There’s a new epic fantasy series on the way that could rival Game of Thrones in sheer magnitude.
In an ‘unprecedented’ move, bestselling fantasy author Brandon Sanderson has closed a deal with Apple TV to adapt his popular epic fantasy novel series, Mistborn, and The Stormlight Archive into feature movies and a TV show, respectively.
The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that the American author and architect of the Cosmere universe will write, produce, consult and have approvals on creative decisions.
It is an astonishing level of access for the original creator of the work, with fantasy titans such as George RR Martin not even as involved in every aspect of their adaptations.
Needless to say, Brandon’s influence in the high fantasy world cannot be understated. Some may even recognise him as the co-author of the Wheel of Time series, which enjoyed a popular adaptation on Amazon Prime Video.
As for his own work, the prolific sci-fi and fantasy writer, 50, has published upwards of 70 books, sold over 50 million copies worldwide and hosts an annual convention which has sold out every year.
His loyal fanbase has even broken the record for the most successful Kickstarter ever, raising nearly $42 million (£30m) for a publishing campaign for four books.
On his Reddit page, r/Cosmere, he shared the journey to Apple TV with his fans, confirming he met with several studio heads in Hollywood, where he was given the ‘red carpet treatment’.
What is Mistoborn and Stormlight Archive about?
For those intrigued by the upcoming TV series and movies, here’s what you need to know.
The Stormlight Archive already has five published novels (with five more to come) and is set in Roshar, ‘a world of stone and storms’.
The Way of Kings, the opening novel of this epic saga, dives into a war ‘on a ruined landscape called the Shattered Plains.’
‘There, Kaladin, who traded his medical apprenticeship for a spear, has been reduced to slavery. In a war that makes no sense, where ten armies fight separately against a single foe, he struggles to save his men and to fathom the leaders who consider them expendable.’
As the war rages on, we meet a whole host of interwining characters from opposing armies, like Brightlord Dalinar Kholin, and sparky characters such as Shallan, who make this world vast.
Meanwhile, the Mistborn series, which is being eyed for the big screen, is where Brandon answers the question: ‘What if the Dark Lord won? What if, in the final climactic moments, he killed the hero and took over the world?’
If you’re planning to delve into the Cosmere, fair word of warning: it can be all-consuming and daunting. Brandon even has his own starter guide on his website to help new fans navigate his mass of work.
He continued: ‘The decision to pick Apple was due to two factors. First, the level of approvals and control. Apple wants to be a true partner with me, and they feel like they really get what I want to do.
‘Second, their track record. Apple does fewer things, but with higher quality, than some other studios. I find virtually everything of theirs I watch is excellent and creator driven.’
As for the timeline, he confirmed he will be writing the Mistborn movie over the ‘next five months’, followed by the Stormlight show.
‘I promise not to get too distracted to do books. However, if I want this done right, I need to give some real attention and heart to it now,’ he concluded.
The reaction to this news has been suitably epic from fans who are already anticipating it being the next great fantasy franchise to hit screens.
‘[Mistborn and Stormlight Archive] are two Game of Thrones-level properties, which eventually will meet up into something even greater as the Cosmere expands,’ X user SocFLman wrote.
‘Putting my hat in the ring to say this is gonna be the next GOT in terms of cultural relevance,’ MaryClake agreed.
‘Apple TV has been the top spot for sci-fi for years now, but this may be its first Game of Thrones-level megahit,’ PalymrPar shared.
‘Brandon Sanderson is smart as hell. AppleTV hit the jackpot,’ CaseyRyback said.
‘None of you are ready for this. No one. No one is ready for the level of dominance Sanderson’s stories are going to have in the public consciousness once they are adapted,’ MystSL echoed.
‘This is a monumental day for fantasy readers!’ Griffin declared.
Apple TV has several prestige sci-fi and speculative shows, including Silo, Foundation, of course, Severance, which has been hailed by many as one of the best TV shows of all time, and has collected several Emmy awards along the way.
Although other streaming platforms have landmark fantasy shows, including Prime Video’s Rings of Power, HBO’s Game of Thrones and its spin-offs and Netflix’s The Witcher – this marks Apple seriously entering the fantasy market.
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