Julia Roberts is set to star in and produce a feature film adaptation of author Katy Hays’ upcoming novel Home Economics, with 3000 Pictures securing the screen rights in a competitive acquisition deal. The project brings together one of Hollywood’s most recognizable actors with an author whose literary profile has been rapidly growing over the last few years, turning the adaptation into an early industry talking point even before the novel’s publication.
The adaptation will be produced under Roberts’ Red Om Films banner alongside her longtime producing partners Lisa Gillan and Marisa Yeres Gill. Marc Platt will also produce through Marc Platt Productions, adding another major studio producer to the package. Katy Hays is attached to adapt her own novel for the screen and will also executive produce the film.
Although the official plot details for Home Economics are currently being kept under wraps, the project has already attracted considerable attention in both publishing and film circles. The novel reportedly sparked a competitive publishing auction before ultimately landing at Pamela Dorman Books, an imprint of Viking Penguin under Penguin Random House. The book is scheduled for publication in 2027 and has already been sold in 11 international territories ahead of its release.
The growing anticipation around the project reflects the continued demand for prestige literary adaptations in Hollywood, especially those that arrive with major acting talent attached from the start. In recent years, studios have increasingly pursued unreleased books with strong commercial and critical potential, often locking down film rights well before publication. Home Economics appears to fall into that category, combining a buzzy literary property with a high-profile star package early in development.
Katy Hays has steadily emerged as one of the more closely watched contemporary thriller and mystery writers. Her earlier novels The Cloisters and Saltwater helped establish her reputation for atmospheric storytelling, psychological tension and character-driven narratives. While the genre and story details of Home Economics have not yet been officially revealed, industry attention surrounding the book suggests it may continue in a similarly layered and suspense-driven direction.
For 3000 Pictures, the acquisition also fits into the studio’s broader focus on prestige-driven literary adaptations and filmmaker-led projects. Elizabeth Gabler and Aislinn Dunster are overseeing the adaptation for the studio, while Sony’s literary division reportedly played an important role in securing the rights package. The project further strengthens the relationship between 3000 Pictures and high-profile literary material designed for both awards attention and mainstream visibility.
Julia Roberts continues to balance acting and producing through Red Om Films, which has increasingly become a key part of her creative output in recent years. Roberts most recently appeared in Luca Guadagnino’s After the Hunt and is also attached to star in Sam Esmail’s upcoming thriller Panic Carefully. Alongside those projects, Home Economics adds another major studio-backed title to her upcoming slate. (thewrap.com)
At this stage, the adaptation remains in early development, with no director or additional cast members officially announced. The screenplay is expected to be developed directly by Hays herself, which may help preserve the tone and narrative style that made her previous novels popular among readers. With Roberts attached both in front of and behind the camera, the project is already being positioned as a significant literary adaptation package within the industry.
The announcement also highlights the increasing overlap between publishing buzz and studio development strategies. High-profile books are now frequently treated as major intellectual property opportunities long before readers get access to them, especially when they carry strong commercial potential and recognizable talent attachments. Home Economics appears to be the latest example of that trend, arriving with a combination of literary momentum, studio backing and a major Hollywood name attached from the very beginning.
Deadline first reported the news.
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