Apple TV Bets Big on Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive

Apple TV is making a bold move into the fantasy genre, and it might just be one of the most ambitious bets in streaming right now. The platform has officially secured the screen rights to the Cosmere, the expansive fictional universe created by bestselling author Brandon Sanderson—a deal being described as unprecedented in both scale and creative freedom. At the heart of this agreement are two of Brandon Sanderson’s most popular works. Apple TV is developing a feature film adaptation of Mistborn and a television series based on The Stormlight Archive. Both projects are still in early development, but the scope of the deal suggests Apple is aiming for a long-term fantasy franchise that could rival the biggest names in the genre.

A Rare Level of Creative Control

What truly sets this deal apart is the level of authority Sanderson retains over his own universe. Unlike most authors whose work is adapted for screen, Sanderson will not be stepping aside after handing over the rights. Instead, he will be deeply involved as the creative architect of the Cosmere’s on-screen future. He is expected to write, produce, consult, and even have approval power over key decisions.

This level of control is almost unheard of in Hollywood. Even legendary creators like J.K. Rowling and George R.R. Martin did not retain this much influence over their screen adaptations. In Sanderson’s case, Apple appears to be betting not just on his stories, but on his vision.

The World of the Cosmere

For those unfamiliar, the Cosmere is not a single story, but a vast interconnected universe spanning multiple worlds, timelines, and magical systems. At its core lies a mysterious god-like being named Adonalsium, who was killed by a group of sixteen conspirators. His power shattered into sixteen pieces known as Shards, each carrying immense magical abilities.

These Shards were taken by the conspirators to different worlds, where they shaped civilizations, magic systems, and conflicts. While each book series stands on its own, they are all subtly linked, forming a larger cosmic narrative that rewards long-time readers.

Why Mistborn Is the Perfect Starting Point

Apple is reportedly prioritizing Mistborn as the first major film adaptation. The original trilogy, often called Era One, was published between 2006 and 2008 and includes The Final Empire, The Well of Ascension, and The Hero of Ages. These novels follow a group of rebels in a brutal empire ruled by a tyrant, where certain individuals can ingest and “burn” metals to gain supernatural powers.

A second series, known as Era Two or the Wax and Wayne books, ran from 2011 to 2022 and expanded the world into a more industrial, almost steampunk setting. It includes The Alloy of Law, Shadows of Self, The Bands of Mourning, and The Lost Metal, along with a companion novella titled Mistborn: Secret History.

The Mistborn saga offers a clear entry point into the Cosmere—fast-paced, cinematic, and packed with visually striking magic that feels tailor-made for the big screen.

The Epic Scale of The Stormlight Archive

On the television side, Apple is setting its sights on The Stormlight Archive, Sanderson’s most ambitious series to date. Spanning five massive novels released between 2010 and 2024, the series includes The Way of Kings, Words of Radiance, Oathbringer, Rhythm of War, and Wind and Truth.

Set on a storm-ravaged world filled with magical knights, living armor, and monstrous enemies known as Voidbringers, the series is known for its deep lore, complex characters, and massive world-building. It’s the kind of story that demands a long-form format, making it a natural fit for premium television.

Blue Marble Pictures is attached to produce the series, with Theresa Kang—formerly of WME—executive producing the adaptation.

A Fanbase That’s Already Proven Its Power

One of the biggest reasons Sanderson was able to negotiate such a favorable deal is his extraordinary fan following. Over the years, his books across the Cosmere have sold more than 50 million copies worldwide, making him one of the most successful fantasy authors working today.

But his influence goes far beyond traditional publishing. Sanderson has raised nearly $100 million through crowdfunding, including a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign that alone generated around $42 million for four new novels—the most successful publishing project in the platform’s history.

He even runs his own annual fantasy convention, which has sold out every year since it began. Few authors can claim that level of direct connection with their audience.

More Than Just Two Series

While Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive are the flagship projects, the Cosmere includes many other popular titles. These include Elantris, Warbreaker, White Sand, and the short story collection Arcanum Unbounded. All of them exist within the same shared universe, opening the door for potential spin-offs, crossovers, and long-term storytelling.

Sanderson also has experience stepping into major franchises. After Robert Jordan’s death in 2007, he completed the final three books of The Wheel of Time, a legendary 14-book fantasy series that was later adapted into a show by Prime Video.

Apple’s Big Fantasy Gamble

With this acquisition, Apple TV is clearly positioning itself for a major push into epic fantasy—one that could define the platform’s identity for years to come. Instead of adapting a single popular series, Apple has essentially bought an entire universe, complete with a creator who knows exactly where it’s going.

If executed well, the Cosmere could become the next great shared fantasy franchise—one built not by committee, but by the author who imagined it in the first place. And in an era where fans are increasingly skeptical of poorly handled adaptations, that might be the biggest advantage of all.