Patrick Schwarzenegger to star in 'Beach Read' film adaptation but fans have one concern
Patrick Schwarzenegger took to Instagram on April 14, 2026, and revealed that he would play the lead role in the upcoming adaptation of Emily Henry's New York Times bestseller of the same name, ‘Beach Read’. He will star in the romantic comedy alongside Phoebe Dynevor. Soon after he shared the news online, he received backlash from netizens, who urged him not to take up the role.
An individual wrote, “I don’t even mean this in a rude way but pls don’t do this,” while another questioned Schwarzenegger being chosen for the lead and commented, “Why are you inflicting this on me???” A netizen added, “Break a leg!! (Literally) (drop the role) (quit) (decline),” while another wrote, “This is literally what the fans don’t want to see.” One Instagram user wrote, “Nobody wants this.” A netizen then shared a lengthy comment, stating, “I don’t know if you’ve read the book, but if you have… I honestly think you should’ve turned this down. I’m not saying this to be rude but if you’re adapting a book, the casting should at least feel somewhat close to what we imagined.”
While sharing the news, Schwarzenegger penned a detailed caption thanking the author and mentioned that his wife had been “obsessed” with her. “I’m so excited for this!!! First - let me say thank you to @emilyhenrywrites for the opportunity! I will do everything possible to make the fans happy & proud and bring your brilliant writing to life. PS- my wife is obsessed with you!” he said. Further, he mentioned fellow cast member Dynevor and the director of the project, Yulin Kuang, in the caption, as he wrote, “@phoebedynevor I can’t wait to bring these characters to life with you. It was a pleasure working opposite you through these chemistry reads. And to @yulin.kuang for your direction & conversations about these characters and their stories. I can’t wait to embark on this journey with you.”
Dynevor also commented on the post, stating that she was “so unbelievably excited” for the film. ‘Beach Read’ features two rival writers, romance novelist January Andrews and Augustus "Gus" Everett, who live side by side on a beach. As they spend time together, the two discuss their writer’s block. This results in a bet as they swap genres and challenge each other in a creative contest while promising that there will be no romance between them. However, only time will tell if they stick to the rule.
