A Strategic Release
Sony Pictures and its sister studio Columbia Pictures have announced that they will bring author Lynn Painter’s latest novel, *Fake Skating*, to the big screen. The project taps filmmaker Josh Boone, known for his work on romantic dramas, to helm the adaptation.
The narrative follows two former childhood sweethearts who reconnect in a town where hockey culture dominates everyday life. Rather than embracing a genuine romance, they decide to stage a public relationship, turning the sport’s competitive spirit into a backdrop for their staged affection.
Will Gluck and Jacqueline Monetta are attached as producers, while Madison Jones will serve as executive producer on behalf of Olive Bridge Entertainment. Painter herself will also contribute as an executive producer, ensuring the film stays true to the source material.
The movie is slated to hit theaters on July 16, 2027, positioning it between two upcoming Warner Bros. sequels, *Man of Tomorrow* and the follow‑up to *A Minecraft Movie*. This scheduling places the film in a competitive summer window.
Sony’s recent track record with book‑to‑screen conversions, including the successful adaptations of *It Ends With Us* and *Where the Crawdads Sing*, suggests a strategic push into literary properties that resonate with both younger audiences and long‑time readers.
Boone’s directorial history, marked by titles such as *Regretting You* and *The Fault in Our Stars*, underscores his affinity for emotionally charged stories. The director is represented by WME and the talent agency Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole.