Author Brandon Sanderson has provided an update on the development of Apple TV's adaptation of his epic fantasy series, The Stormlight Archive. Sanderson confirmed in an interview with Collider that the search for a showrunner is ongoing, and he has personally interviewed several candidates.
Sanderson is looking for "high-caliber" talent to bring his sprawling world to life. While he will be writing the series, he anticipates needing a writing partner. In addition to his writing duties, Sanderson will serve as a producer and has final approval over projects, a privilege stemming from his unique deal with Apple for his Cosmere universe adaptations. His vision for the series emphasizes a sense of realism, aiming for the fantasy world to feel like a tangible place rather than a mere imitation of historical settings. "When you read a fantasy, one of the key ideas is that while you're between those pages, you're able to believe that this is a real story," Sanderson stated, noting that certain elements in a television adaptation can easily break that immersion.
This emphasis on a believable world suggests a significant budget will be required, drawing parallels to Amazon Prime's The Rings of Power, which holds the record for the most expensive television series ever produced.
In addition to The Stormlight Archive, Apple TV is also developing a film adaptation of Sanderson's Mistborn series. Sanderson reported in August that he had completed the first draft of the Mistborn script, though he acknowledged that numerous revisions would follow. He is personally handling the Mistborn scriptwriting, unlike his approach to The Stormlight Archive.
Sanderson's writing output extends beyond these television projects. The Mistborn novels are set to enter their third era with the release of Ghostbloods in 2028. Furthermore, Sanderson's Skyward book series is also slated for a television adaptation, being developed by the same team responsible for Netflix's live-action One Piece.