Apple TV Unveils Major Fantasy Adaptation Plans with Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere
Emma Johnson
Published May 17, 2026
Author Brandon Sanderson has solidified himself among the greats of fantasy literature, having created an extensive fantasy universe that rivals even J.R.R. Tolkien. So, it was only a matter of time before his works became an onscreen adaptation. Similarly, Apple TV has developed a reputation for high-quality, heavy-hitting TV shows, predominantly in the sci-fi genre. It was only a matter of time, again, before the company tried its hand at fantasy. Now, Apple TV has officially acquired the and is set to work on a TV series. It's a match made in heaven.
Apple TV Is Bringing Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere To Television
of several individual and ongoing book series, including The Stormlight Archive, Mistborn, Warbreaker, Elantris, White Sand, and more. Each series tells its own grand adventure, but they are all set within this same fictional universe. Sanderson isn't the first to do such a thing, but his Cosmere is among the most extensive, not to mention wildly popular.
This structure naturally makes The Cosmere rather difficult to adapt to the screen, but Apple TV is giving it a shot. The company has the rights to every installment in this universe, and is preparing to bring The Stormlight Archive to the small screen first. In meantime, Sanderson's Mistborn will be adapted into a film franchise.
The Stormlight Archive is the perfect choice for . The recently completed first arc spans five novels and two novellas, all of which offer a long-form, epic look at the author's broader universe. This is a story that can very easily rival fantasy TV shows like Game of Thrones, The Witcher, The Rings of Power, and more. In fact, The Stormlight Archive has the potential to be the most fantastically expansive magical world on television.
Cosmere Will Be The Small Screen’s Best Magical World If Apple TV Gets It Right
There's a good reason that Sanderson's Cosmere is so successful. There is, of course, the benefit of the single shared cosmology. Readers can pick up any one of the Cosmere's several series and get a full, satisfying experience. Still, there are added rewards for those who dive into each adventure. In the same way, Apple TV's Cosmere has the potential to be a sort of Lord of the Rings for television.
Like The Lord of the Rings, The Stormlight Archive promises intricate world-building, deep lore, and a cast of unforgettable characters. Fans of epic fantasy will find themselves drawn into a universe where every detail matters, and where the stakes are nothing short of cosmic. With Sanderson’s involvement ensuring fidelity to the source material, Apple TV is poised to deliver a series that could redefine what fantasy television looks like.
