Get ready, because Turtles All The Way Down is getting an adaptation – and this is what we know so far about it.
There was once a time in my life where the very idea of not being able to read a John Green novel was something I couldn’t have imagined. I was obsessed with this man’s writing and for a good amount of my high school years, I was constantly reading his novels.
There have been three John Green book-to-screen adaptations so far – The Fault in Our Stars, which I think everyone knows, Paper Towns and Looking for Alaska, all books I’ve read. Now, Hollywood is developing my next favorite John Green novel, Turtles All The Way Down. But, what is this new movie going to be about? And who is going to star in it? For all the questions you might have about this upcoming young adult adaptation, here is what we know so far about it.
What Is The Turtles All The Way Down Release Date?
Turtles All The Way Down will be released on May 2, 2024, according to the official trailer on YouTube for the film.
That’s right, Turtles All The Way Down will be a part of our 2024 movie schedule, and now, we know exactly when it will be out. I’m counting down the days.
Check Out The Turtles All The Way Down Trailer
If you’re as excited about this movie as I am, you’ll be even more excited for the Turtles All The Way Down trailer. Featuring the incredible cast, fans can get their first look into the story of Aza, and how deep this film will go with the topics of mental health within the modern world. I have a feeling this is going to be a great coming-of-age movie for many young people.
Isabela Merced, Judy Reyes, And More Will Star
If you were wondering who was going to star in this upcoming adaptation, we have plenty of information for you. Here is who we know will appear in Turtles All The Way Down:
Isabel Merced as Aza Holmes
It was confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter in March 2022 that Isabela Merced would take on the role of Aza Holmes, the main character in Turtles All The Way Down.
The young actress has already been in a variety of films during her career. Some of the best ones you might have seen her in include the live-action Dora and the Lost City of Gold, where she played the titular character, as well as Madame Web, Father of the Bride, Sweet Girl (alongside Jason Momoa), Spirit Untamed, Let It Snow, and Rosaline.
Merced really does have leading lady energy, as she has this sort of charisma that makes watching her on the big or small screen so much fun, so, honestly, I can’t wait to see her in this role. Let It Snow was also a partial John Green adaptation (since he wrote a part of that book) and she killed it there, so I’m excited to see her in this new film.
Judy Reyes as Gina Holmes
According to Deadline in April 2022, Judy Reyes joined the film to play Aza’s mother, Gina. Reyes is primarily known for her role in Scrubs, as well as appearing in Devious Maids, Claws, Smile, and more.
Cree Cicchino as Daisy
Deadline reported in early April 2022 that Cree Cicchino had signed on for the film. She will play Daisy. The young actress is primarily known for her role in Mr. Iglesias on Netflix, as well as the film The Sleepover, and the Nickelodeon show, Game Shakers.
Felix Mallard as Davis
Also from the Deadline article regarding Cicchino, it was confirmed that Felix Mallard would portray Davis in Turtles All The Way Down. The actor is primarily known for her role on the Netflix series Ginny & Georgia, as well as Locke & Key.
J. Smith Cameron as Professor Abbott
Also reported by Deadline were three other stars: J. Smith-Cameron plays Professor Abbott, The actress is known for her time as part of the Succession cast.
Poorna Jagannathan as Dr. Singh
Poorna Jagannathan plays Dr. Singh. The actress is known for her role in the hilarious teen comedy Never Have I Ever, and even more. She was also featured in the miniseries, The Night Of.
Maliq Johnson as Mychal
Maliq Johnson portrays Mychal. The actor is known for his role in Little Boxes, Grand Army, and various other projects.
With such a great cast, this movie is sure to be a hit.
The Film Will Be Based On The John Green Novel Of The Same Name
For those who don’t know what Turtles All The Way Down is about, it basically dives into the mind of a teenager, Aza, who has anxiety.
Per The Hollywood Reporter announcement above, this will be an adaptation of the John Green novel and follows Aza as it looks into themes regarding mental illness and anxiety. She tries to do her best and make her parents proud, be there for her friends, and do well in school, but it doesn’t help that she is constantly berated by obsessive thoughts that make her life harder.
While also dealing with her own mental health, her childhood crush suddenly comes back into the picture, and it throws Aza’s life for a tailspin as she tries to learn how to love while also dealing with her own problems at the same time, in this wonderful coming of age story.
Hannah Marks Directed The Film
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Hannah Marks directed the YA adaptation. The actress turned director has appeared in a variety of projects previously, such as Dirk Gently’s Holisitic Detective Agency, Daniel Isn’t Real, Awkward, and more.
As a director, Marks has also worked on movies such as After Everything, Mark, Mary & Some Other People, and Don’t Make Me Go.
Marks even had the chance to talk about directing the film in the February 2024 Entertainment Weekly article, saying that she was “immediately drawn” to the film:
I was immediately drawn to the movie because I was such a fan of John’s and this book. John does an incredible job of telling a teenager’s mental health story in a way that’s funny, heartfelt, and specific. I relate to the character of Aza deeply. I'm honored to be a part of bringing this story to life and I loved every minute of working with these fantastic young actors.
Elizabeth Berger and Isaac Aptaker Wrote The Screenplay
Also confirmed in The Hollywood Reporter article about Marks was that Elizabeth Berger and Isaac Aptaker wrote the script.
These two have done so much in Hollywood that has been a massive hit, including the LGBTQ+ show, Love, Victor (as well as the movie it was based on), This Is Us on NBC, About a Boy, and more. So, I would say that this film adaptation is in good hands.
John Green Is A Producer On The Movie
Something else that is fun to know is that John Green is also a producer on the movie, which is always a good sign. In a TikTok, he talked about his responsibilities on set:
@literallyjohngreen ♬ original sound - John Green
To be honest, whenever an author is involved with an adaptation, that always makes me super happy, so I can’t wait to see how it turned out.
Green even spoke about the film in that article from Entertainment Weekly in February 2024, saying that the movie was “everything I wanted the book to be:”
This movie is everything I wanted the book to be. It's funny and human and explores mental illness in a deep and raw way without ever romanticizing or sensationalizing the experience. I am so grateful to Hannah, Isabela, Cree, Felix, and the entire cast and crew.
This just makes me more excited.
Turtles All The Way Down Will Be Rated PG-13
Unsurprisingly, Turtles All The Way Down will be rated PG-13, according to FilmRatings.com. Considering the original book is classified as a YA-novel, it would have been pretty surprising to see this film get any higher than a PG-13 rating. But, it deals with some pretty serious topics, like metal health.
What are you the most excited for when it comes to Turtles All The Way Down? It’s going to get here before we know it and I know I am going to reread the book beforehand. Now I just need to prepare myself to sob uncontrollably for two hours. Can’t wait for that again, John Green.
