The runaway online success Chasing Red is finally getting its cinematic debut. The film adaptation based on the viral novel by Isabelle Ronin will be led by Madelaine Petsch and Gavin Casalegno, bringing the story’s much-loved characters Veronica and Caleb to life on screen.
With production slated to start in early 2026 in Saudi Arabia’s scenic region of project already has strong international backing. Distribution deals cover major markets around the globe through a collaboration between Prime Video and Mister Smith Entertainment, ensuring the romance reaches worldwide audiences.
Story Premise Schoolgirl Meets Campus Heartthrob, Sparks Fly
Everything changes when she crosses paths with Caleb, played by Casalegno. Their chemistry is immediate and intense. Before long, circumstances force Veronica under the same roof as Caleb, and what begins as a reluctant truce turns into an emotional rollercoaster of attraction, betrayal, and dark secrets in what the creators call a “slow-burn romance where love and betrayal collide.”
The original Chasing Red webnovel amassed a staggering 261 million reads on Wattpad, making it the platform’s second-most-read English-language title. Its massive popularity helped it transition from web story to published novel and then to a graphic-novel and web-comic adaptation.
Behind the Camera Direction, Production and Global Ambition
The film will be directed by Mackenzie Munro, with screenplay by Lauren Schacher, and produced by a collaboration of Stampede Ventures and Webtoon Productions companies known for translating digital-era romances into mainstream screen experiences.
Given this lineup and the built-in global fan-base, many industry watchers expect Chasing Red to emerge as one of the major young adult romance films in the coming years especially for fans who followed the book’s rise on Wattpad.
What Fans and New Viewers Can Expect
For long-time readers of Chasing Red, the casting of Petsch and Casalegno will likely raise expectations of faithful adaptation chemistry, emotional stakes, and the unique tension of Veronica and Caleb’s relationship. New viewers may appreciate the film as a polished, globally-distributed teen romance with depth and drama beyond typical formula.
Whether you loved the original Wattpad story or are discovering it fresh on film, Chasing Red appears poised to deliver a heartfelt, intense romance with wide appeal.
