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People We Meet on Vacation Movie Sets Summer Premiere Date
‘People We Meet On Vacation’: Netflix Sets Premiere Date for Highly-Anticipated Adaptation
A wave of excitement has swept through the book and film community as Netflix finally announced the release date for its eagerly awaited adaptation of Emily Henry’s best-selling novel, People We Meet On Vacation. This much-loved rom-com, which first captured readers’ hearts in 2021, is scheduled to debut on Netflix on January 9, 2026, perfectly timed to offer a heartwarming escape in the heart of summer.
Netflix Teases the Romance
Netflix gave fans a tantalizing first taste of the film by releasing a short teaser that plays over a serene, beach-infused soundtrack. The clip features the voices of Emily Bader and Tom Blyth, cast in the lead roles as Poppy and Alex. Fans are introduced to Poppy as she asks, “Where does Alex Nilsen stand on travel? Love or hate?” Alex, the ever-grounded contrast to Poppy’s free spirit, replies: “I’ve never really travelled anywhere. But this morning I saw this beautiful sunrise over this place that I’d never been before, and I wouldn’t have if everything had gone according to plan. So love. I’m thinking love.” This brief exchange perfectly encapsulates the breezy, heartfelt tone that’s become synonymous with Emily Henry’s fiction.
The film will be the very first of Henry’s five novels to be adapted for the screen, with Brett Haley attached as director. The chemistry between the leads is already getting rave remarks—Henry herself admitted to watching their audition tapes repeatedly, stating, “The very first time I was laughing out loud, and I got so emotional by the end.” Read more about Henry’s reaction in Netflix’s Tudum feature.
Plot: A Friendship Put to the Test
People We Meet On Vacation follows the decades-spanning friendship between Poppy, an energetic travel writer, and Alex, a reserved literature lover. The duo initially meet at the University of Chicago, and despite their “opposites attract” personalities—Poppy’s impulsive nature set against Alex’s measured routine—they form a lasting bond. To keep their friendship alive post-graduation, they promise to go on vacation together every summer, each trip taking them to a new destination they’ve never visited before.
After an incident threatens to unravel their tradition, the two grow apart. Years of silence follow until Poppy persuades Alex to join her for one last adventure in Croatia. As with many beloved rom-coms, the “friends-to-lovers” dynamic is at the core of this story, promising plenty of emotional highs and swoon-worthy moments for viewers. For more on the book’s tropes and their popularity, check out Marie Claire Australia’s roundup of best enemies-to-lovers books.
Star-Studded Cast Rounds Out the Adaptation
The casting news for People We Meet On Vacation has only added to the anticipation. Emily Bader (My Lady Jane) will bring Poppy Wright to life, opposite Tom Blyth (The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes) as Alex Nilsen. The supporting ensemble includes notable names such as Sarah Catherine Hook (The White Lotus), Lucien Laviscount (Emily in Paris), Alan Ruck (Succession), and Jameela Jamil. Other cast members include Lukas Gage, Molly Shannon, Tommy Do, Alice Lee, and Miles Heizer. Role allocations for several cast members are still under wraps, but the lineup is already shaping up to be one of the most impressive for a Netflix rom-com in recent years.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Since the announcement, excitement has exploded across social media platforms. Emily Henry shared behind-the-scenes snapshots on her Instagram, fueling further speculation and hype among her fans. The teaser quickly made the rounds on Twitter/X, with fans dissecting every detail and eagerly counting down to the premiere.
Stay tuned for more updates as Netflix draws closer to the film’s release. For current coverage, follow the announcement and more adaptation news through People Magazine and the latest Netflix press releases.
This article was published by the editorial team at Marie Claire Australia. For further information about Emily Henry’s literary success, you can find her books at Dymocks. For related coverage on streaming, books, and adaptation news, keep checking our entertainment section.
