Netflix finds its Liz and Wes for 'Better Than the Movies' adaptation

Netflix has announced the lead cast for its upcoming YA romantic comedy film adaptation of Better Than the Movies, based on Lynn Painter’s bestselling novel.

Actors Beatrice Kitsos and David Iacono have been cast as Liz Buxbaum and Wes Bennett in the highly anticipated Netflix rom-com.

Published in 2021, Better Than the Movies became a major success among young adult readers and gained widespread popularity through BookTok. The story follows Liz Buxbaum, a teenager obsessed with romantic comedy films, who teams up with her charming but frustrating neighbour Wes Bennett in an attempt to catch the attention of her longtime crush.

The Netflix adaptation will explore familiar romance tropes, including enemies-to-lovers, fake relationships and the classic boy-next-door dynamic, while offering a fresh take on the idea of a perfect happily ever after.

Kitsos and Iacono’s casting follows strong fan interest, with readers previously campaigning for the actors to take on the roles. Iacono became a popular fan choice for Wes after the book’s online community created casting discussions, while Kitsos had also expressed interest in auditioning for Liz after fans suggested her for the role.

Julia Hart, director of Netflix’s upcoming coming-of-age drama Don’t Say Good Luck, will direct the film. The screenplay is being developed by Heather Flanders, Hart and Jordan Horowitz.

Horowitz and Hart will produce through Original Headquarters alongside Shauna Phelan and Melanie Krauss. The project follows Netflix’s growing focus on young adult romantic comedies based on popular books.

Kitsos is known for roles in Percy Jackson and the Olympians and It Lives Inside, while Iacono has appeared in The Summer I Turned Pretty, Jurassic World Rebirth and The Flight Attendant.