From Movies to Books: The Rise of Novelizations and Tie-ins

Have you ever wondered if a book has ever been adapted from a movie? Yes, it is indeed possible, but it’s less common than the reverse process of a movie being adapted from a book. Known as novelizations and tie-ins, these books often follow the movie’s script closely and can even include scenes that weren’t filmed or cut from the movie. Sometimes, they delve deeper into the characters’ minds and personalities, providing insights that go beyond what’s possible in a movie.

Adapting Movies into Books

While movie adaptations into books are less common, they serve various purposes such as expanding the universe, delving into backstories, and offering alternative perspectives on the plot. One of the most notable examples is the Sword of Shannara franchise, where novels were written to expand on the stories presented in the films. Additionally, movies like Snowpiercer and The Hunger Games have also received novel adaptations, further enriching their worlds and characters.

Encyclopedia of Movie-to-Book Adaptations

Encyclopedias and databases list books and their corresponding movie adaptations. It’s a common occurrence that has been happening almost since the birth of movies. For instance, the iconic film The Wizard of Oz was first filmed in 1910 as a fifteen-minute short, and later became a feature film in 1925.

Personal Experience: The After Earth Novelization

One book adaptation that caught my attention is the novelization of After Earth, which starred Wil Smith and his son Jaden Smith. Although the movie itself wasn’t particularly good, the novel provided a much richer experience, particularly delving into the concept of “ghosting” and the main character’s experience at the military academy. I’m extremely glad I read it and wish it had been adapted into a TV series.

Bestselling Series from Movie Expansions

The Star Wars books, in particular, have become a bestseller on their own, expanding the world and characters far beyond the movies. Other films that have seen expansions in book series include Alien, Predator, Ghostbusters, Blade Runner, and Living Dead series. Even films like E.T. and Friday the 13th have inspired extensive novelizations, further exploring their universes.

The Art of Writing Novelizations

With so many screenplays sitting around, gathering dust, many writers are looking into the art of turning screenplays into novels. One example is the novelization of The Funhouse (1981) by Dean Koontz, originally written under a pseudonym. Studios have historically supported such adaptations, with success stories like the individual who met George Lucas at a party and was given the opportunity to write the Star Wars novels, becoming a millionaire in the process.

If you’re a writer looking to turn your screenplay into a novel, there’s even a book available that can guide you through the process. Too many talented writers have screenplays that could be transformed into memorable novels, but it often requires the right tools and guidance.

So, the next time you see a movie, remember, it may just be the beginning of a much larger and more detailed narrative waiting to be explored in print form.