Non-Binary Writer SenLinYu Lands Lucrative Movie Deal for "Harry Potter"-Inspired Novel

In a landmark move for both the literary and queer communities, non-binary writer SenLinYu—known to fans simply as "Sen"—has sold the movie rights to their debut novel "Alchemised" to Legendary Entertainment for a sum reported to exceed $3 million. The acquisition, said to be among the largest ever for a book-to-film adaptation, signals a turning point for works that originate in fan fiction and for non-binary authors gaining mainstream recognition .

SenLinYu has long been celebrated in the fan fiction community, particularly for their "Dramione" stories—narratives centered on the unexpected pairing of Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy. Their 2023 work, "Manacled," reimagined the Harry Potter universe through a dark, dystopian lens, drawing inspiration from "The Handmaid’s Tale." The story quickly became a phenomenon, amassing over 10 million views on Archive of Our Own (AO3), while on GoodReads the tale got a rapturous reception, racking up a tally of five-star ratings that shot up into six digits. .

While "Manacled" firmly established Sen’s reputation within the fandom, "Alchemised" represents their first foray into original fiction for commercial publication. Yet, its roots in fan fiction are unmistakable. The novel began as a "Dramione" fanfic before being transformed into a wholly original work, with new characters and a unique fantasy world .

Set in the war-torn land of Paladia, "Alchemised" follows Helena Marino, a talented alchemist with missing memories, as she struggles to survive under the rule of corrupt guild families and necromancers. The book’s official synopsis describes a world shaped by conflict, where Helena’s quest to uncover her past is complicated by both her captors and her own lost history .

Although the novel shares no direct connection with "Harry Potter" in its final form, its origins are a testament to the creative power of transformative works. Legendary Entertainment’s record-setting investment reflects the industry’s growing recognition of the sophisticated storytelling found in fan fiction communities .

SenLinYu, who uses they/them pronouns, has been vocal about their identity and the importance of inclusive representation in literature. “I’m honored by Legendary’s incredible enthusiasm for the project and can’t wait to see the world of Paladia come to life," they told The Hollywood Reporter.

Their journey from writing stories in the Notes app during their child’s nap times to securing a deal with a major Hollywood studio exemplifies the opportunities now available to authors from marginalized communities. Sen’s works have been translated into 23 languages and downloaded more than 20 million times, indicating a global appetite for diverse voices and narratives .

The success of "Alchemised" is being hailed as a watershed moment for the legitimacy of fan fiction. Industry analysts note that the deal may set a precedent for other original works that have their genesis in fan communities, potentially opening doors for more LGBTQ+ creators to transition from grassroots platforms to mainstream publishing and film .

SenLinYu’s story also shines a light on the supportive nature of fan fiction spaces, which have long served as safe havens for LGBTQ+ individuals to explore identity and relationships outside mainstream constraints. The "Dramione" fandom, in particular, is noted for its passionate engagement and for fostering a culture where non-traditional pairings and diverse perspectives are celebrated .

"Alchemised" is set for release on September 23, 2025, through Del Rey UK, an imprint of Penguin Books. With Legendary Entertainment attached to the film adaptation—joining their impressive portfolio that includes blockbusters such as "The Dark Knight," "300," and "Inception"—expectations are high for both the book and its cinematic future .