Fantasy fans can rejoice, Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere universe has been purchased in what is being called an “unprecedented” deal. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Apple TV has gained the rights to the literary universe and is currently planning adaptations of Sanderson’s two most celebrated works. Mistborn will likely be adapted into a film franchise, while the Stormlight Archive is targeted as a television series.
The Hollywood Reporter has reported that Sanderson will maintain previously unheard-of creative control, even compared to George R.R. Martin and J.K. Rowling. The deal drew nearly every studio in town. Sanderson will write, produce, and consult on works within the universe.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Sanderson’s success likely fueled the deal’s interest. His work has sold more than 50 million copies worldwide. A dedicated fan base for the universe will not be a concern for Apple TV+. Sanderson has raised more than $100 Million via crowdfunding, including a $42 million Kickstarter.
The word universe is an accurate description for the Cosmere. It is a sprawling collection of over 20 full-length novels and many shorter works. Each series within the universe has its own story, but they are all connected by the shards of Adolnasium.The remnants of an all powerful god that have now been spread among 16 individuals. Each of the series has its own magic system, but they are all powered by the mysterious energy called investiture. Within the universe, organizations, and characters that span several, if not all, of the series.
The Stormlight Archive is widely considered Sanderson’s magnum opus. The series recently ended its first arc, a five-book series each containing well over a thousand pages. Fans will have to wait approximately ten years for the second arc, an additional five book series.
The Stormlight Archive takes place on the continent of Roshar. Initially, it focuses on the Alethi conflict with the Parshendi. The Alethi are a war like people based on an amalgamation of several different ethnicities, most notably the Mongols under Genghis Khan. The Parshendi are a mysterious species of humanoid crustaceans who, for unknown reasons, assassinated the king of the Althethi.
The story follows multiple POVs, most notably Kaladin, Shallan, and Dalinar. Kalaidin is a former soldier who is sold into slavery after a conflict with his “light eyes” commander. The Alethi follow a caste system based on eye color, dividing citizens into the noble, light-eyed caste and the peasant or mercantile, dark-eyed caste. Shallan is a light-eyed daughter of minor nobles who must attempt to gain wardship under the sister of the slain king, Jasnah. Dalinar is light-eyed royalty and brother to the former king who must help his nephew, the new ruler of Althokar, wage war against the Parshendi and hold together a kingdom that threatens to fracture at every turn.
A television adaption of the series will not be an easy task. The imagery and landscapes within the series are incredibly unique and will likely take a legion of CGI technicians. Pacing may also be an issue for television audiences. Sanderson has a tendency to meander through the first 80% of his novels, focusing more on worldbuilding and character than action. If you are able to stick around til the end, you will get to witness what fans have lovingly named the “Sanderlanche”. A concussive rush of action where all the information laid out prior in the novel comes together in the climax.