The stars of Verity brought Hollywood glamour, playful moments and plenty of attention to New York as the psychological thriller held its world premiere on September 29. Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett led the cast at AMC Lincoln Square 13, joining director Michael Showalter and author Colleen Hoover for the red-carpet event.
The premiere came just days before Verity reaches theatres worldwide on October 2. The Amazon MGM Studios film adapts Hoover’s bestselling 2018 psychological thriller, bringing one of her most widely discussed stories to the big screen with a high-profile cast.
Hathaway quickly became one of the evening’s biggest talking points. The actor, who plays bestselling author Verity Crawford, appeared in a black Prabal Gurung gown with lace, sparkle and a dramatic mermaid silhouette. Her look also highlighted her pregnancy, adding another personal dimension to an already busy year for the actor.
Hathaway announced her third pregnancy in June and has continued appearing at major film and fashion events during a packed 2026 schedule. Verity is her fifth film release of the year, following projects including The Devil Wears Prada 2 and The Odyssey.
She also provided one of the premiere’s lighter moments. During a group photograph with her co-stars, Hathaway was seen taking charge of the red-carpet positioning and directing photographers so the cast could get the shot. The moment quickly attracted attention online and added a playful side to the otherwise glamorous evening.
Dakota Johnson, who plays struggling writer Lowen Ashleigh, brought a contrasting look to the premiere. She appeared in a sparkling white Calvin Klein ensemble, pairing the outfit with a sharply defined deep red lip. Her red-carpet appearance followed the London leg of the film’s promotional tour, where she had also attracted attention for her fashion choices.
The chemistry between Hathaway and Johnson has become an important part of the film’s promotional campaign. While their characters occupy very different places in the story, the two actors appeared relaxed and playful together at the New York event, giving fans a lighter glimpse of their off-screen relationship.
Josh Hartnett joined the pair on the red carpet as Jeremy Crawford, Verity’s husband. Ismael Cruz Córdova, who also features in the film, was among the cast members attending the premiere. Hoover and Showalter were also present, bringing together the key creative figures behind the adaptation.
The film follows Lowen, a struggling writer whose career is under pressure when she receives an unusual opportunity. She is asked to complete a successful book series after its author, Verity Crawford, is left unable to continue following an accident.
Lowen moves into the Crawford family home to work on the unfinished series. While going through Verity’s papers, she discovers what appears to be a disturbing autobiographical manuscript. The material raises troubling questions about Verity, her marriage to Jeremy and the events surrounding the family.
As Lowen digs deeper, the story begins to blur the boundaries between truth and fiction. Her growing connection with Jeremy adds another layer of tension, while the question of whether Verity’s writings are genuine or deliberately misleading becomes central to the mystery.
Showalter directs the film from a screenplay by Nick Antosca. Hathaway is also a producer, while Johnson serves as an executive producer. The cast also includes Brady Wagner and other supporting actors.
The film has been positioned as a psychological thriller with elements of mystery, romance and suspense. Its source material already has a large readership, giving the movie a built-in audience familiar with Hoover’s story and its twists.
The New York premiere also comes at a significant moment for Hoover’s work on screen. Verity follows recent film adaptations of her novels, including It Ends with Us and Regretting You, extending the author’s presence in Hollywood.
With the theatrical release now only days away, attention is shifting from the red carpet to the audience’s reaction. The combination of Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett has placed Verity firmly in the spotlight, while its dark story promises a very different experience from the glamour surrounding its premiere.
