Who Runs the World? Fanfiction Writers!
February 27, 2026
54 min
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3,229 of 3,393
February 27, 2026
Who Runs the World? Fanfiction Writers!
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America the Jesuit Review Episodes Around February 27, 2026
Episode 3,229 of 3,393 — walk the feed in the order it was published.
54:44This episodeWho Runs the World? Fanfiction Writers!
Summary
Fan fiction, where fans reimagine their favorite characters in new – often steamy – stories, is reshaping mainstream literature, television and film. This year alone, three novels spun from fan-written romances between Harry Potter characters have hit national bestseller lists. And on the popular fanfic site Archive of Our Own, you’ll find everything from Star Wars-inspired romances to a zombie apocalypse featuring the Car Talk guys. We’re tracing how communities of queer, female, and frequently thirsty fans became a force too big for publishers and Hollywood executives to ignore.
Guests:
E. Alex Jung, features writer, Vulture and New York Magazine
Candice Lim, writer, producer and former co-host, Slate's ICYMI podcast
Domee Shi, film director and creative vice president, Pixar; her films include "Turning Red," "Elio" and the animated short film "Bao"
Disclaimer:
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