HarperCollins is collaborating with AI animation studio Toonstar to transform book franchises into digital shows. The first project adapts Lisa Greenwald’s *Friendship List* series, accompanied by a graphic novel. Toonstar, known for its AI-driven production efficiency, claims its technology accelerates animation by 80% and reduces costs by 90% compared to traditional methods.

The studio previously gained attention for the *StEvEn and Parker* YouTube series, which boasts 3.38 million subscribers, though its early attempts at Web3 integration and the shelved *Space Junk* project highlight shifting priorities. Toonstar’s Ink & Pixel platform emphasizes artist collaboration while leveraging AI for dubbing and storytelling, aiming to meet modern audience demands. Critics question whether Toonstar’s AI-enhanced output can rival established animation quality, particularly after mixed reactions to its *Space Junk* series.

This partnership signals HarperCollins’ push into AI-driven content creation, blending literary IP with emerging tech.