Hulu Lands Amy DuBois Barnett’s Novel ‘If I Ruled the World’

Hulu has secured the rights to Amy DuBois Barnett’s debut novel, “If I Ruled the World,” with plans to adapt it into a gripping hour-long drama series. The novel draws inspiration from Barnett’s groundbreaking journey as the first Black woman to lead a major mainstream magazine in the United States. Throughout her career, Barnett held prestigious roles such as editor-in-chief of Ebony, Teen People, and Honey magazines, as well as deputy editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar.

The story of “If I Ruled the World” unfolds after a competitive auction in 2024, where Flatiron Books acquired the rights to publish the novel. Set to be released on Tuesday, the book promises a fast-paced and tantalizing narrative that delves into the competitive worlds of hip-hop music and high-end magazines in the late 1990s, offering readers a glimpse behind the scenes through the eyes of an industry insider.

Renowned producer Emma Watts, known for her work at Paramount Pictures and 20th Century Fox, along with acclaimed filmmaker Lee Daniels, the creative mind behind projects like “Empire” and “Precious,” are collaborating to bring the TV adaptation of “If I Ruled the World” to life. Watts was drawn to the project after reading the manuscript and approached Daniels to co-write the pilot alongside Barnett.

At the heart of “If I Ruled the World” is Nikki Rose, a young magazine editor who finds herself as the sole Black editor on staff, navigating the complex and glamorous world of hip-hop, fashion, and editorial culture during the Y2K era. When faced with constant dismissal from her superiors who claim that “Black girls don’t sell magazines,” Nikki decides to take a bold step and revitalize a struggling hip-hop music and lifestyle magazine called Sugar.

As Nikki immerses herself in a new world filled with wealth, decadence, and intrigue, she must race against time to save Sugar and pursue her own aspirations. Juggling late nights at the office with rubbing shoulders with New York City’s elite, Nikki encounters a myriad of challenges, including evading the advances of her powerful and married ex-lover, Alonzo Griffin, who is determined to bring her down.

With Barnett onboard as an executive producer and represented by Anonymous Content, Kaplan Perrone, and Park Fine & Brower, the series promises to offer a compelling and engaging storyline that captures the essence of ambition, determination, and resilience. Daniels, represented by AA and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren Richman, Rush, Kaller, Gellman, Meigs & Fox, L.L.P., and Watts, represented by CAA and Ziffren Brittenham LLP, bring their wealth of experience and expertise to the project, ensuring a captivating viewing experience for audiences.

The adaptation of “If I Ruled the World” is set to captivate viewers with its thrilling narrative, complex characters, and high-stakes drama, making it a must-watch series on Hulu.