Author Ali Hazelwood to Release Sequel to 'The Love Hypothesis,' Film Adaptation in Development
Entertainment

Author Ali Hazelwood to Release Sequel to 'The Love Hypothesis,' Film Adaptation in Development

authorBy Roger Ebert
DateSep 29, 2026
Read Time3 min

Ali Hazelwood, the celebrated author behind the literary sensation 'The Love Hypothesis,' is poised to delight her global readership with a much-anticipated follow-up, 'The Two-Body Problem,' scheduled for publication next February. This announcement arrives on the heels of the successful adaptation of her debut novel into a film by Prime Video, starring Lili Reinhart and Tom Bateman. Hazelwood shared her enthusiasm for diving back into the lives of Olive Smith and Adam Carlsen, a narrative that captivated millions, and confirmed that discussions are already underway with MRC for a cinematic version of the new book for Amazon MGM Studios.

Hazelwood’s original work, 'The Love Hypothesis,' quickly transcended its initial release in 2021 to become a cultural touchstone. It dominated bestseller lists, garnered a fervent following on BookTok, and solidified Hazelwood's status as a prominent voice in contemporary romance literature. Her unique storytelling has led to over 10 million book sales globally, with several of her titles actively being considered for or already in various stages of screen adaptation. The narrative initially emerged from 'Star Wars' fan fiction, envisioning a romance between Rey and Kylo Ren, characters brought to life by Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver.

The recently premiered film adaptation of 'The Love Hypothesis,' directed by Claire Scanlon and produced by Elizabeth Cantillon, brings to the screen the story of Olive Smith, a brilliant Stanford Ph.D. candidate. To convince her friend Anh that she has moved past feelings for Anh's love interest, Olive enters into a pretend relationship with the infamously aloof Professor Adam Carlsen, whom students affectionately dub 'Dr. Evil.' This strategic alliance unexpectedly blossoms into a genuine connection.

Hazelwood took to her social media platforms to unveil the cover of 'The Two-Body Problem,' expressing her profound joy at revisiting her beloved characters. She remarked that while the idea of an unannounced sequel might surprise some, she couldn't envision a world without this continuation of Adam and Olive's journey. She hinted at delving deeper into the book's creation in the coming months, attributing her renewed affection for the characters to the compelling performances in the film adaptation.

While acknowledging that future developments are never guaranteed, Hazelwood excitingly revealed that MRC is in the early stages of developing 'The Two-Body Problem' for Amazon MGM Studios. The new book is set to explore a multi-year period in Adam and Olive's lives, focusing on the everyday challenges of a long-term relationship, the intricacies of postdoctoral life, and the humorous yet relatable dilemma of deciding on dinner. The publication date for 'The Two-Body Problem' is set for February 2, 2027.

This upcoming sequel promises to further explore the dynamics of Olive and Adam's relationship, delving into their shared academic world and personal growth. Fans can anticipate a narrative rich with the same blend of humor, heart, and scientific charm that made its predecessor a global sensation. The continued interest from major film studios underscores the enduring appeal of Hazelwood's characters and storytelling.

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