Apple TV+ has secured the rights to adapt Brandon Sanderson’s expansive Cosmere universe into films and television series. This agreement grants Sanderson unprecedented creative control over the adaptations, including roles as writer, producer, and consultant, with final approval authority—a level of involvement uncommon among authors in screen adaptations. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/28/apple-tv-brandon-sanderson-deal/?utm_source=openai))
The Cosmere is a vast, interconnected universe encompassing multiple series and standalone novels, each set on different worlds but linked by a shared mythology. Central to this universe is the concept of a primordial entity, Adonalsium, whose power was shattered into sixteen Shards, each influencing the development of distinct magic systems across various planets. ([thewrap.com](https://www.thewrap.com/media-platforms/tv/brandon-sanderson-mistborn-stormlight-shows-movies-apple/?utm_source=openai))
Apple’s initial focus is on adapting two of Sanderson’s most acclaimed series: Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive.
Mistborn Series:
The Mistborn saga is divided into multiple eras, each exploring different time periods and settings within the same world.
– Era One: This original trilogy—comprising The Final Empire, The Well of Ascension, and The Hero of Ages—follows a group of rebels with metal-based magical abilities, known as Allomancers, as they attempt to overthrow a tyrannical empire. ([thewrap.com](https://www.thewrap.com/media-platforms/tv/brandon-sanderson-mistborn-stormlight-shows-movies-apple/?utm_source=openai))
– Era Two: Set centuries later, this series introduces Wax and Wayne, lawmen with unique magical skills, navigating a world undergoing industrialization and societal change.
Sanderson has plans for additional eras within the Mistborn series, potentially providing Apple with material for numerous films. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/28/apple-tv-brandon-sanderson-deal/?utm_source=openai))
The Stormlight Archive:
Currently consisting of five published novels, with a total of ten planned, The Stormlight Archive is an epic fantasy series set on the storm-ravaged world of Roshar. The narrative centers on the Knights Radiant, an order of magical warriors, as they confront the Voidbringers, ancient beings intent on world domination. The depth and complexity of this series make it well-suited for a long-running television adaptation. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/28/apple-tv-brandon-sanderson-deal/?utm_source=openai))
The adaptation of The Stormlight Archive is already in the early stages of development, with Blue Marble Pictures, led by Theresa Kang-Lowe, attached to produce. Kang-Lowe has an exclusive content production deal with Apple, indicating a strong commitment to bringing Sanderson’s vision to the screen. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/28/apple-tv-brandon-sanderson-deal/?utm_source=openai))
Brandon Sanderson’s literary success is notable, with over 50 million copies of his books sold worldwide. His dedicated fanbase has also contributed to record-breaking crowdfunding campaigns, including a Kickstarter that raised nearly $42 million for four novels, demonstrating the immense demand for his work. ([comingsoon.net](https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/2089267-apple-tv-brandon-sanderson-cosmere-film-tv-adaptation?utm_source=openai))
This partnership between Apple TV+ and Brandon Sanderson represents a significant investment in high-quality, long-form storytelling. By granting Sanderson substantial creative control, Apple aims to ensure that the adaptations remain true to the source material, potentially setting a new standard for author involvement in screen adaptations.
As development progresses, fans eagerly anticipate how the rich narratives and intricate world-building of the Cosmere will translate to the screen, offering a new way to experience Sanderson’s beloved stories.
