Trending Now - Harpercollins Teams With AI Studio to Adapt Books Into Shows

WHO:

Engadget - HarperCollins is partnering with Toonstar, an AI animation studio.

Fast Company - Liate Stehlik is the CEO and publisher for U.S. Trade at HarperCollins.

Fast Company - John Attanasio is the CEO of Toonstar.

Fast Company - Luisa Huang is the COO of Toonstar.

Fast Company - Authors Sarah MacLean and Sylvia Day have expressed concerns about the AI partnerships.

WHAT:

Engadget - HarperCollins is adapting books into digital shows through a partnership with Toonstar.

Engadget - The first project will be an adaptation of Lisa Greenwald’s “Friendship List” series.

Fast Company - HarperCollins has announced a multi-year partnership with Toonstar to co-produce original YouTube series based on HarperCollins titles.

Fast Company - HarperCollins division Harlequin is co-producing 40 animated micro-dramas with AI company Dashverse, starting with an adaptation of "A Fairy-Tail Ending" by Catherine Mann.

Engadget - Toonstar claims it can produce full episodes 80 percent faster and 90 percent cheaper than industry norms.

WHERE:

Fast Company - The adaptations will be available on YouTube.

WHEN:

Fast Company - The partnership with Dashverse launches in April 2026.

Fast Company - The announcement of the partnership with Toonstar was made in the week of April 3rd, 2026.

WHY:

Fast Company - HarperCollins is exploring new modes of storytelling through AI partnerships.

Engadget - Toonstar aims to keep artists at the center of the animation process while utilizing AI technology.

HOW:

Engadget - Toonstar uses AI across its production, including dubbing dialogue for international audiences and developing storylines.

Fast Company - The process for the adaptations will be creator-led, although details on author involvement and royalties have not been disclosed.

(UPDATED April 3, 2026 23:08 UTC)

HarperCollins has announced a multi-year partnership with AI animation studio Toonstar to adapt books into digital shows, with the first project being an adaptation of Lisa Greenwald’s “Friendship List” series. The adaptations will be available on YouTube, and HarperCollins is also collaborating with Dashverse to co-produce 40 animated micro-dramas, starting with "A Fairy-Tail Ending" by Catherine Mann, which launches in April 20th26. While authors like Sarah MacLean and Sylvia Day have raised concerns about these AI partnerships, Toonstar claims it can produce full episodes 80 percent faster and 90 percent cheaper than industry norms, keeping artists at the center of the animation process.