Apple TV+ Acquires Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere Universe Rights
Apple TV+ has successfully acquired the screen rights to Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere literary universe, following a highly competitive negotiation process. This significant deal marks a major expansion for the streaming service into one of modern fantasy's most popular worlds.
The initial titles slated for adaptation include the "Mistborn" series, which is being developed as feature films, and "The Stormlight Archive" series, which will be adapted for television. Blue Marble, led by Theresa Kang, is confirmed to executive produce "The Stormlight Archive" television adaptation.
Unprecedented Author Involvement
A notable aspect of the agreement is the extensive creative control granted to Sanderson over the screen translations. His involvement will span various roles, including writing, producing, consulting, and retaining final approval rights.
This degree of author involvement is considered rare in the industry, reflecting the unique value placed on Sanderson's vision.
Sanderson's Commercial Success Fuels Deal
Sanderson's considerable commercial success and devoted global fanbase played a pivotal role in securing this deal. He has sold over 50 million copies of his books worldwide, demonstrating a massive and consistent readership.
His crowdfunding achievements are also remarkable, having raised approximately $100 million in total. This includes a groundbreaking $42 million Kickstarter campaign for four new novels, which set a new platform record. Furthermore, Sanderson organizes an annual fantasy convention that consistently sells out, underscoring the strong engagement of his community.
Exploring the Cosmere Universe
The Cosmere is an intricate narrative framework centered around a being named Adolnasium, whose immense power was divided into 16 shards and dispersed across multiple worlds. This cosmic event led to the creation of diverse magical systems unique to each planet.
- The "Mistborn" trilogy, one of the initial adaptations, introduces readers to metal-using magicians as they strive to destabilize a powerful empire.
- "The Way of Kings," the inaugural novel of "The Stormlight Archive," is set in a world perpetually shaped by magical storms, inhabited by valiant knights, and threatened by formidable creatures known as Voidbringers.
Sanderson is represented in this deal by WME and Matthew Sugarman at Weintraub Tobin.