Why Emily Henry won’t 'weigh in’ on ‘Beach Read’ casting backlash

Author Emily Henry explained her decision to stay quiet after widespread backlash to the Beach Read casting announcement.

“I don’t really want to weigh in because, like I said - I was saying this earlier this morning - it is our thing. It’s my thing, it’s the reader’s thing, but it’s also this whole other team’s thing. We have to let them work,” Henry, 35, said on the Thursday, June 11, episode of Jenna Bush Hager’s “Open Book” podcast.

Henry praised “brilliant” Beach Read director Yulin Kuang as the conversation continued.

“I think she’s going to make something really special,” the author added, noting that “it could be harrowing” to adapt a book with such a big fan base.

“I also think it shows how passionate the readers are. How much this matters to them,” Henry added. “I do, kind of, hope that Hollywood and the larger world starts to understand the power that these readers do have and that they will support these stories.”

Patrick Schwarzenegger announced in April that he is taking on the role of Gus in the upcoming adaptation of Henry’s Beach Read alongside Phoebe Dynevor, who stars as January.

Fans were quick to slam the casting choice, with many readers claiming that he was not who they imagined as Gus.

“I’ve heard he’s very nice,” Henry said of the actor on Thursday’s podcast episode. “I have heard that everyone who’s worked with him has great things to say.”

Some fans have speculated that Henry is also upset with the casting, citing her “Grocery List” newsletter from late April as proof. The email, sent out days after the big reveal, had no mention of the Beach Read movie, which gave fans some pause.

“I just want to send another heartfelt thank you for all your love and support,” Henry wrote at the time. “It has always and continues to mean so, so much to me. More than you know.”

Fans later flooded social media with theories about why Henry didn’t acknowledge the casting news.

During a May appearance on Today With Jenna & Sheinelle, Henry broke her silence on the film.

“I also have to sit back and, like, let it unfold,” she said. “I mean, it is our baby, the readers’ and my baby, but it’s almost the filmmakers’ baby and the studio’s baby. I’m along for the ride with the readers, and we just have to trust, you know, the vision.”

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This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 8:58 AM.