For a larger 2026 movie event, read The Odyssey in a modern translation. It is not a novel—it is an ancient epic poem—but its monsters, voyages, gods, and heroic trials sit near the roots of fantasy adventure.
The screen projects below are at different stages. Some have announced release plans; others are still in development. Read these books because they are classics in their own right, not because every adaptation detail is locked in.
Upcoming Fantasy Adaptations at a Glance
| Classic | Screen project status | Release timing | Read this first | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis | A new Narnia screen project has been publicly announced | A 2026 release plan has been publicly reported | The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe | Readers who want a short, welcoming fantasy classic |
| The Odyssey by Homer | A major new film has been publicly announced | A 2026 theatrical release has been announced | A readable modern translation of The Odyssey | Moviegoers ready for an older, episodic adventure |
| The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien | A future film set in Middle-earth has been announced | A later release window has been announced | The Fellowship of the Ring | Readers ready for a longer journey through Tolkien’s world |
| The Neverending Story by Michael Ende | A new adaptation has been reported in development | No dependable release window | The Neverending Story | Readers who want a standalone fantasy without a deadline |
The most immediate reading plans are The Odyssey and Narnia, both tied to 2026 plans. The Neverending Story is the relaxed choice: there is no reason to hurry through it.
How Firm Are These Adaptation Plans?
A public adaptation announcement does not settle every part of a production. A film may have a release plan while its cast, final title, or exact source material remains open. That matters most with series and shared fictional worlds.
Narnia
A new Narnia screen project is on the way, but readers do not need to wait for a final book-by-book announcement before beginning. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe remains the natural entry point. It introduces Narnia’s setting, its central conflict, and the tone that made the series endure.
The Odyssey
The new film makes this a timely moment to read Homer, but translation choice will shape the experience. Some translations feel formal and poetic; others use more contemporary language and move more quickly. Choose an edition that makes you want to keep reading rather than treating the poem like an assignment.
Middle-earth
The announced Middle-earth film is not a straightforward remake of a single Tolkien novel. Start with The Fellowship of the Ring instead of chasing narrower background material. The trilogy gives the clearest foundation for the world, its peoples, and the weight behind its history.
The Neverending Story
A new adaptation has been reported in development, though it does not have a dependable viewing deadline. That makes the novel a good pick for readers who want to revisit a fantasy classic on its own terms rather than rush toward a release date.
Fans often circulate adaptation rumors around Earthsea, The Chronicles of Prydain, and The Dark Is Rising. Fan discussion and early development talk are not the same thing as an announced movie release, so those series are better treated as reading recommendations than countdown titles.
What to Read First
If you have room for only one book, read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
It gets into the story quickly, works well for younger readers and adults alike, and does not require a long commitment. Readers who enjoy it can continue through The Chronicles of Narnia in publication order.
For a broader fantasy-classics reading plan, go in this order:
-
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Start here if you want an accessible classic with a clear doorway into its world. It is the best fit for readers who prefer a shorter book before taking on something more demanding. -
The Neverending Story by Michael Ende
Choose this when you want a self-contained novel with a more dreamlike, book-centered feel. Readers familiar with the 1980s film will find that the novel has a much broader identity than a simple nostalgia revisit. -
The Odyssey by Homer
Pick this for the 2026 film conversation and for one of the oldest surviving adventure stories. Expect repeated phrases, detours, encounters with gods and monsters, and a style far removed from modern fantasy novels. -
The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
Read this when you are ready to spend time in a fully built world. Tolkien’s pace is slower than Narnia’s or Ende’s, but the first volume gives the right introduction to the larger story.
New Tolkien readers should begin with The Fellowship of the Ring, not The Silmarillion. The Silmarillion is a rich book for established fans, but it is not the easiest route into Middle-earth for someone preparing for a future film.
Release Timing and Reading Pace
| Project | Announced or reported window | A good reading plan |
|---|---|---|
| The Odyssey | 2026 theatrical release | Read one translation now. If the poem clicks for you, try another translation later to see how much the voice changes. |
| New Narnia film | 2026 release plan reported | Begin with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, then continue through the series if you want more Narnia before the film arrives. |
| Future Middle-earth film | Later release window announced | Take the trilogy at a steady pace. Readers who finish it can move on to the appendices for additional history and context. |
| The Neverending Story | No reliable release window | Read it whenever you want a standalone fantasy novel; it does not need to be treated as deadline reading. |
For a book club, The Lord of the Rings deserves the most lead time. Its chapters give a group plenty to discuss, and a slower schedule leaves room for the songs, landscapes, and side characters that can be easy to skim when everyone is trying to finish quickly.
Best Fantasy Classics to Listen to Before Release
Audiobooks can make older prose and poetry easier to settle into, especially for listeners who have regular commute, walking, or household-task time. Kindle editions are also useful for readers who like to switch between listening and reading.
Best for a first fantasy audiobook: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The short chapters and direct storytelling make this an easy book to follow in small stretches. It suits family listening, errands, walks, and anyone who is new to classic fantasy on audio.
Best for focused listening: The Odyssey
Hearing the poem aloud can bring out its rhythm and repeated patterns. This works best when you can give it focused attention rather than listening only in scattered minutes. Keep a text edition nearby if you want to revisit names, scenes, or striking passages.
Best for regular commutes: The Fellowship of the Ring
Tolkien rewards consistent time. Daily listening gives the story room to build, particularly through its descriptive passages and large cast. Skip this one if your listening is usually interrupted every few minutes; the journey is easier to follow in longer sessions.
Best standalone listen: The Neverending Story
For listeners who want a complete fantasy world without beginning a trilogy, Ende’s novel is a strong middle ground. It offers more room to sink in than Narnia while asking for less time than The Lord of the Rings.
FAQ
Which fantasy classic should I read before the new Narnia movie?
Start with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. It is Narnia’s most accessible starting point and gives you the clearest introduction to the setting and its central ideas.
Is The Odyssey really a fantasy novel?
No. The Odyssey is an ancient Greek epic poem, not a novel. It belongs beside fantasy classics because its sea monsters, magical dangers, gods, journeys, and heroic trials shaped the adventure tradition that fantasy later built on.
Should I read all of The Lord of the Rings before the next Middle-earth movie?
Reading the full trilogy gives you the fullest grounding in Tolkien’s world, but begin with The Fellowship of the Ring. It is a better starting point than jumping into specialized histories or background texts.
Is The Neverending Story book the same as the movie?
No. The novel and its best-known film adaptation differ in scope and emphasis. Readers who know the movie will still find a distinct and fuller story in Michael Ende’s book.
What is the fastest fantasy classic on this list?
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is the quickest and easiest place to begin. The Neverending Story is also a manageable standalone choice for readers who want something longer without committing to Tolkien’s trilogy.