MrBeast's next challenge: Writing a novel with James Patterson, natch

For his 4,028,039th novel, James Patterson is teaming with philanthro-tainer, MrBeast. 

By Matt Schimkowitz  |  May 5, 2025 | 9:03pm
Photo by Steve Granitz (FilmMagic)
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MrBeast's next challenge: Writing a novel with James Patterson, natch

Imagine it: Jimmy “MrBeast” Donaldson’s fake smile on the back of a book jacket; below him, the cold stare of James Patterson. Fantasize no longer because the crossover event of the year is about to hit bookshelves. Earlier today, HarperCollins announced that Donaldson X Patterson are collaborating on a new thriller about a subject MrBeast knows well: people risking their lives for money. In this “high-octane pulse pounding thriller that only James Patterson and MrBeast can deliver,” 100 contestants compete in an “extreme global competition.” As they prove “their leadership skills,” others are eliminated or die, with one lucky winner collecting a billion-dollar prize.

Though Beast says he’s “pumped to be teaming up with James, one of the best-selling authors of all time,” the story sounds a lot like the stunts MrBeast pulls on YouTube and Prime Video’s Beast Games, the YouTuber’s knock-off of Squid Game. Beast Games was subject to a $100 million class action suit from contestants, who accused the production of chronic mistreatment, sexual harassment, unpaid wages, and insufficient medical care. We presume winning a class action is one of the pulse-pounding thrills in the book.

No stranger to working with a co-writer, Patterson says he decided to work with MrBeast because his “time is short here—what can I do most beautifully?” The answer was writing a book with MrBeast and “inspiring people around the world to read more,” as MrBeast put it. The book, along with “Readables by MrBeast” endcaps, hit bookstores next year.

 
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