Legendary Pictures has reportedly secured the movie rights to SenLinYu’s upcoming dark fantasy novel "Alchemised" for over $3 million, setting a potential record for book-to-movie rights acquisitions. The film adaptation's announcement arrives ahead of the novel's release on September 23, 2025. While "Alchemised" will introduce a new magical universe, it has its roots in the Harry Potter fanfiction community, having originally started as a "Dramione" story focused on Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger. The author, known for their success with fanfiction, aims to take readers on a journey through a war-torn world filled with necromancy and alchemy, featuring a protagonist grappling with lost memories.

Why are studios interested in acquiring fanfiction-based books for film adaptations?

Studios often find fanfiction-based works appealing due to their established audiences and the potential for built-in fan support, driving initial interest and viewing numbers. Additionally, successful fanfiction often has developed narratives and characters, providing a strong foundation for adaptation into films.

SenLinYu, also known as Sen, debuted as an author through a collection of works that began as fanfiction. Their previous work "Manacled" gained significant acclaim, achieving high ratings and millions of downloads. With "Alchemised," Sen seeks to expand upon their unique storytelling by creating a new world, stepping beyond their roots in fanfiction to deliver original content. This evolution represents a remarkable journey for the author, illustrating the growing recognition of fanfiction writers in mainstream publishing.