Lili Reinhart and Tom Bateman Lead Film Based on Ali Hazelwood Bestseller
Prime Video has confirmed that its adaptation of Ali Hazelwood’s best-selling romance novel The Love Hypothesis will debut globally on Sept. 23, as the streaming platform expands its slate of young adult-focused original programming.
The film stars Lili Reinhart and Tom Bateman in the lead roles and is based on Hazelwood’s widely popular novel, which became a New York Times bestseller following its release. Prime Video also released first-look images from the production this week ahead of the film’s launch.
The romantic comedy-drama follows Olive, played by Reinhart, a Ph.D. candidate determined to build a successful academic career. The story centres on Olive’s impulsive decision to kiss professor Adam Carlsen, portrayed by Bateman, in an attempt to convince her best friend she has moved on from a previous romantic interest. What begins as a staged relationship gradually develops into something more complicated.
According to the studio synopsis, “What begins as a desperate act of friendship spirals into a fake relationship with rules, boundaries, and a mutually beneficial agreement. When their arrangement begins to blur the lines between performance and reality, Olive is forced to test her most daunting hypothesis yet: that love might actually be worth the risk.”
The adaptation is directed by Claire Scanlon and written by Sarah Rothschild. Elizabeth Cantillon serves as producer under The Cantillon Company banner, while MRC presents the production.
Alongside Reinhart and Bateman, the cast includes Rachel Marsh, Nicholas Duvernay, Jaboukie Young-White and Arty Froushan.
Prime Video Expands Young Adult Programming Strategy
The release forms part of Prime Video’s broader “Obsession Is In Session” initiative, which focuses on young adult storytelling and fan-driven entertainment properties. The strategy reflects growing investment by streaming services in highly engaged online fandom communities and book-to-screen adaptations.
As part of the campaign, The Love Hypothesis will feature prominently at Obsessed Fest, Prime Video’s inaugural immersive fan event scheduled for June 27 at nya Studios in Los Angeles.
Prime Video describes Obsessed Fest as “the centerpiece of Obsession Is In Session — the streamer’s new initiative celebrating young adult storytelling, fandom culture, and the passionate communities driving today’s entertainment conversation.”
The all-day event will showcase several Prime Video young adult titles through live cast appearances, fan activations, merchandise releases and exclusive previews. In addition to The Love Hypothesis, featured projects include Every Year After, Elle, Off Campus, Overcompensating, Your Fault: London and Drawn Together.
Reinhart and Bateman are expected to appear during the event as part of a live panel discussion tied to the upcoming film adaptation.
Prime Video said attendees can expect “live cast panels, immersive activations, and exclusive first looks.” Tickets for the event are available through Obsessed Fest’s official website.
Streaming Platforms Continue Investing in Literary Adaptations
The adaptation of The Love Hypothesis reflects a broader industry trend in which streaming companies increasingly rely on established literary properties with dedicated fan bases to drive subscriber engagement and social media conversation.
Hazelwood’s novel gained significant popularity through online book communities, particularly among younger readers and romance audiences. The book’s success helped position it as a strong candidate for adaptation amid heightened competition between streaming services for franchise-capable intellectual property.
Prime Video has continued expanding its original programming lineup globally, while also strengthening its Canadian sports and entertainment offerings. The service currently includes live sports programming such as Prime Monday Night Hockey, in addition to Amazon MGM Studios originals including The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Fallout, Reacher and The Boys.
The platform also distributes subscription channels including Sportsnet, TSN, Paramount+, Apple TV+, Crave, Citytv+, STARZ and BritBox through its Prime Video Channels service.
Prime Video said its platform is available across thousands of devices and allows customers to stream, rent or purchase entertainment content through a single application.
The company noted that subscribers can also access behind-the-scenes features through its X-Ray functionality, which provides additional information related to films and television series during playback.
The Love Hypothesis will stream globally on Prime Video beginning Sept. 23.