When leaked set photos from Verity flooded social media earlier this year, fans of the Colleen Hoover bestseller knew instantly that the adaptation wasn’t holding back. Now, director Michael Showalter has finally weighed in on the moment that sent the internet into a frenzy — and he’s taking it all in stride.
Speaking during the premiere of his holiday film Oh. What. Fun. earlier this month, Showalter reflected on the unexpected attention sparked by the March leaks featuring Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett.
“It Went Wild Very Fast”
The images — which showed Johnson bloodied during a dramatic New York City shoot — quickly went viral, especially among readers familiar with Verity’s darker turns. Showalter admitted the scale of the reaction surprised him.
He described it as a rare mix of elements coming together at exactly the right time: the massive popularity of Colleen Hoover’s novels, Dakota Johnson’s star power, and the shock factor of blood-soaked visuals. Put together, he said, it became a “perfect storm” for social media.
Despite the leak, Showalter made it clear he’s more excited than concerned about the film’s release.
What the Photos Revealed (Without Spoilers)
The leaked images appeared to capture a key moment from the novel involving a cyclist accident, with Johnson portraying Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer who finds herself pulled into a dangerous psychological web. Hartnett, playing Jeremy Crawford, was spotted arriving at the scene, hinting at the tense relationship dynamics that define the story.
Fans were quick to dissect every detail — from costume continuity to scene context — even though the production itself stayed tight-lipped.
A High-Profile Cast and Creative Team
Verity also stars Anne Hathaway as the enigmatic bestselling author Verity Crawford. Hathaway not only headlines the film but also serves as a producer, reuniting with Showalter after their collaboration on The Idea of You.
The Amazon MGM Studios-backed project marks one of the most anticipated Colleen Hoover adaptations to date, especially given its psychological thriller tone — a sharp departure from the author’s romance-driven screen adaptations so far.
Showalter on His Storytelling Pattern
Interestingly, Showalter also acknowledged a recurring theme in his recent work. While promoting Oh. What. Fun., he noted that many of his projects naturally gravitate toward female-led stories, even if that wasn’t a deliberate choice.
He explained that he feels a deep emotional connection to these characters, often relating to their vulnerabilities and inner lives. For him, it’s less about planning and more about instinct — choosing stories he genuinely cares about telling.
What’s Next
Verity is currently slated for a theatrical release on May 15, 2026, while Oh. What. Fun. is now streaming.
If the reaction to those leaked photos is any indication, audiences are more than ready — blood, controversy, and all.
Final Words
Leaked set photos might be a filmmaker’s nightmare, but in Verity’s case, they’ve only heightened curiosity. And judging by Michael Showalter’s calm response, the team behind the film seems confident that what audiences eventually see on screen will be worth the wait.
