People We Meet on Vacation cast updates have generated major buzz across the entertainment industry in early 2026. The upcoming romantic comedy film, based on Emily Henry’s bestselling 2021 novel, features a confirmed star-studded cast led by Lucy Hale and Chase Stokes. The film adaptation, currently in post-production, is set for release later this year under Temple Hill Entertainment and Paramount Pictures.
The adaptation marks one of the most highly anticipated romantic films of 2026, following the success of Henry’s other book-to-screen project, Book Lovers, currently in development. With a top-tier creative team, global filming locations, and a fan-favorite cast, People We Meet on Vacation promises to capture both the humor and emotional depth of the original novel.
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Overview: The Story Behind People We Meet on Vacation
Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation became an instant bestseller upon its publication in May 2021. The novel spent multiple weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list and continues to dominate romantic fiction charts on major retailers and streaming book platforms.
The story follows Poppy and Alex, two best friends with opposite personalities who share a tradition of taking a summer vacation together every year. However, after a falling out, they stop speaking for two years—until Poppy decides to repair their friendship with one last trip.
The book’s heartfelt exploration of friendship, love, and reconnection made it a top choice for film adaptation. Fans have eagerly awaited casting news since the project was first announced in 2022.
Official People We Meet on Vacation Cast (2026)
The film’s confirmed lineup brings together established stars and rising talents known for their chemistry and relatable performances.
| Actor/Actress | Role | Notable Works |
|---|---|---|
| Lucy Hale | Poppy Wright | Pretty Little Liars, The Hating Game, Fantasy Island |
| Chase Stokes | Alex Nilsen | Outer Banks, One of Us Is Lying, Valiant One |
| Nick Thune | Colin | Love Life, Dave, The Right One |
| Rachel Hilson | Rachel | This Is Us, Love, Victor, Red, White & Blue |
| Catherine Reitman | Poppy’s boss | Workin’ Moms, Black-ish |
| Lauren Lapkus | Sunshine Travel coworker | The Wrong Missy, Orange Is the New Black |
| Camila Mendes (cameo) | Vacation blogger | Riverdale, Palm Springs, Do Revenge |
Lucy Hale and Chase Stokes were officially announced as the leads in October 2024, following months of speculation. The pairing immediately drew excitement online due to their strong fan bases and complementary screen personas.
Lead Performances: Lucy Hale and Chase Stokes
Lucy Hale, known for her charm and comedic timing, takes on the role of Poppy Wright, a lively, impulsive travel writer who thrives on adventure. Hale has experience in romantic comedies, most notably starring in The Hating Game (2021), another book adaptation. Her portrayal of Poppy is expected to balance humor and heartfelt emotion, consistent with the character’s voice in the novel.
Chase Stokes, best known as John B from Outer Banks, plays Alex Nilsen, the quiet and methodical counterpart to Poppy’s chaotic energy. Stokes’ transition from teen adventure drama to mature romantic comedy demonstrates his growing range as an actor. Early feedback from crew members suggests strong on-screen chemistry between Hale and Stokes, which has fueled anticipation ahead of the film’s trailer release.
Supporting Cast Highlights
The supporting cast adds depth and humor to the story, creating the ensemble dynamic that defines People We Meet on Vacation.
- Nick Thune plays Colin, one of Poppy’s coworkers who brings comedic levity and professional rivalry to her travel writing career.
- Rachel Hilson, known for her dramatic roles in This Is Us and Love, Victor, portrays Rachel, a mutual friend who helps reconnect Poppy and Alex.
- Catherine Reitman delivers a sharp, witty performance as Poppy’s boss at the fictional Sunshine Travel magazine.
- Lauren Lapkus adds her signature quirky humor as a fellow travel writer, offering moments of comic relief throughout the film.
- Camila Mendes makes a brief cameo appearance as a popular travel influencer, adding a modern twist to the film’s travel culture theme.
Production Details and Filming Timeline
The film entered pre-production in early 2024, with principal photography beginning in May 2024. Filming spanned several international and domestic locations, mirroring the book’s global vacation theme.
Key filming sites included:
- Palm Springs, California – Used for early scenes showing Poppy’s current life in the travel industry.
- New York City, New York – Featured in flashbacks and scenes at Sunshine Travel.
- Croatia and Italy – Served as the backdrop for the pivotal reunion trip, representing the fictional European setting from the novel.
Production wrapped in December 2024, with post-production continuing through 2025. The film is currently in the final editing stages as of January 2026.
Creative Team and Direction
The film adaptation is directed by Brett Haley, known for Hearts Beat Loud and All the Bright Places. Haley’s reputation for character-driven storytelling and nuanced performances makes him an ideal fit for adapting Emily Henry’s emotionally layered writing.
The screenplay was written by Yulin Kuang, who also wrote and directed Henry’s upcoming Book Lovers adaptation for Netflix. Kuang has collaborated closely with Henry to preserve the book’s tone, dialogue, and humor.
Emily Henry herself served as a creative consultant, ensuring the adaptation remained faithful to her original vision while enhancing cinematic storytelling elements.
Why Fans Are Excited About This Adaptation
Since the novel’s release, readers have praised its realistic portrayal of friendship and slow-burn romance. The book’s alternating timeline—showing past vacations and the present-day reunion—became one of its signature storytelling techniques.
The film adaptation maintains this structure, weaving together flashbacks of earlier trips with the emotional tension of Poppy and Alex’s final vacation.
Fans are particularly eager to see how the movie translates the novel’s humor and heart onto screen, especially through the chemistry of Hale and Stokes. Online fan communities have already nicknamed them “PopLex” (a blend of Poppy and Alex) in anticipation of the movie’s debut.
Studio and Distribution Information
People We Meet on Vacation is being produced by Temple Hill Entertainment, the same production company behind Love, Simon, The Fault in Our Stars, and The Twilight Saga. The studio’s proven success in adapting romantic and character-driven stories has set high expectations for this project.
The film will be distributed by Paramount Pictures in the U.S. and internationally through Paramount Global platforms. A theatrical release is currently scheduled for September 2026, with streaming availability expected to follow on Paramount+ later in the year.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights
During post-production interviews, both lead actors shared their excitement about the film’s emotional themes.
Lucy Hale described the project as “a celebration of connection, forgiveness, and timing—the kind of story that makes you believe in second chances.”
Chase Stokes emphasized the film’s authenticity, stating that “the chemistry between the characters feels real because the story is about friendship first, love second.”
The production team also revealed that several improvised moments made it into the final cut, especially during the travel montage sequences. These scenes aim to capture spontaneous joy and awkward humor—the essence of vacation adventures gone wrong.
Comparison: Book vs. Film Adaptation
| Element | Novel | Film Adaptation |
|---|---|---|
| Narrative Style | Alternates between past and present vacations | Retains the same structure using flashbacks |
| Setting | Multiple locations worldwide | Focused on Europe and U.S. destinations |
| Tone | Witty, introspective, emotional | Romantic comedy with heartfelt moments |
| Ending | Hopeful reunion | Faithfully adapted with minor cinematic changes |
| Perspective | Poppy’s first-person narration | Visual storytelling with voiceover elements |
While the screenplay stays close to the source material, director Brett Haley’s cinematic approach adds richer visual storytelling, emphasizing atmosphere, color, and emotion.
Marketing and Promotion
Paramount has launched an early marketing campaign targeting fans of contemporary romance films and book adaptations.
Promotional strategies include:
- Behind-the-scenes social media teasers featuring cast interactions.
- A tie-in campaign with major bookstores promoting Emily Henry’s novels.
- Early screenings at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
- Exclusive cast interviews on major talk shows closer to release.
The film’s teaser trailer is expected to debut in April 2026, followed by a full trailer in the summer.
Audience Expectations and Critical Outlook
Industry analysts predict strong box office potential for People We Meet on Vacation, particularly among female audiences aged 18–40 and readers of romance fiction.
Emily Henry’s name recognition has become a major marketing draw, with her books regularly trending on TikTok’s “BookTok” community. The previous success of The Hating Game, another friends-to-lovers adaptation starring Lucy Hale, adds to audience confidence.
Critics expect the film to blend emotional storytelling with comedic pacing, positioning it as one of 2026’s standout romantic releases.
Release Plans and Future Potential
People We Meet on Vacation is set for a theatrical release on September 18, 2026. Early talks suggest potential expansion into streaming and international markets soon after its domestic debut.
If successful, Paramount and Temple Hill may pursue further collaborations with Emily Henry on adaptations of her other novels, such as Beach Read or Happy Place, which are currently in early development discussions.
With a talented cast, breathtaking locations, and a deeply beloved story, People We Meet on Vacation is shaping up to be one of 2026’s most talked-about romantic films. Which performance are you most excited to see when it hits theaters? Share your thoughts below!
