First Look at Psychological Thriller 'Verity' Starring Dakota Johnson and Anne Hathaway

Amazon MGM Studios unveils dark adaptation of Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel at CinemaCon.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:02pm

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An extreme close-up of shimmering, high-contrast sequins and glittering glass fragments, conceptually representing the glamour and mystery of the upcoming film 'Verity'.The first look at the psychological thriller 'Verity' promises a dark and unsettling narrative that will captivate audiences.Las Vegas Today

Amazon MGM Studios has unveiled the first look of its upcoming psychological thriller 'Verity' at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, offering audiences a glimpse into a dark, layered story adapted from a bestselling novel by Colleen Hoover. Directed by Michael Showalter, the film stars Dakota Johnson as Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer hired to complete a successful book series after its original author, Verity Crawford (Anne Hathaway), is left incapacitated.

Why it matters

The first look at 'Verity' has generated significant buzz in the entertainment industry, as it marks the reunion of director Michael Showalter and actress Anne Hathaway following their recent collaboration on 'The Idea of You'. The film's dark and unsettling narrative, adapted from a popular novel, is expected to captivate audiences and potentially become a major box office draw.

The details

The studio showcased a 'for-the-room only' trailer at CinemaCon, teasing a tense and disturbing narrative. In the footage, Lowen arrives at the Crawford home and is visibly shaken upon seeing Verity's condition. As Lowen settles into the house, she uncovers an unfinished manuscript that may reveal chilling truths about Verity, while also becoming increasingly entangled in a complicated dynamic with Jeremy Crawford, Verity's husband, played by Josh Hartnett.

  • The first look at 'Verity' was unveiled at CinemaCon in Las Vegas on April 16, 2026.
  • 'Verity' is slated for a theatrical release on October 2, 2026.

The players

Dakota Johnson

An American actress known for her roles in films such as 'Fifty Shades of Grey' and 'The Lost Daughter'.

Anne Hathaway

An Academy Award-winning actress who has starred in numerous critically acclaimed films, including 'Les Misérables' and 'The Devil Wears Prada'.

Michael Showalter

An American comedian, actor, writer, and director, known for his work on projects like 'The Big Sick' and 'The Idea of You'.

Josh Hartnett

An American actor who has appeared in films such as 'Pearl Harbor' and 'Black Hawk Down'.

Colleen Hoover

A bestselling American author known for her popular novels, including 'Verity', which has been adapted into a film.

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What they’re saying

“Can she speak? Does she know what's going on?”

— Dakota Johnson, as Lowen Ashleigh

“If anyone were to continue Verity's work, he would want it to be someone the author respected.”

— Josh Hartnett, as Jeremy Crawford

What’s next

The film 'Verity' is slated for a theatrical release on October 2, 2026.

The takeaway

The first look at 'Verity' has generated significant buzz in the entertainment industry, as it marks the reunion of director Michael Showalter and actress Anne Hathaway, and promises to deliver a dark and unsettling narrative adapted from a popular novel by Colleen Hoover. The film's star-studded cast and intriguing premise suggest it could become a major box office draw.