Rosamund Pike as Moiraine Damodred in The Wheel of Time Season 3Image via Prime Video
By
Kendall Myers
Published Feb 4, 2026, 9:40 PM EST
Kendall Myers is a Senior Author with Collider. As part of the TV and Movies Features team, she writes about some of the most popular releases before, during, and after they premiere. In three years, she has written over 900 articles with topics ranging from classic sitcoms to fantasy epics.
Sign in to your Collider account
Add Us On
Summary
Generate a summary of this story
follow
Follow
followed
Followed
Like
Like
Thread
Log in
Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents:
Try something different:
Show me the facts
Explain it like I’m 5
Give me a lighthearted recap
Since the mega-popularity of Game of Thrones, the fantasy genre has been expanding, with Westeros spin-offs, The Witcher, Wheel of Time, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, and many more. Given this surge in popularity, it's no surprise that every streaming service is trying its hand at the genre, and this trend is only becoming more true with Apple TV's newest deal. The streaming service recently acquired the rights to Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere universe, which consists of more than 20 books. This means that not only will fans get an adaptation of Mistborn, but many other titles, including The Stormlight Archive.
But more than that, Apple TV made a historic deal with Sanderson that is redefining an author's role in the adaptation process. This approach bodes well for fans of Sanderson's books, which in turn suggests the adaptation will have the longevity that is so coveted. This isn't the first time someone has tried to adapt Sanderson's work, nor is Sanderson the first fantasy author to have his novels brought to life on screen, but his deal is poised to prevent this endeavor from meeting the same fate as others.
What Deal Did Brandon Sanderson Make with Apple TV?
Many authors have sold the rights to their stories, but few have achieved the victory that Sanderson did. The Hollywood Reporter's announcement revealed that Sanderson met with several studio heads before choosing Apple TV, which allowed him a rare level of power. He has been given a role in the process as the universe's "architect," meaning he will write, produce, and consult all while holding the right of approvals, which is practically unheard of. Understandably, Apple TV sees this universe as a huge opportunity; after all, Sanderson has amassed a large following through his prolific writing, which enabled him to secure such a historic deal. Sanderston will have more control in the adaptation process than even widely popular authors like George R.R. Martin or J.K. Rowling, who have each been involved in the adaptations of their respective books.
Following the announcement, Sanderson went to Reddit to explain his choice, saying, "Apple wants to be a true partner with me, and they feel like they really get what I want to do." This in itself should give fans hope for a loyal adaptation, but Sanderson goes on to explain his faith in Apple TV as a streamer focused on the quality of shows above the quantity, assuring his fans that everything he has seen from them is "excellent and creator-driven." Of course, the Cosmere universe is expansive, but Sanderson also confirmed where it will start. For now, he will be writing the Mistborn script, with the intention of a theatrical release ahead of a show based on The Stormlight Archives. This confirms that Apple will provide some of Sanderson's most popular stories upfront, building the larger universe from there. Though these adaptations will not be released for a while yet, they give fans plenty to look forward to.
Brandon Sanderson's Deal Is a Long Time Coming
Mistborn book cover - Brandon SandersonImage via Brandon Sanderson
Although Sanderson has been especially active in the genre for 20 years, he has yet to see his stories adapted for the screen, in large part because he has avoided it. Though he has discussed the idea several times, mentioning in his Reddit post that it isn't the first time he has met with studios for a potential partnership, he has been hesitant to hand over his stories. Just a year ago, Sanderson explained in an interview with Polygon that, despite offers from "very great people that I would want to work with," he refused to make a deal. Sanderson went on to say, "I am in the fortunate position where I can walk away from some of the best deals that might be offered to authors, and do what I think is best for the story." It is not a lack of effort that has stopped Sanderson's books from being adapted, but rather the author's determination to be involved, as seen by the 2025 attempt to adapt Mistborn, which failed due to "creative differences" between Sanderson and the producers. Ultimately, Sanderson's patience has paid off, because if he had been more forthcoming, he would not have made such a rare deal.
Brandon Sanderson's Unprecedented Control Bodes Well for the Cosmere Adaptation
As Sanderson embarks on this new project, his partnership with Apple TV seems to be off to an encouraging start. The level of control he negotiated allows Sanderson himself to address the issues he has seen in other fantasy TV series. In his Polygon interview, Sanderson explained, "Streaming has had a big problem with epic fantasy, and this has me worried. Rings of Power and Wheel of Time have not gone as well as I would've hoped. Shadow and Bone lasted only two seasons, after a very strong first season. Streaming hasn't figured out epic fantasy yet." While Sanderson has a point, he knows epic fantasy, as proven by his expansive career, and perhaps these issues can be solved with his oversight.
The most pertinent of his examples is The Wheel of Time, to which Sanderson has a close connection. Finishing the series after the original author, Robert Jordan, passed, Sanderson was given the role of a consulting producer for the series, yet it wasn't a positive experience for him. After the series ended, he admitted, "They wanted my name on it for legitimacy, but not to involve me in any meaningful way." Fortunately, things will be different for him with Apple TV, thanks to the deal he signed; however, his concerns are valid.
Prime Video's The Wheel of Time faced considerable issues. With dramatic story changes that alienated the mainstream audience, it failed to catch on in the way Prime Video hoped. In the end, Prime tore the series apart, ending it suddenly after just three seasons, leaving a lot of material on the paper. The other shows Sanderson mentioned have faced similar issues, with Tolkien's most dedicated fans expressing frustration with The Rings of Power and Shadow and Bone suffering a premature cancellation as well. With Sanderson steering the ship, he has the power not only to protect the stories that he so clearly loves but also to ensure their longevity. After all, keeping the fans engaged and the numbers up is the best way to ensure that the adaptations continue.
Related
Incredible Sci-Fi Fantasy Franchise Sets Massive Adaptation to Rival George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones Universe
Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere universe is coming to life.
Posts By Rob LondonEven the Game of Thrones universe is not immune to such issues, despite the author's involvement. This is especially obvious as fans watch the bitter falling out between author George R.R. Martin and House of the Dragon showrunner Ryan Condal over changes made to simplify the adaptation. Martin has expressed that he felt ignored throughout this process, which isn't ideal as HBO continues to develop more content in Martin's world, assumingly with his partnership, if the relationship doesn't sour. Luckily, this is a problem Sanderson's deal suggests will not repeat itself with Cosmere. Though Sanderson admitted to Polygon that changes were necessary for the format, the author's oversight and control over those changes will prevent him from developing a feud with the studio. Though it is still early in the process, Sanderson's deal with Apple TV promises faithful adaptations of his books, and with so much material, Apple TV has the potential to become the new go-to streamer for epic fantasy series.
Subscribe for Insider Cosmere Adaptation Coverage
Our newsletter provides in-depth coverage of Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere-to-screen deal, unpacking its impact on creative control, adaptation strategy, and the future of epic fantasy—subscribe for smart analysis and informed context. Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.Apple has acquired the rights to Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere universe, with several projects based on it in development. Stay tuned to Collider for future updates.
Mistborn
Like Follow Followed Fantasy Action Adventure Producers Brandon Sanderson Franchise(s) Mistborn Powered by
Expand
Collapse
-
House of the Dragon
-
The Wheel of Time
Subscribe for Insider Cosmere Adaptation Coverage
Our newsletter provides in-depth coverage of Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere-to-screen deal, unpacking its impact on creative control, adaptation strategy, and the future of epic fantasy—subscribe for smart analysis and informed context. Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.What To Watch
July 20, 2025
The 72 Best Movies on Netflix Right Now
Trending Now
Guy Ritchie’s 125-Minute Indiana Jones Replacement Shatters Streaming Record
Prime Video Is Removing Taylor Sheridan's $75.8 Million Neo-Western Thrill Ride
10 Fantasy Books That Are Better Than Harry Potter
