Brandon Sanderson gives Apple TV Cosmere rights in 'unprecedented' deal

On Jan. 28, 2026, The Hollywood Reporter said bestselling author Brandon Sanderson has signed an "unprecedented" deal that gives Apple TV the rights to adapt his Cosmere fantasy universe.

THR reported the contract grants Sanderson significant control over the adaptations — both as a writer and producer — and final approval, a level of involvement the outlet said "not even J.K. Rowling or George R.R. Martin enjoys."

Reportedly, the first projects under development are the Mistborn trilogy, beginning with 2006's The Final Empire, being considered for film, and the Stormlight Archive, starting with 2010's The Way of Kings, being developed for television.

Polygon noted Sanderson has long resisted adaptations while watching the streaming market; in a 2024 interview he said he was waiting for "stability in the streaming market" and warned that "streaming hasn't figured out epic fantasy yet." He has sold more than 50 million books.

Sanderson frequently posts updates on his personal site and YouTube, so more details will likely follow, but THR and Polygon both say it could still be years before the first Cosmere adaptations hit screens, leaving the exact timeline unclear.

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