The trailer for The Love Hypothesis, the film adaptation of Ali Hazelwood's bestselling novel, premiered at Amazon Prime Video's inaugural Obsessed Fest fan event on June 27, 2026, immediately thrilling its target audience. The romantic comedy, starring Lili Reinhart and Tom Bateman, is set to stream globally on Prime Video from September 23, 2026.
From BookTok Sensation to Screen
Based on Hazelwood's 2021 novel, which became a BookTok phenomenon, The Love Hypothesis originated as self-published 'Reylo' fanfiction in 2018, shipping Star Wars characters Rey and Kylo Ren. The casting of Reinhart (Riverdale) and Bateman—who is married to Daisy Ridley (Rey)—added an extra layer of delight for fans. The trailer follows PhD student Olive Smith (Reinhart) at Stanford University, who fake-dates professor Dr. Adam Carlsen (Bateman).
The 57-second trailer opens with vintage-style lab snapshots and a voiceover about molecular bonds, then shows Olive trying to convince her best friend Anh (Rachel Marsh) she is dating someone. The iconic panic kiss from the book's cover is featured, with Adam reading Olive's ID badge before agreeing to maintain the facade.
Fan Reactions and Anticipation
Fans responded enthusiastically on social media. 'This movie already won my heart. Love + research + affection. I love this,' tweeted Sammie. Another fan, Jenna, posted on Instagram: 'Hypothesis: this will be THE rom-com of the year.' Some expressed frustration over the September release date, with Nia commenting on YouTube: 'September?! You people dare to drop this now and tell I've to wait for another 3 months for this?!'
Many praised Prime Video as 'the #1 hub for fake relationship tropes.' The film's R rating in the US, due to Hazelwood's signature spicy scenes, also reassured fans. The 'famous sunscreen scene' from Chapter 16, which has its own TikTok following, is highly anticipated.
Director and Cast Insights
The film is directed by Emmy-nominated Claire Scanlon, known for the 2018 rom-com Set It Up. At Obsessed Fest, Reinhart recalled 'the famous sunscreen scene' as a favorite memory, citing 'giggling' on set. Bateman shared a favorite scene: a coffee shop date where the characters navigate their fake relationship. 'I loved it so much because it was kind of the perfect kernel of what the film was, the beating heart of it,' he said.
Revival of Rom-Coms
The trailer follows Netflix's hit Voicemails for Isabelle and builds on last year's Eternity and Materialists, continuing a rom-com revival. Amazon's investment in book adaptations—like Fourth Wing and Off Campus—and its Obsessed Fest event signal strong support for female-led stories.
The Love Hypothesis will be available on Prime Video from September 23, 2026.
