Josh Boone’s ‘Regretting You’ Debuts in Berlin, Hits U.S. Screens Oct 24

When Josh Boone brought Colleen Hoover’s 2019 bestseller to the big screen as Regretting You, the romantic drama premiered at Regretting You World PremiereZoo Palast, Berlin on October 12, 2025. The next day, German distributor Constantin Film slotted the film for a theatrical run on October 23, while Paramount Pictures set the U.S. launch for October 24. The buzz is palpable because Hoover’s fanbase has been clamoring for a faithful adaptation, and Boone’s track record with emotionally charged romances raised expectations.

Background and Development

The adaptation journey kicked off in August 2024 when Boone was announced as director. Production companies quickly secured a deal with Hoover’s literary agents, securing the rights to the novel that sold more than 5 million copies worldwide. The screenplay, penned by Susan McMartin, streamlined the novel’s three‑part structure into a 116‑minute narrative while preserving the core themes of grief, regret, and family secrets.

Boone’s prior collaborations with composer Nathaniel Walcott on Stuck in Love and The Fault in Our Stars convinced producers that the musical tone would echo the novel’s melancholy‑hopeful vibe. Production was green‑lit for early 2025, with Atlanta, Georgia, chosen for its versatile cityscape and tax incentives.

Cast and Characters

The film’s emotional center rests on Allison Williams as Morgan Grant, a young mother forced to navigate single‑parenthood after the tragic loss of her husband. Opposite her, Mckenna Grace steps into the role of Clara Grant, a teenager wrestling with both grief and teenage rebellion. Their chemistry was highlighted in a pre‑release interview where Grace admitted, “Playing someone my age in a romance‑driven story felt oddly familiar, but the stakes felt higher because of the loss.”

Supporting roles include Scott Eastwood as the late husband Chris Grant (appearing in flashbacks), Dave Franco as Jonah Sullivan—the charismatic neighbor who becomes a reluctant confidant—and rising talent Mason Thames as Miller Adams, the enigmatic friend whose motives spark tension.

Veteran actor Clancy Brown provides gravitas as Hank "Gramps" Adams, while Willa Fitzgerald portrays Jenny Davidson, Morgan’s younger sister whose untimely death fuels the film’s central secret.

Production Details

Principal photography began on March 3, 2025, and wrapped by early May. Boone opted for handheld cameras in several intimate scenes to capture the rawness of the mother‑daughter dynamic. Editors Marc Clark and Robb Sullivan worked closely with Boone to balance the novel’s nonlinear flashbacks with the present‑day storyline.

Walla and ambient sound were recorded on location in Atlanta’s Westside neighborhoods, giving the film an authentic Southern texture. The production crew also consulted a grief counselor to ensure the depiction of bereavement remained respectful and realistic.

Release Strategy and Box Office Outlook

Paramount’s U.S. rollout utilizes a staggered wide‑release model, opening in 2,150 theaters on October 24 and expanding to 3,200 by the weekend of October 31, contingent on opening‑week performance. The studio’s marketing push leans heavily on social media, leveraging Hoover’s Instagram following of over 7 million fans. Trailer analytics show the official teaser amassed 9.4 million YouTube views within two months, with a 68% completion rate—a promising indicator of audience interest.

Early projections, based on comparable YA adaptations such as It Ends with Us, suggest an opening weekend domestic gross of $12–$15 million. Internationally, the German market is expected to contribute roughly €3 million, given Constantin Film’s strong distribution network.

Critical Reception and Audience Scores

As of the October 23, 2025 press day, early screeners yielded a Metascore of 34 on Metacritic, reflecting a chorus of critics who found the adaptation “over‑reliant on melodrama” and “sorely lacking the novel’s nuanced character work.” IMDb currently lists a 6.2/10 rating from 454 user reviews, with common praise aimed at the leads’ performances and the film’s cinematography, but criticism focused on pacing and tonal inconsistency.

Audience testing conducted by Paramount indicated that 64% of screened viewers would recommend the film to a friend, a figure that aligns with the modest but enthusiastic response typical of romance‑driven YA adaptations.

What’s Next for the Franchise?

If the box‑office meets or exceeds expectations, Paramount has hinted at a rapid home‑media window, with a digital launch slated for early 2026. Hoover’s publishing team is already exploring the possibility of a sequel that would follow the characters a few years later—a move that could keep the franchise alive across both film and streaming platforms.

Meanwhile, the film’s soundtrack, featuring original songs by Walcott and curated tracks from emerging indie artists, is set for an October 30 release on major streaming services, offering fans another entry point into the story’s emotional core.

Key Facts

• World premiere: October 12, 2025, Zoo Palast, Berlin
• U.S. theatrical release: October 24, 2025 (Paramount Pictures)
• Director: Josh Boone
• Based on: Colleen Hoover’s novel (2019)
• Runtime: 116 minutes, PG‑13
• IMDb rating: 6.2/10 (454 user votes)
• Metascore: 34 (19 critic reviews)