St. Charles, October 5 The story begins on a quiet autumn morning in the western Chicago suburb of St. Charles, where the familiar rhythm of downtown life gave way to the buzz of cameras, crew members, and the soft murmur of anticipation. What unfolded over several days transformed Town House Books and Cafe at 105 N. 2nd Ave. into a temporary Hollywood set, as Netflix brought to life the beloved novel ‘Better Than the Movies’ by Lynn Painter.
At its heart, the production is a romance adapted from a book that found its audience not in traditional bestseller lists alone, but through the vibrant corridors of BookTok and Bookstagram, where readers shared quotes, fan art, and emotional reactions that turned the novel into a cultural touchstone for young adults. The City of St. Charles confirmed the filming through their official social media channels, sharing photos of the set with captions that reflected local pride and excitement about seeing their streets, storefronts, and community spirit represented on screen.
The film, operating under the codename ‘Big Red,’ is directed by Julia Hart, whose previous work has blended emotional depth with visual storytelling. Beatrice Kitsos, recognized for her portrayal of a demigod in ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians,’ takes on a leading role, while David Iacono, known for his performance in ‘Jurassic World Rebirth,’ joins her opposite. Their casting has drawn attention from fans of both franchises, many of whom are now following the project closely as it moves toward its scheduled release on Netflix in 2027.
NBC 5 Chicago reported on the development, noting that the streaming service remains accessible around the clock through platforms such as Peacock, Samsung smart TVs, Roku devices, Xumo, and the NBC app — a detail that underscores how audiences will eventually encounter the film, even as its Netflix debut remains months away. The City of St. Charles reiterated in their post that the movie is expected to hit Netflix in 2027, aligning with earlier announcements about the adaptation’s timeline.
No further details about the plot, budget, or length of the shoot were disclosed in the available sources. The production team has not shared how long they remained in St. Charles, nor have they revealed specific scenes filmed at the bookstore cafe or elsewhere in town. Still, the presence of the crew, the equipment, and the visible transformation of the location offered residents a rare glimpse into the mechanics of modern filmmaking.
For those involved — the baristas who adjusted their schedules around shooting windows, the readers who paused to watch from across the street, the city officials who coordinated permits and shared updates — the experience was more than a disruption. It was a moment of connection between a local landmark and a global story, between the quiet act of recommending a book to a friend and the loud, collaborative effort of turning that recommendation into a visual narrative.
Looking ahead, audiences will watch for updates on post-production, potential trailer releases, and official announcements from Netflix as the 2027 release window approaches. Until then, the photos shared by the City of St. Charles serve as a reminder that even in the age of streaming, stories still begin in places like Town House Books and Cafe — on a street corner, under a Midwestern sky, waiting to be told.
