People We Meet on Vacation cast news has become one of the most talked-about topics in entertainment this year. The upcoming romantic comedy film, based on Emily Henry’s bestselling novel, features a talented ensemble led by Lucy Hale and Chase Stokes. With filming completed and post-production now in its final stages, the film is set to premiere later in 2026, bringing one of the most beloved modern love stories from page to screen under the banner of Paramount Pictures and Temple Hill Entertainment.
About the Story: From Bestseller to Film Adaptation
Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation took the literary world by storm when it hit shelves in 2021. The novel became an international bestseller, earning widespread praise for its witty dialogue, deeply human characters, and modern twist on the friends-to-lovers trope. It spent months on the New York Times Best Seller list and solidified Henry’s reputation as one of today’s leading voices in contemporary romance.
The story centers on Poppy Wright and Alex Nilsen, two polar-opposite best friends who take annual summer trips together despite their differences. Poppy, an outgoing travel writer, lives for adventure and spontaneity, while Alex is a quiet, structured English teacher who prefers stability. Their friendship evolves over years of vacations until one trip changes everything. After a painful falling out, they stop speaking for two years—until Poppy invites Alex on one final trip to repair their relationship.
The emotional depth, humor, and relatable themes of connection and self-discovery made it an ideal candidate for a feature film.
Confirmed People We Meet on Vacation Cast (2026)
The confirmed cast brings together a blend of established Hollywood talent and emerging stars, ensuring a dynamic portrayal of Emily Henry’s beloved characters.
| Actor/Actress | Character | Previous Work Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Lucy Hale | Poppy Wright | The Hating Game, Pretty Little Liars, Fantasy Island |
| Chase Stokes | Alex Nilsen | Outer Banks, One of Us Is Lying, Tell Me Your Secrets |
| Nick Thune | Colin | Dave, Love Life, Mr. Roosevelt |
| Rachel Hilson | Rachel | This Is Us, Love, Victor, The Good Wife |
| Catherine Reitman | Poppy’s Editor | Workin’ Moms, Black-ish |
| Lauren Lapkus | Kayla | The Wrong Missy, Jurassic World, Good Girls |
| Camila Mendes | Social Media Influencer (cameo) | Riverdale, Do Revenge, Palm Springs |
The casting choices were officially announced between October 2024 and February 2025, with Lucy Hale and Chase Stokes quickly becoming one of the most buzzed-about pairings in the romantic comedy genre.
Lead Stars: Lucy Hale and Chase Stokes Bring Poppy and Alex to Life
Lucy Hale takes on the role of Poppy Wright, the fearless and free-spirited travel journalist whose vibrant personality drives much of the story’s humor and heart. Hale’s experience in romantic comedies, particularly her role in The Hating Game, prepared her for this emotionally layered performance. Her portrayal of Poppy emphasizes both her adventurous nature and her vulnerability as she tries to reconnect with her best friend.
Chase Stokes portrays Alex Nilsen, the introverted and steady counterpart to Poppy’s chaos. Best known for his breakout performance as John B in Outer Banks, Stokes brings warmth and quiet depth to Alex, capturing the tension between friendship and love that defines their relationship.
Reports from the production team indicate that Hale and Stokes built a strong off-screen friendship, which translates into authentic chemistry on-screen. Early test screenings have described their dynamic as “electric yet sincere,” setting the tone for a film that balances charm and realism.
Supporting Cast Brings Depth and Humor
The supporting actors add dimension to the story, rounding out the ensemble with comedy, heart, and realism.
- Nick Thune plays Colin, one of Poppy’s witty coworkers who provides comic relief while also challenging her ambitions.
- Rachel Hilson shines as Rachel, a mutual friend who helps bridge the emotional distance between Poppy and Alex.
- Catherine Reitman takes on the role of Poppy’s editor at Sunshine Travel Magazine, bringing a sharp and humorous edge to scenes exploring Poppy’s professional life.
- Lauren Lapkus adds lighthearted moments as Kayla, a fellow travel journalist whose experiences contrast Poppy’s chaotic career path.
- Camila Mendes, in a memorable cameo, portrays a travel influencer that Poppy meets on one of her assignments, representing the shift in modern travel culture.
Together, the cast creates an engaging, character-driven film that mirrors the emotional complexity of the novel while introducing new layers of humor and warmth.
Production Timeline and Filming Locations
People We Meet on Vacation began pre-production in March 2024, with filming taking place across multiple picturesque locations to capture the novel’s wanderlust-filled tone.
Principal photography kicked off in May 2024 and wrapped in December 2024. The production included both domestic and international shoots that highlight the movie’s travel theme.
Notable Filming Locations:
- Palm Springs, California: Used to represent Poppy’s vibrant home base and her travel industry career scenes.
- New York City, New York: Featured in flashbacks and the film’s emotional finale.
- Dubrovnik and Split, Croatia: Served as the backdrop for Poppy and Alex’s final vacation, capturing the beauty and tension of their reunion.
- Tuscany, Italy: Used for romantic sequences showcasing the film’s lush, cinematic visuals.
The mix of real-world travel destinations provides a visually stunning experience while emphasizing the novel’s message about adventure, friendship, and rediscovery.
Director, Writer, and Creative Team
The film is directed by Brett Haley, known for his acclaimed work on Hearts Beat Loud and All the Bright Places. Haley is celebrated for his character-driven approach and his ability to extract emotional nuance from lighthearted material.
The screenplay is written by Yulin Kuang, a talented screenwriter and filmmaker who has also worked on adapting Emily Henry’s other novels, including Book Lovers. Kuang’s collaboration with Henry ensured that the adaptation remained faithful to the tone and emotional core of the book while introducing cinematic flair.
Emily Henry served as a creative consultant, providing feedback on dialogue and structure to maintain authenticity. Her involvement guarantees that fans of the book will see their favorite moments brought to life with precision and heart.
Cinematography and Visual Style
Cinematographer Dana Gonzales crafted a visual palette that blends sun-soaked brightness with intimate tones, reflecting both the euphoria of travel and the vulnerability of emotional connection. The film’s aesthetic captures the essence of nostalgia and wanderlust that defined Henry’s novel.
The camera work alternates between handheld, naturalistic sequences and polished scenic shots, emphasizing the contrast between chaotic adventures and introspective moments. Combined with a soundtrack of indie pop and acoustic tracks, the film’s atmosphere evokes the feeling of a perfect summer memory.
Book-to-Film Changes and Adaptation Choices
While the film remains true to the book’s central themes, several creative adjustments were made for cinematic flow:
| Aspect | Book | Film Adaptation |
|---|---|---|
| Narrative Structure | Alternates between past vacations and present day | Same approach using visual flashbacks and voiceovers |
| Ending | Reconciliation scene set in New York | Extended version showing Poppy and Alex planning future travels |
| Tone | Introspective and humorous | Romantic, cinematic, and visually expressive |
| Supporting Characters | Focused on Poppy and Alex | Expanded roles for coworkers and friends |
| Themes | Friendship, identity, travel | Adds a stronger focus on emotional healing and connection |
These updates modernize the story while preserving the emotional honesty that made the novel a fan favorite.
Marketing Campaign and Release Strategy
Paramount Pictures has already begun building anticipation for the film’s release. The studio plans a multi-platform promotional campaign targeting fans of romance novels, millennials, and Gen Z audiences who follow BookTok and Bookstagram communities.
Marketing Highlights:
- Behind-the-scenes social media series featuring cast interviews and travel footage.
- Tie-in promotions with major bookstore chains highlighting Emily Henry’s novels.
- Collaborations with travel influencers to promote the film’s destinations.
- Exclusive premiere screenings at major film festivals, including the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
The first teaser trailer is scheduled to drop in April 2026, followed by the full trailer in July 2026.
The official theatrical release date is set for September 18, 2026, with a subsequent streaming debut on Paramount+ later in the year.
Why Audiences Are Excited
The People We Meet on Vacation adaptation arrives during a resurgence of romantic comedies that balance lighthearted escapism with emotional authenticity. With its nostalgic storytelling and relatable themes, it’s expected to resonate strongly with audiences who love films like Before Sunrise, Love, Rosie, and The Hating Game.
Fans are particularly excited about:
- The chemistry between Lucy Hale and Chase Stokes.
- The faithful adaptation of beloved book moments.
- The breathtaking European filming locations.
- Emily Henry’s continued creative involvement in her adaptations.
Online fan communities have already begun speculating about specific scenes from the book—especially “the car ride confession” and “the final vacation reunion”—which are expected to be emotional highlights of the movie.
Early Reactions and Industry Buzz
Early feedback from private screenings and crew insiders has been overwhelmingly positive. Test audiences reportedly praised the film’s emotional authenticity, pacing, and the dynamic between Hale and Stokes.
Industry insiders describe the film as “a love letter to friendship and travel,” predicting strong word-of-mouth success similar to The Hating Game and Love, Simon, both produced by Temple Hill Entertainment.
With a PG-13 rating, the movie aims to appeal to a broad demographic—young adults, book enthusiasts, and fans of romantic storytelling.
Box Office and Future Adaptations
Analysts project People We Meet on Vacation to perform well at the box office, with an estimated opening weekend in the $20–25 million range in the U.S. The combination of book popularity, star power, and social media buzz gives the film strong commercial prospects.
If successful, the adaptation could pave the way for more Emily Henry novels to be brought to screen. Her other bestselling titles—Beach Read and Happy Place—are already rumored to be in early development with major studios.
Conclusion
With its acclaimed cast, heartfelt storytelling, and vivid travel settings, People We Meet on Vacation is shaping up to be one of 2026’s most anticipated romantic releases. Lucy Hale and Chase Stokes lead an impressive ensemble that captures the emotional spirit of Emily Henry’s modern love story.
When this film arrives in theaters this September, audiences can expect laughter, nostalgia, and a reminder that the best trips in life are the ones we take with people who change us forever. What are you most excited to see from the People We Meet on Vacation cast? Share your thoughts below!