The Stormlight Archiveis one of the biggest fantasy book series of the 21st century, andBrandon Sanderson’s bookswould make for great screen adaptations. Unfortunately,aStormlight Archivemovie or TV show looks a lot less likely after one disappointing update. Sanderson posted hisState of the Sandersonblog post for 2024, updating fans on all the projects he’s working on and planning. He also outlined the status of any adaptations coming down the pike. Unfortunately, the author revealed that theMistbornmovie is back to “square one.”
With theMistbornmovie promising to be one of the most excitingfantasy projects on the horizon, it’s disappointing to learn that it’s not happening. And the disappointment goes beyond not seeingMistborn’s great magic systemand characters brought to life on-screen. If theMistbornmovie is no longer in the works,it makes it unlikely thatThe Stormlight Archivewill be adapted, too. Sanderson revealed he turned down other adaptation deals because he was “all-in on getting the Mistborn film made.” Beyond that, it doesn’t make sense to adaptStormlightbeforeMistborn.
The Stormlight Archive Books Are Harder To Adapt Than Mistborn
They’re More Complex & Require A Bigger Budget
TheMistbornmovie’s fate doesn’t bode well for aStormlight Archiveadaptation, asthe latter is more difficult to bring to the screen than Sanderson’s earlier series.The Stormlight Archivebooks are denser and more complex, meaning it’d be difficult to capture everything readers love in a movie’s runtime — and maybe even within the span of a TV show. This was already a huge concern forMistborn,and it’s a bigger obstacle forThe Stormlight Archive. And if there were disagreements over how to adaptMistborn,there will be more to debate when it comes toStormlight.
The sheer length ofThe Stormlight Archivemeans there’s more action and magic sequences, demanding more effects and a higher budget.
The Stormlight Archivealso boasts more magic and more action, which could be difficult to pull off during the early aughts of an adaptation. WhileMistbornalso faced such challenges, there’s a lot less to cover there. The sheer length ofThe Stormlight Archivemeans there’s more action and magic sequences, demanding more effects and a higher budget. These typically are easier to obtain when a show is already a success. But unlike a series likeGame of Thrones,which waits before diving into the action,The Stormlight Archivebegins with it on page one.
If A Mistborn Movie Isn’t Happening, Stormlight Archive Probably Won’t Either
Mistborn Is A Better Starting Point For The Cosmere
In addition to the fact thatThe Stormlight Archiveis just plain harder to adapt thanMistborn,it doesn’t make sense to bring this series to the screen beforehand.Although the two are separate entities, they’re both connected through Sanderson’s Cosmere. And ifSanderson’s Cosmere booksare being adapted, it would be ideal for them to tie into one another eventually, just like the source material. This approach could make thefantasy genre as big as the superhero oneamong mainstream audiences. But for that to happen, there needs to be a good entry-point to a Cosmere Cinematic Universe.
Wind And Truth Has Finally Sold Me On 1 Popular Adaptation Strategy For The Stormlight Archive
After reading The Stormlight Archive book 5, Wind and Truth, I’m finally in agreement with fans who want the series adapted in a particular way.
TheMistbornbooks make a more accessible entry to the Cosmere, as they’re less complex and earlier additions to Sanderson’s extended universe. This would likely prove true for movie or TV adaptations as well, soMistbornshould lead intoThe Stormlight Archiveon-screen— not the other way around. There are other places Sanderson’s cinematic universe could start, including with anElantrisadaptation. However,The Stormlight Archiveshould come a bit later.Mistbornreturning to the beginning delays any hopes ofThe Stormlight Archivebeing adapted.
Is There Still Hope For Mistborn or The Stormlight Archive To Be Adapted
Brandon Sanderson’s Books Could Still Come To The Screen
While Sanderson’s latest update looks bleak forMistbornandThe Stormlight Archiveadaptations,fans shouldn’t lose hope completely. Sanderson’s post confirms that he holds “the rights currently for everything except Skyward and Snapshot,” meaning he can still pursue adaptation deals for any other works. And the fact that the author says he’s “back to square one” offers hope that he’ll attempt to move past that point again, whether it’s withMistbornor another one of his Cosmere books.
Given the massive popularity of properties likeMistbornandThe Stormlight Archive,studios would be wise to pursue adaptations, even if they pose challenges.
Given the massive popularity of properties likeMistbornandThe Stormlight Archive,studios would be wise to pursue adaptations, even if they pose challenges. They hold a lot of potential to gain popularity, even rising to the heights of projects likeThe Lord of the RingsandGame of Thrones.Fantasy projects are still massively popular, and any series or author with a huge following warrants consideration for adaptations. Needless to say, we may still seeMistbornandThe Stormlight Archiveon-screen one day.
Source:State of the Sanderson
The Stormlight Archive
The Stormlight Archive is an epic fantasy series by Brandon Sanderson, set on the storm-ravaged world of Roshar. The series follows multiple characters, each with their unique storylines, as they navigate political intrigue, ancient prophecies, and powerful magic. Central to the story are the Knights Radiant, legendary warriors with magical abilities who must return to save their world from impending destruction. The series explores themes of honor, leadership, and the burden of power.
Mistborn
TheMistbornseries, created by Brandon Sanderson, is a high-fantasy saga set in the world of Scadrial, where magic is powered by metals through a system called Allomancy. The series focuses on political intrigue, heists, and the battle between good and evil. The first trilogy,Mistborn: The Final Empire, follows the struggle to overthrow a tyrannical ruler, the Lord Ruler. Later books in the series, includingEra 2, take place hundreds of years after the events of the original trilogy, expanding the story into new settings with new characters, all while maintaining connections to the original storyline.Books:Mistborn: The Final Empire (2006)Mistborn: The Well of Ascension (2007)Mistborn: The Hero of Ages (2008)Mistborn: The Alloy of Law (2011)Mistborn: Shadows of Self (2015)Mistborn: The Bands of Mourning (2016)Mistborn: The Lost Metal (2022)
