From Viral Tweet to Three-Book Deal: How LaDarrion Williams’ Idea of Harry Potter at an HBCU Took Off

LaDarrion Williams, a playwright, screenwriter, and filmmaker, never imagined that a simple question he posed on Twitter in 2020 would lead to a three-book deal and potentially change the landscape of fantasy storytelling. When he asked, “What if Harry Potter went to an HBCU in the South?” Williams sparked a conversation about diversity in the fantasy genre that ultimately propelled him into a new chapter of his career.

Initially writing the story as a TV pilot, Williams faced rejection from Hollywood studios despite his viral tweet, short film, and script. Feeling defeated, he was on the brink of giving up until a friend suggested turning his idea into a book. After receiving a three-book deal in January 2023, Williams released the first installment, “Blood at the Root,” on May 7.

The book follows Malik, a 17-year-old with magical powers from Alabama who enrolls in Caiman University, a magical HBCU. Williams intentionally crafted Malik as a Black male with a softer side, aiming to showcase his character’s depth and emotional complexity through the lens of magic.

While excited to share his book series with the world, Williams also dreams of bringing his story to the screen, hoping to create a cultural moment similar to the buzz surrounding “Black Panther.” He envisions inspiring Black children and showcasing diverse representation in the fantasy genre.

With his innovative take on fantasy storytelling, Williams is poised to make a significant impact on the industry and provide much-needed representation for Black characters in magical narratives.