Many of Netflix’s original shows and films have been successful because they are based on novels with dedicated readerships and compelling plots.
The mystery-thriller series Dear Child premiered last month to critical acclaim, joining the ranks of other novel-to-Netflix successes including Virgin River, Heartstopper, Lockwood & Co., and The Chosen One.
The film adaptation of Rumaan Alam’s acclaimed book of the same name is next on the schedule. The narrative was promptly picked up by Netflix, so here’s the lowdown on the film adaptation.
Leave the World Behind Film Release Date
On December 8, 2023, Netflix will release Leave the World Behind.
There is no going back to normal.
Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, Myha’la, Ethan Hawke, and Kevin Bacon star in the apocalyptic thriller Leave the World Behind — coming December 8. pic.twitter.com/tTz88ugYFR
— Netflix (@netflix) October 2, 2023
It’s a fast turnaround for an adaptation, especially since the novel didn’t appear until 2020. There was so much interest in the narrative that Netflix won a bidding battle for the film rights before the novel was even published.
“I heard that it came down to Netflix, Apple, and MGM,” Deadline’s Mike Fleming Jr. stated at the time. “But there were 10 offers on the project, with studios and streamers bidding for movies and limited series.”
What is Leave the World Behind About?
Amanda (Roberts), Clay (Hawke), and their two children, Archie (Evans), and Rose (MacKenzie), rent a lavish house for the weekend in this apocalyptic thriller from acclaimed writer and filmmaker Sam Esmail (Mr. Robot).
Shortly into their getaway, two strangers named G.H. (Academy Award winner Ali) and his daughter Ruth (Myha’la) show up at the property they say is theirs, delivering news of a mystery cyberattack and needing a safe haven.
Everyone in the two families must face their roles in a crumbling world as they face a tragedy that is growing more horrific by the minute.
Leave the World Behind is produced by Esmail Corp and Red Om Films and executive produced by Higher Ground Productions. It is based on a novel by Rumaan Alam that was shortlisted for the National Book Award.
Leave the World Behind Cast
Leave the World Behind has an all-star ensemble, led by Julia Roberts as Amanda and including Bradley Cooper and Ewan McGregor.
The Erin Brockovich Academy Award winner has made few film appearances in recent years, with her most recent being 2022’s Ticket to Paradise and her earliest being 2018’s Ben Is Back. She’s also had a few starring parts on TV in recent years, such as Prime Video’s Homecoming and Starz’s Gaslit.
In the film, Ethan Hawke portrays Clay, Amanda’s husband. Hawke is a writer, director, and producer in addition to his many acting performances, some of which include: the Before trilogy, Training Day, Boyhood (Oscar-nominated for the final two), The Northman, Moon Knight, and Raymond & Ray.
His forthcoming film Wildcat, featuring his daughter Maya Hawke, is the result of his behind-the-scenes efforts on the documentary The Last Movie Stars.
Mahershala Ali, who has won an Oscar before, is also included. The father, G.H., who comes to the vacation house with news of the hazardous cyber assault, is played by the two-time Oscar winner (Moonlight, Green Book).
In addition to his impending role as Blade in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Ali is well-known for his appearances in House of Cards, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Luke Cage, and Hidden Figures.
Ruth, G.H.’s daughter, is played by Myha’la Herrold (Dumb Money, Industry), while Archie and Rose, Amanda and Clay’s children, are played by Charlie Evans (Everything’s Gonna Be Okay) and Farrah Mackenzie (United States of Al, Utopia).
Kevin Bacon, who previously starred in City on a Hill and Footloose, has been cast as Danny.
Have You Seen the ‘Leave the World Behind’ Teaser?
On October 2, 2023, Netflix published a teaser trailer for Leave the World Behind. The 100-second clip provides a taste of the apocalyptic mayhem that Roberts and Ali’s characters will soon face, as well as the tension between their characters.
In addition, a trailer for some of Netflix’s most anticipated films of 2023, including Leave the World Behind, was published in January.
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