The first look at Patrick Schwarzenegger and Phoebe Dynevor in Beach Read has arrived, and reaction has been mixed. The behind-the-scenes snap shows Schwarzenegger's Augustus "Gus" Everett gazing at Dynevor's January Andrews, who is unaware of his attention. Director Yulin Kuang shared the camera test still on June 8 with the caption: "A crumb of bts from the BEACH READ camera test for you, dear reader."
Since Schwarzenegger's casting as the literary fiction author was announced nearly two months ago, fans have debated the choice openly. The first-look photo intensified the discussion, with some saying "still a no" while others warmed to it. "Ok hold on. there's a vision," one fan wrote, while another said, "I'm so excited!!!! Cannot wait to watch."
Author Emily Henry herself weighed in on the debate. During a May 19 appearance on Today, the 35-year-old declined to pick a side. "I also have to sit back and let it unfold," Henry said, noting that while readers created this world, the filmmakers have their own creative role. She praised Kuang's vision as "brilliant" and promised an amazing adaptation. Henry also teased that more casting announcements are coming, hinting at her excitement over recent emails.
Beach Read hits theaters May 7, 2027. Fans will have to wait to see whether the enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Schwarzenegger and Dynevor captures the essence of Henry's 2020 novel.
