Netflix Unlocks the First Teaser Trailer for 'People We Meet on Vacation'

Fans of Emily Henry, prepare yourselves! Netflix just dropped the first exciting teaser for People We Meet On Vacation, the highly anticipated movie adaptation of her New York Times bestselling book. Starring Emily Bader as the free-spirited Poppy and Tom Blyth as the more routine-loving Alex, this romantic comedy promises to bring the beloved friends-to-lovers story to life on January 9, 2026. The initial look offers a quick taste of the global adventures and heartfelt moments waiting for viewers.

The original book by Emily Henry took the literary world by storm. It debuted at the number one spot on the New York Times bestseller list and held that position for over a year. Selling more than two million copies in the U.S. alone, the novel also snagged the Goodreads Choice Award for Romance and earned a spot on Kirkus Reviews' best books of 2021 list. With such a strong foundation, the pressure is on for Netflix to deliver an adaptation that captures all the charm and emotion fans expect.

The First Teaser Trailer Reveals a Fun Initial Glimpse

Netflix's first teaser trailer for People We Meet on Vacation starts with a delightful scene at an airport baggage claim. Free-spirited Poppy, played by Emily Bader, is caught in a moment of pure joy, singing "Hang With Me" by Robyn as she waits for her luggage. Her impromptu concert comes to a halt when she turns and bumps right into Alex, played by Tom Blyth. This initial encounter immediately sets the tone for their contrasting personalities and easy connection.

The teaser quickly moves through a montage of Poppy and Alex's summer vacations. We see them jet-setting to different places, enjoying delicious food, relaxing on sunny beaches, and cozying up during camping trips. One moment shows Alex trying to stick to a strict itinerary in rain-soaked woods, while Poppy is all for "winging it." This contrast highlights their dynamic: Alex prefers structure, Poppy embraces spontaneity. A running joke appears with strangers often asking if they are "a thing," to which they both quickly reply, "Oh no, we're just friends." Poppy even coins the term "platonic travel companions." The teaser finishes with Poppy entering a room in a beautiful dress, locking eyes with a mesmerized Alex, suggesting a shift in their relationship.

Emily Bader and Tom Blyth Step Into Beloved Roles

Casting for characters from popular books always brings a mix of excitement and anxiety. Emily Henry herself shared her nervousness about finding the right actors. She told Netflix she truly could not feel more confident that her readers, along with new fans, will "completely fall in love with Poppy and Alex." Henry even watched Bader and Blyth's chemistry read multiple times, laughing and getting emotional each time. This endorsement from the author certainly boosts fan confidence.

Emily Bader steps into the role of Poppy Wright. Her energetic portrayal in the teaser matches the character's free spirit. Tom Blyth plays Alex Nilsen, conveying his character's more reserved and thoughtful nature. Blyth mentioned in an interview that while the book was helpful, he eventually had to focus on bringing the script to life, rather than getting too "bogged down in honoring the book." He wants to be present and human in his performance. He also praised Bader, calling her the "modern-day Meg Ryan," comparing her to the star of his favorite rom-com, When Harry Met Sally. This comparison speaks volumes about the on-screen dynamic expected between the leads.

A Team Dedicated to Bringing the Story to the Screen

Brett Haley directs People We Meet on Vacation. His previous works include Hearts Beat Loud and All the Bright Places. Haley explained in an interview with Tudum that this movie goes beyond a simple love story. He wants it to make viewers "feel like you’ve gone on vacation right alongside Poppy and Alex." In an interview with Harper's Bazaar, Haley compared the book to classic romantic comedies like When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle, emphasizing his goal to create a heartfelt story with genuine humor and emotion. He called it a chance to create a "throwback romantic comedy" that feels "earned, honest, and alive with real emotion."

The script comes from Yulin Kuang and Amos Vernon along with Nunzio Randazzo. Kuang is also set to write and direct the adaptation of another Emily Henry novel, Beach Read. The production team includes Sony Pictures’ 3000 Pictures, known for films such as Where The Crawdads Sing and Lady Chatterley’s Lover. Producers include Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen, and Isaac Klausner, with Laura Quicksilver, Ted Gidlow, and Emily Henry serving as executive producers. This strong team brings considerable experience to the project, aiming to deliver a film that captures the book's essence.

Supporting Cast Members Joining the Vacation Fun

Beyond the main duo, the film features a talented supporting cast. Viewers will see Sarah Catherine Hook from The White Lotus, Jameela Jamil from The Good Place, and Lucien Laviscount from Emily in Paris. Lukas Gage from You, Miles Heizer from 13 Reasons Why, Tommy Do from Hacks, Alice Lee from The Union, Alan Ruck from Succession, and Molly Shannon from Private Life also join the cast. This diverse group of actors rounds out the ensemble, adding more depth and humor to Poppy and Alex's story.

Emily Henry's Growing Universe on Screen

For those who love Emily Henry's writing, People We Meet on Vacation is just the start of her books hitting the big and small screens. Many of her popular romance novels are scheduled for adaptations. Beach Read, another fan favorite, is also in development for a film, with Yulin Kuang writing and directing. Other titles like Funny Story and Book Lovers are also bound for the screen as movies. Furthermore, her book Happy Place is set to become a series on Netflix. This widespread adaptation of her works speaks to Henry's success in connecting with readers and the strong demand for her stories in visual formats.

This expansion of Emily Henry's book universe into film and television shows how her blend of swoony love and spicy romance, combined with engaging characters, resonates widely. Fans are eager to see how these elements translate into cinematic success. People We Meet on Vacation serves as the first entry, setting a high bar for the adaptations to follow.

What the Adaptation Means for Netflix's Romance Catalog

People We Meet on Vacation is shaping up to be a major addition to Netflix’s 2026 catalog. The excitement from social media users since the film was greenlit has been constant. If this movie matches the charm shown in its first teaser and lives up to fan expectations, it could become a standout romantic comedy for the streamer. Netflix has a good track record with fan-favorite romance films such as Set It Up, To All The Boys I've Loved Before, and Someone Great. People We Meet on Vacation has the potential to join these beloved titles, further solidifying Netflix’s position in the romance genre.

The film’s success could also establish a standard for future adaptations of Emily Henry’s novels. Given the strong foundation of the book and the talented team bringing it to life, all signs point to a truly special release. This initial teaser is a smart move, offering fans small glimpses of their favorite book romance without giving away too much. It keeps them engaged and builds anticipation for the full release.

Mark Your Calendars for a Global Romantic Adventure

The first trailer for People We Meet on Vacation has definitely delivered a spark of excitement. With Emily Bader and Tom Blyth leading the charge, and Emily Henry's approval, the adaptation appears ready to capture the hearts of both loyal book fans and new viewers. This story of two childhood best friends, Poppy and Alex, who spend every summer together despite living in different cities, is a tale of friendship and the slow realization that their bond might be something more. Their delicate relationship is tested as they question what everyone else has seen all along: they might just be a perfect romantic match.

Get ready to jet-set with Poppy and Alex. People We Meet on Vacation premieres globally on Netflix on January 9, 2026. Prepare for a heartwarming, globe-trotting romantic comedy that promises to make you feel like you are on vacation right alongside them.