Apple TV has closed a deal with renowned author Brandon Sanderson to bring his vast literary universe known as the Cosmere to the screen. This universe includes popular sagas such as Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive, among others. What distinguishes this deal is that Sanderson will be actively involved in the development and production of the adaptations, maintaining creative control as executive producer, which will allow him to decide on scripts and ensure fidelity to his novels.
Apple TV has hit the jackpot
This creative control is particularly relevant given that Sanderson has historically been reluctant to cede his works for adaptations. Recently, he had expressed that “it was not yet the time” to adapt his work. However, it seems that Apple’s offer, which includes the commitment to allow him to write and control the narrative, has changed his mind. The first adaptation will focus on Mistborn, possibly as a film franchise, followed by The Stormlight Archive, which would be developed as a series.
The goal of Apple TV is to build a coherent narrative universe that spans different formats, something that has resonated with the vast community of Sanderson fans, who have already shown enthusiasm on social media. In terms of cinematic potential, the Cosmere is compared to phenomena like Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings, given its appeal and the number of readers it has.
While Apple has demonstrated its capability with projects like Foundation, the Cosmere narrative offers an interconnected framework designed from the beginning, which could provide a solid foundation for successful adaptations. Additionally, Apple is not only acquiring a collection of existing stories, but also investing in an expanding literary franchise, with new novels planned for the coming years.