The high-stakes novel lands with the producers of the BBC’s critically-acclaimed What It Feels Like for a Girl.

Hera Pictures has secured the rights to Nothing Good Happens After 2am, the hotly anticipated third novel from author Niamh Hargan, in a fiercely competitive bidding war. The novel, set for publication in January 2026, is already generating major buzz — and now it’s headed for the screen.

Set in the intoxicating world of high-end cocktails, Nothing Good Happens After 2am begins behind the unmarked door of speakeasy Love and Death, tucked away East London. There, rising stars Robbie Saunders and El Tippett are locked in a volatile dance of rivalry and chemistry, fighting for the approval of their enigmatic boss, Otto Kettinger. As the bar’s legend grows, their relationship begins to fray — only to spark again in cities and bars across the world, over one unforgettable late night after another.

Niamh Hargan, whose previous novels earned critical acclaim for their sharp wit and emotional insight, says: “I’ve loved immersing myself in the lives of these characters over the past few years, and always hoped the novel might someday translate well to screen. Hera was the very first production company I met with in relation to it, and while I felt hugely lucky to have subsequent interest from lots of incredible production teams, I just couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d already found the perfect fit. I’m so impressed by the passion and energy I’ve seen from everyone at Hera, and can’t wait to work with them on this adaptation.”

Liza Marshall, founder of Hera Pictures, said: “From its first page, Nothing Good Happens After 2am had us completely hooked — it’s sharp, sexy, and brimming with atmosphere. Niamh has created a world that feels both thrillingly glamorous and emotionally raw, with characters who ache with ambition, desire, and heartbreak. It’s exactly the kind of bold, stylish storytelling we love at Hera, and we’re thrilled to bring it to the screen.”

Early conversations are already underway with top-tier screenwriters, with the project set to join Hera’s slate of bold, character-driven storytelling.

Hargan’s Film and Television Rights are handled by Anna Weguelin and Gemma Craig on behalf of Sheila Crowley and Sabhbh Curran at Curtis Brown.