope, while exploring what finding the right person might actually look like.
Who Stars in Better Than the Movies?
Beatrice Kitsos will play Liz Buxbaum, while David Iacono takes on the role of Wes Bennett.
The supporting cast includes:
- Beatrice Kitsos as Liz Buxbaum
- David Iacono as Wes Bennett
- Deacon Phillippe as Michael Young
- Nicole Bruner as Jocelyn
- Luke Kirby as Brian Buxbaum
- Judy Greer as Helena
- Claire Coffee as Martha Buxbaum
- Ora Duplass as Laney Morgan
- Veronica Garrubbo as Alex
- Kynlee Heiman as young Liz
Kitsos, known for Percy Jackson and the Olympians, reportedly became part of the adaptation after publicly expressing her interest in auditioning for the role. Iacono recently appeared in Jurassic World Rebirth.
Is Better Than the Movies Based on a Book?
Yes. The movie is based on Lynn Painter’s Better Than the Movies, a bestselling YA romance that became a No. 1 New York Times bestseller.
The novel’s popularity has also translated into strong fan interest in the screen adaptation, with casting discussions attracting considerable attention before Netflix confirmed its leads.
Who Is Behind the Better Than the Movies Movie?
Julia Hart is directing the adaptation and co-wrote the screenplay with Jordan Horowitz and Heather Flanders. Horowitz is producing for Original Headquarters, alongside Shauna Phelan and Melanie Krauss.
The project marks the second Original Headquarters production at Netflix, following the upcoming YA film Don’t Say Good Luck, also directed by Hart and co-written by Hart and Horowitz.
Netflix has yet to announce a release date for Better Than the Movies.
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