YouTuber MrBeast and author James Patterson team up for billion-dollar thriller novel dropping in 2026

What happens when YouTube’s most generous billionaire and the world’s most prolific thriller author decide to write a book together? Pure literary chaos, in the best way possible.

MrBeast to make his debut as a publisher

Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, is making his publishing debut and he is not going solo. He is teaming up with none other than James Patterson, the man behind your mum’s favourite mystery paperbacks and the brains behind the iconic Alex Cross series. The duo is all set to drop a high-octane, drama-drenched thriller in 2026 that is already sounding like the Hunger Games on steroids.

MrBeast to make his debut as a publisher with writer James Patterson | Credit: X

What is the novel going to be about?

The untitled novel will feature 100 contestants entering a global competition where the prize is no less than $1 billion. Yes, billion with a 'B'. Expect high stakes, betrayal, and the kind of wild twists Patterson is famous for, but with a MrBeast-level spectacle.

This publishing bombshell is being rolled out globally by HarperCollins in 15 languages. In the U.S., William Morrow will publish it, and HarperFiction is handling the U.K. release. The deal was cracked by bigwigs HarperCollins CEO Brian Murray and William Morrow Group President Liate Stehlik. James Patterson was repped by Robert Barnett and Deneen Howell, while Donaldson was backed by Byrd Leavell and Albert Lee.

Who is MrBeast?

For those somehow still living under a digital rock, MrBeast isn’t just a YouTube megastar with record-breaking subscriber numbers. He runs Beast Games on Prime Video, owns snack company Feastables, and has given away millions through his philanthropic efforts. Think #TeamTrees and his nonprofit Beast Philanthropy, which has distributed over 20 million meals globally.

MrBeast to make his debut as a publisher with writer James Patterson | Credit: X

Meanwhile, Patterson, with over 400 million books sold, is no stranger to co-writing blockbusters with celebrities. He has previously written books with Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton, but this MrBeast collab might just be his wildest yet.

While the book’s title remains a mystery, the buzz is already boiling. A billion-dollar prize, a centurion cast, and two mega minds behind the pen? 2026 just got its first pre-order.