Netflix Sets January 9, 2026 Premiere for Emily Henry's 'People We Meet on Vacation' Adaptation

Streaming giant Netflix has officially unveiled the release date for the highly anticipated film adaptation of Emily Henry's bestselling novel, 'People We Meet on Vacation.' Mark your calendars: the premiere is slated for Friday, January 9, 2026. This romantic comedy marks the first installment in an ambitious slate of five planned adaptations drawn from Henry's popular works.

The film is helmed by director Brett Haley, bringing the beloved story to the screen. Production duties are being managed by 3000 Pictures in collaboration with Temple Hill Entertainment, with Netflix handling global distribution. Stepping into the lead roles are Emily Bader, portraying the free-spirited writer Poppy Wright, and Tom Blyth, who takes on the part of the more reserved high school teacher, Alex Nilsen.

The core narrative revolves around Poppy and Alex's decade-long tradition of annual summer trips, a bond that is severely tested following a major falling out that occurred during their last vacation together in Croatia two years prior. The movie employs a non-linear structure, skillfully weaving together flashbacks of their past adventures with their present-day efforts to mend their fractured relationship and confront their true feelings for one another. The storytelling aims to peel back the layers to reveal the source of their rift and explore the potential for their deep friendship to blossom into romance.

Handling the screenplay adaptation is Yulin Kuang, who brings prior experience from projects developed for Hulu and The CW. The supporting cast is robust, featuring Jameela Jamil as Poppy's demanding boss at the travel magazine, alongside Lucien Laviscount. Further rounding out the ensemble are Sarah Catherine Hook, Lucas Gage, Miles Heizer, Alan Ruck, and Molly Shannon. Principal photography took place across several scenic locations, including New Orleans, as well as various spots in Spain, notably Barcelona and the Costa Brava coastline.

Emily Henry's source novel, originally published in 2021, enjoyed a lengthy tenure atop The New York Times bestseller list, spending over a year in the top spot. It also secured the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance Novel. The author herself has expressed confidence that the assembled cast possesses the talent necessary to authentically capture the essence of her characters. Netflix is scheduled to debut the first official trailer for the movie on December 2, 2025, giving fans an early glimpse into the on-screen chemistry.