In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the fantasy world, Apple TV+ has acquired the adaptation rights to Brandon Sanderson’s entire Cosmere universe in what industry insiders are calling an “unprecedented” agreement. The news, first reported exclusively by The Hollywood Reporter on January 28, 2026, positions Apple to potentially build the next great epic fantasy franchise, with initial focus on cinematic adaptations of Mistborn and a television series for The Stormlight Archive.
Who Is Brandon Sanderson?
Brandon Sanderson is one of the most prolific and successful fantasy authors of the modern era. With over 50 million books sold worldwide, he has built a devoted global fanbase through intricate world-building, innovative magic systems, and sprawling narratives. Sanderson rose to prominence after completing Robert Jordan’s legendary Wheel of Time series following Jordan’s death in 2007. Since then, he has authored bestselling series like Mistborn, The Stormlight Archive, and standalone Cosmere novels such as Elantris and Warbreaker.
His influence extends beyond traditional publishing: In 2022, Sanderson’s Kickstarter campaign for four “secret” novels raised over $41 million, shattering records and demonstrating his unique direct connection with readers. He also hosts Dragonsteel, his own annual fantasy convention, which sells out rapidly.
Sanderson has long been cautious about screen adaptations, influenced by mixed results from projects like Amazon’s Wheel of Time series (where he served as a consultant). This protectiveness made the Cosmere rights highly coveted in Hollywood.
What Is the Cosmere?
The Cosmere is Sanderson’s shared fictional universe—a vast, interconnected cosmos spanning multiple planets, eras, and unique magic systems. At its core is the ancient being Adonalsium, shattered into 16 “Shards” of power held by mortal vessels. These Shards influence worlds across the Cosmere, creating subtle crossovers (like the mysterious character Hoid) while allowing each series to stand alone.
Key series include:
• Mistborn: A heist-inspired saga in a world of ashfalls and metal-based magic (Allomancy). The original trilogy follows rebels overthrowing a god-emperor; later eras explore industrial and modern settings.
• The Stormlight Archive: An ongoing 10-book epic on Roshar, a storm-battered planet with shardbearers, ancient knights (Radiants), and colossal creatures. Five books are published, starting with The Way of Kings.
Other works like Elantris, Warbreaker, and novellas tie in subtly, building toward a grand culmination.
The Deal: Unprecedented Creative Control
After a competitive bidding war—where Sanderson personally met with most major studio heads—Apple TV+ emerged victorious. What set Apple apart was their commitment to a true partnership, granting Sanderson extraordinary authority. He will act as the “architect of the universe,” writing scripts, producing, consulting, and holding final approval rights on all projects. This level of control reportedly exceeds that given to authors like J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter) or George R.R. Martin (Game of Thrones).
Sanderson himself highlighted two key factors in choosing Apple: “The level of approvals and control… Apple really wants to be an actual partner with me, and I believe they understand what I want to accomplish. Apple also does fewer things, but they are higher quality.”
He added that he plans to dedicate the next five months full-time to writing the Mistborn screenplay, while promising not to neglect his novels.
The deal covers the full Cosmere, opening doors for future adaptations beyond the initial projects.
Planned Adaptations and Next Steps
• Mistborn: Envisioned as a feature film franchise.
• The Stormlight Archive: Targeted for a prestige television series, with producer Theresa Kang (Blue Marble) attached.
No directors, casting, or timelines have been announced, as development is in early stages.
Fan and Industry Reactions
The announcement has sparked massive excitement online, with fans celebrating Apple’s track record in high-quality sci-fi/fantasy (Foundation, Silo). Sanderson shared the Hollywood Reporter article on X, amplifying the buzz.
On fan sites like 17th Shard, reactions range from elation (“huge news day for Cosmere fans”) to cautious optimism about potential changes (e.g., character adjustments) and concerns over Sanderson’s writing schedule. Many compare it favorably to past fantasy adaptations, hoping Apple’s resources ensure longevity.
Industry observers see this as Apple chasing the “next Game of Thrones” in the epic fantasy space.
As details emerge in the coming months, one thing is clear: With Sanderson at the helm, the Cosmere’s journey to screen could redefine author-driven adaptations. Fans, brace for the storms—and the mists—to come.
Last updated: 02/04/2026
administrator
🌞 Rational Optimist · 🧭 Radical Centrist · 💻 Vercel-Stack Developer · 🍎 Apple guy on Omarchy · 🔴 Half-time Red Devil · 🧠 High-Functioning Nerd