Happy Place Dreamcast: The Best Choices to Play Harriet, Wyn, Cleo & More

Harriet Kilpatrick (Ella Prunell)

In Happy Place, the narrator and protagonist Harriet is just trying her best. Described in the book as having a bundle of chaotic dark curls, Harriet is known as an all-around good friend, who’s also going through a lot–she’s secretly working through a major breakup, while simultaneously questioning her career. Ella Purnell certainly knows complex characters, having played Jackie in Yellowjackets, Lucy in Fallout, and even took onthe leading role of Tess in 2018’s book-to-TV adaption of Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler.Showing off her strong dramatic acting chops and fantastic comedic timing over the years, actress could convincingly play 30-year-old Harriet with plenty of gusto. 

Wyn Connor (Luke Grimes)

The laidback ex-soccer player brings all the golden retriever energy to the table, operating as a charming yet self-deprecating leading man with sharp gray/green eyes and messy dark blond hair. Wyn is hard to narrow down–as an emotionally complex guy, he has the charisma to keep up great banter alongside Harriet, displaying hidden depth, and plenty of swoon-worthy emotions. When it comes to casting Wyn, Luke Grimes holds the top spot. Maybe it’s because Wyn is from Montana, and the actor also plays Kaycee Dutton on Yellowstone, but Grimes fits the description perfectly, with a hard jawline, soft lips, and compelling eyes.

Cleo James (Aisha Dee)

As Harriet’s independent, spontaneous best friend, painter, and resident organic farmer, Cleo packs a punch on the page. She comes with plenty of charisma, and a septum piercing, which is why Aisha Dee is the perfect person to play her. Described in the book as a “wisp of a waif” with dip-dyed box braids, Cleo is edgy, effortlessly cool, and often depicted wearing paint-splattered Doc Martens and vintage overalls. Aisha Dee embodies the same carefree vibe, having played the outspoken Kat Edison on The Bold Type.

Kimmy Carmichael (Sadie Sink)

As the latest addition to the friend group, Cleo’s girlfriend Kimmy stands out as a kind, generous blur of curves and strawberry blond curls. Her cute tattooed fingers, which are often wrapped around Cleo’s own, would look great on the effervescent Sadie Sink. Known for her portrayal as Max Mayfield in Stranger Things, this would be a great opportunity for the rising star to show off her acting chops with quippy one-liners galore. We know she can bring the drama and perfectly portrays all types of relationships–just think of her character in All Too Well: The Short Film.

Sabrina Ames (Zoey Deutch)

As Harriet’s wealthy, head-strong, platinum blonde-haired BFF, Sabrina can be a lot but in the best way possible. Who better to play her than the iconic Zoey Deutch? The veteran actress has played all kinds of roles and fits the character description perfectly with her sophisticated flair and light-hued hair. Certainly no stranger to the Netflix rom-com universe, Deutch has played Harper in Set It Up, and Rachel in Amazon’s Something from Tiffany’s, proving she has what it takes to play Sabrina as the powerful, confident person she is. 

Parth Nayak (Taylor Zakhar Perez)

With his humorous quips, thick, dark hair, a stunning smile, and an affable nature, most fan-cam’s dream cast Taylor Zakhar Perez as Parth and we fully agree. The actor has earned acclaim in the book-to-movie adaptations of Red, White, and Royal Blue, The Kissing Booth series, and more. He fits in perfectly as the good-looking, easy-going Parth and would play the social butterfly so well, just as he fully embodied Alex Clermont-Diaz, adding an extra charming smirk to go along with his lines.

PS: Another Emily Henry book, People We Meet on Vacation , is also heading to the big screen sometime soon. Who would play your dream cast?