I don't think it would actually be that simple. Surely the author only licenses the copyright to the publisher for hardback, paperback and ebook, with an agree

I don't think it would actually be that simple. Surely the author only licenses the copyright to the publisher for hardback, paperback and ebook, with an agreed-upon royalty rate? And if someone wants the rights for some other purpose, like translation or making a film or producing merchandise, they have to go to the author and negotiate additional rights? Meta giving a few billion to authors would probably mend a lot of hearts, though.