Fans of Ali Hazelwood’s bestselling rom-com The Love Hypothesis just got the casting news they’ve been waiting for—and the internet is already buzzing. In a surprise TikTok video, actress Lili Reinhart revealed that British actor Tom Bateman will be taking on the role of the brooding, brilliant Dr. Adam Carlsen in the much-anticipated film adaptation.

With the caption “hello Dr. Adam Carlsen #thelovehypothesis,” Lili’s short but impactful post was all fans needed to send social media into a frenzy. The casting reveal confirms long-held speculation, and it’s easy to see why Bateman is already winning over readers-turned-viewers.

Bateman, known for his versatile performances in Da Vinci’s Demons, Murder on the Orient Express, Death on the Nile, and most recently Based on a True Story, brings a unique combination of depth, intensity, and undeniable charm—perfect for the role of Adam Carlsen. In Hazelwood’s wildly popular novel, Carlsen is a notoriously grumpy yet secretly soft-hearted professor whose fake dating arrangement with a graduate student turns into something real, emotional, and unexpectedly heartwarming.

And yes, fans are already imagining Bateman in that infamous black Henley.

Lili Reinhart, who will play Olive Smith—the brilliant, determined Ph.D. candidate at the center of the story—is not just starring in the project but also producing it. Her involvement adds another layer of excitement for fans, who have long admired her emotional range and authenticity on screen. Best known for her role as Betty Cooper in Riverdale, Lili has also stepped into producing roles in recent years, signaling a thoughtful and intentional shift in her career.

“I can’t wait to bring Olive to life,” Reinhart said in a previous interview. “She’s funny, awkward, and so relatable. I think so many people see themselves in her.”

The chemistry between Olive and Adam is at the heart of The Love Hypothesis, and fans of the book have expressed high hopes for an on-screen pairing that captures the tension, vulnerability, and slow-burn romance that made the novel a sensation. With Bateman now officially cast, it’s safe to say expectations are sky-high—but early reactions suggest this is exactly what readers were hoping for.

One Twitter user wrote, “Tom Bateman as Adam Carlsen? That’s the casting I didn’t know I needed but now I can’t unsee it.” Another fan chimed in, “He has the eyes, the voice, and the quiet intensity. This is going to be perfect.”

Of course, with any adaptation of a beloved book, there will be scrutiny. But so far, the vibe is overwhelmingly positive—especially with Reinhart’s personal involvement, which many say gives the film a fighting chance at staying true to the heart of the original story.

Hazelwood’s debut novel took the romance world by storm when it was published, and it remains a fan favorite for its STEM setting, laugh-out-loud humor, and deeply emotional moments. The book’s mix of academia, awkward misunderstandings, and emotionally slow-unfolding love drew comparisons to The Hating Game and Beach Read, but with its own unique flavor. It’s no surprise that a film version has been highly anticipated since the rights were first acquired.

There’s still no official release date, but with the leads now locked in and development moving forward, fans are hoping for a 2026 premiere.

Whether you’re a die-hard Olive x Adam reader or just someone looking for the next big rom-com to swoon over, this casting news has officially set the tone. The lab coats, fake dating, misread signals, and yes—those tension-filled glances—are finally coming to the screen.

As one fan perfectly put it, “The love hypothesis is no longer just a theory. It’s happening.”