Mystery, desire, and deception take center stage in Verity, the highly anticipated film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. Starring Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, and Josh Hartnett, the psychological thriller promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Amazon MGM debuted the gripping first trailer at CinemaCon, giving theater owners a first look at the dark and seductive tale set to hit screens on May 15, 2026.
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A Gothic Thriller with Twisted Secrets
Described as a “gothic, psychosexual thriller,” Verity follows the unsettling story of Verity Crawford (Hathaway), a celebrated author left incapacitated after a devastating car accident. Her series remains incomplete, prompting her husband Jeremy (Hartnett) to hire struggling writer Lowen (Johnson) to finish the remaining books.
What starts as an exciting opportunity quickly turns sinister when Lowen discovers an unfinished manuscript filled with eerie confessions about Verity’s past. As she digs deeper, she begins to question whether Verity is a literary genius or a dangerous manipulator.
CinemaCon Trailer: A First Look at the Tension
While the public has yet to see the footage, the CinemaCon trailer opens with a flashback to Verity and Jeremy’s first meeting at a bar. Clad in a striking red dress, Verity captivates Jeremy, leading to a flirtatious exchange. “You’ve had three drinks in 45 minutes. If you keep going, I’ll feel uncomfortable asking you to leave with me,” he remarks. Verity smirks and orders a water, setting the stage for a passionate yet ominous relationship.
The footage then shifts to the present, where Verity is left unable to care for herself or her son. Lowen arrives at the couple’s secluded estate, preparing to take on the daunting task of completing Verity’s work. “You’re the only writer who can do this,” Jeremy reassures her.
But things quickly spiral out of control. In one chilling moment, Jeremy and Lowen share an intimate moment on the couch—only for Lowen to discover blood on her lips. The horror dawns upon her: she isn’t kissing Jeremy… she’s kissing Verity.
Unraveling the Mystery
As Lowen struggles to separate fiction from reality, a detective appears with a cryptic question: “Are you by chance working on the next Verity novel?” Her response is equally intriguing: “It’s going to be the best one yet.”
Hoover’s Verity was originally self-published in 2018 and quickly gained traction, spending months on the New York Times best-seller list. The novel’s popularity soared, selling over a million copies in 2023 alone. Following the success of It Ends With Us, which became a sleeper hit at the box office, Verity marks the latest Hoover adaptation set to mesmerize fans.
Star-Studded Cast Teases the Film’s Psychological Depth
Though Hathaway, Johnson, and Hartnett were not in attendance at CinemaCon, they joined Hoover and director Mike Showalter in a video message to tease the film’s enigmatic premise.
Hathaway hinted at her character’s complexities: “My character Verity Crawford is an accomplished author with a tragic past.”
Johnson quickly cut in, adding, “Or is she?”
Hartnett followed suit, describing Jeremy as “a devoted husband who’s committed to protecting his wife’s legacy.”
Once again, Johnson playfully countered, “Or is he?”
Hathaway left audiences with a final promise: “One thing we can say for sure is that seeing ‘Verity’ in theaters will give fans the shared experience they’ve been waiting for.”
A Must-Watch Summer Thriller
Amazon MGM’s head of distribution, Kevin Wilson, described Verity as a “sexy, suspenseful thriller that’s the perfect way to start the summer movie season.” With a story that blends passion, paranoia, and deception, the film is poised to deliver an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Mark your calendars—Verity arrives in theaters on May 15, 2026. Will audiences uncover the truth, or will they be left questioning everything?
FAQs
When is Colleen Hoover’s Verity movie releasing in theaters?
Verity is set to premiere on May 15, 2026, making it a thrilling summer release.
Who stars in the Verity movie adaptation?
The film features Anne Hathaway as Verity Crawford, Dakota Johnson as Lowen Ashleigh, and Josh Hartnett as Jeremy Crawford in lead roles.
What is the plot of Verity?
The story follows Lowen, a struggling writer hired to complete an injured author’s novel, only to uncover disturbing secrets hidden in an unfinished manuscript.
What genre is Verity?
The film is described as a “gothic, psychosexual thriller”, blending suspense, romance, and psychological twists.
Who is directing Verity, and which studio is producing it?
Directed by Mike Showalter, Verity is being produced by Amazon MGM Studios, which debuted its first trailer at CinemaCon.