Some big news, as Apple has picked up Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere Universe for adaptation into TV and film projects. As per THR‘s report, details below, I am very happy for Sanderson, who famously called himself an enigma that Hollywood Studios simply couldn’t understand. Namely, that he wasn’t that interested in money and more interested in someone adapting his work faithfully. Cue a slew of Hollywood execs leaving meetings with Sanderson not being able to fathom how much money he was turning down.
I guess finally, Sanderson found a studio willing to do it the way he wants.
‘Could the next great fantasy screen franchise be here? Apple TV believes so.’
‘The streaming giant has closed what has been described as an unprecedented deal to land the rights to the Cosmere books, the fictional literary universe by fantasy author Brandon Sanderson.’
‘The first titles being eyed for adaptation are the Mistborn series, for features, and The Stormlight Archive series, for television.’
‘The latter already has producers involved: Blue Marble, run by former WME agent Theresa Kang, is attached to executive produce The Stormlight Archive television adaptation.’
‘The deal is rare one, coming after a competitive situation which saw Sanderson meet with most of the studio heads in town. It gives the author rarefied control over the screen translations, according to sources. Sanderson will be the architect of the universe; will write, produce and consult; and will have approvals. That’s a level of involvement that not even J.K. Rowling or George R.R. Martin enjoys.’
I’ll take a guess that Sanderson has knocked back more money for more control in this scenario.
RELATED: Brandon Sanderson Gives Updates On Mistborn, Stormlight Archive, And General Cosmere Adaptations
I have to say, whilst I’m please for Sanderson and all his fans, I’m also a little sad. Sad that Wheel of Time (a book series Sanderson himself was chosen to finish after the death of creator Robert Jordan), ended up at Amazon and Sony. If Sony, or Amazon had listened more to Sanderson’s notes on Wheel of Time?
Ah who knows, maybe even if Sanderson approved every script the show still would not have been big enough to please Amazon execs? It’s a pity Apple couldn’t have picked that up. I like Sanderson as a writer, but I’ve yet to catch up with his Cosmere Universe completely. Maybe I should make a point of getting through those before the shows and movies arrive.
Comments From Brandon Sanderson
We also have a post Sanderson made on the Cosmere subreddit to his fans about the news.
“Hey, all! News has broken. Rather than post on all the threads, I figured I would do a new post here with some info and thoughts.”
“In May I flew to Hollywood to start looking for a new partner on the Cosmere. This is something I’ve done before, but this time it was different. I’d been off the market for many years, working with Epic and my friends there.”
“That means this was my first time being in Hollywood with my Cosmere rights since…oh, 2016?”
“This time, I got to meet the real decision makers. Not just producers or low level executives. And this led to some really tough choices. I got the red carpet treatment, and liked everyone I met.”
“The decision to pick Apple was due to two factors. First, the level of approvals and control. Apple wants to be a true partner with me, and they feel like they really get what I want to do. Second, their track record. Apple does fewer things, but with higher quality, than some other studios. I find virtually every thing of theirs I watch is excellent and creator driven.”
“Join me for a livestream on Friday, probably 6pm mountain. I’ll talk more then. But I will be writing the Mistborn screenplay myself over the next 5 months, as my full time work. Goal is for a theatrical Mistborn, then Stormlight show after. Focus on doing it carefully and right.”
“I promise not to get too distracted to do books. However, if I want this done right, I need to give some real attention and heart to it now.”
Brandon
Apple probably are the best studio out there at the moment for making quality TV shows. So what else can you say other than, the perfect combination for Sanderson and his Cosmere fans. Leave any thoughts below.
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