This year has brought a mini-trend in the licensed publishing industry: actors writing books or comic books that take place in the universe in which they played a role, and more often than not feature the character they portrayed. These books enhance fan engagement, adding layers of interest and authenticity to the reading experience.
Three examples that have come to light in 2026 include:
- Gates McFadden, who played Dr. Beverly Crusher on Star Trek: The Next Generation and other Star Trek productions, is writing Star Trek: Crusher #1, a comic book starring her character, for Star Trek comic book publishing licensee IDW. The story takes place during a 20-year gap in Crusher’s story within the Star Trek universe, between the happenings of the Star Trek: Nemesis film and the Star Trek: Picard TV series. The McFadden-penned comic book was announced in October and is set for publication in summer 2027.
- Azie Tesfai, who starred as Kelly Olsen/Guardian in the TV series Supergirl, wrote You’re a Superhero!, a graphic novel for DC Comics’ kids’ imprint. The story features six-year-old Mariam, patterned on a young Tesfai, who lives in a world full of super heroes, both of the DC Comics and the everyday sort. She learns what it really means to be a superhero and discovers the superhero within her. In addition to DC Comics characters appearing throughout (including Supergirl, along with Batman, The Flash, and more), the story incorporates aspects of Tesfai’s Ethiopian and Eritrean heritage. You’re a Superhero! was published this week. (Read more about this deal in the October 2026 Licensing Hotline column in Publishers Weekly.)
- Jo Martin, who debuted as The Fugitive Doctor in Doctor Who Season 12 and has appeared off and on in subsequent seasons, wrote an original novel featuring her character as part of BBC Books’ and Penguin Random House’s vast Doctor Who licensed publishing program. The novel, Doctor Who: The Kaleidoscope: Circuit Breaker, is connected to Doctor Who: Circuit Breaker, a multiplatform story arc that had its television premiere this past summer. The book was published in March of this year.
These types of projects are not only exciting for the fans, but they are often attractive to the actor-writers as well, as they represent a logical entry point into fiction writing, often a satisfying and new creative endeavor to add to a resumé.
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