Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere Films and Series Coming Soon to Apple TV
Brandon Sanderson’s acclaimed Cosmere fantasy universe is set to make its debut on Apple TV shortly. Recently, Apple TV announced its plans to adapt Sanderson’s popular Mistborn series into a series of feature films, alongside a television adaptation of The Stormlight Archive. This monumental deal has been described as “unprecedented” in the realm of adaptations.
Major Projects in Development
Apple TV’s adaptations mark the beginning of a significant creative partnership with Sanderson. The studio has commenced early production efforts, with Blue Marble selected as the producer for The Stormlight Archive series. Apple TV secured the adaptation rights after Sanderson engaged with numerous major studios in Hollywood.
Comparison to Other Major Adaptations
This deal is comparable in scale to earlier adaptations, such as J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter universe and George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones. However, Apple TV distinguishes itself by allowing Sanderson greater creative control over the adaptations. He will act as the “architect” of the Cosmere live-action universe, which means he will be involved in writing, producing, and approving various projects.
Brandon Sanderson’s Impressive Accomplishments
- Sold over 50 million copies of his novels.
- Raised $100 million in crowdfunding, including $42 million through a Kickstarter campaign.
- Hosts a yearly fantasy convention, which sells out consistently.
Sanderson previously expressed doubts about the film adaptation of his Cosmere series. These concerns heightened after Prime Video canceled its adaptation of The Wheel of Time, a series he completed after the original author’s passing. Yet, with the backing of Apple TV, he may have an opportunity to refashion these narratives for the screen successfully.
The Cosmere Universe
The Cosmere encompasses various interconnected fantasy sagas spread across different worlds and timeframes. Key components of this expansive universe include:
- Standalone novels: Elantris, Warbreaker, The Sunlit Lands, and Isles of the Emberdark.
- The seven-book Mistborn saga, separated into two series.
- The Stormlight Archive, intended to feature ten books, of which five are published to date.
- The Hoid’s Trevalis series, currently consisting of three books.
- Three White Sands graphic novels and a range of short stories, some compiled in Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection.
Unique Features of the Cosmere
Sanderson’s Cosmere stories share a unified creation myth and cosmology, framing the magical laws across its separate worlds. This interconnectedness adds depth, as characters from different series occasionally interact. While this layer of complexity enriches the narrative, readers can still enjoy individual stories without prior knowledge of the entire Cosmere.
The Mistborn series centers on Allomancers, magic users who draw power from metals in their fight against an oppressive empire. In contrast, The Stormlight Archive introduces magical storms, chivalric knights, and daunting adversaries called Voidbringers, with a diverse cast of protagonists.
With the new adaptations lining up at Apple TV, fans of Brandon Sanderson’s work can anticipate an exciting exploration of the Cosmere universe, bringing his intricate tales and characters to life on screen.
