Fablehaven author Brandon Mull is looking to the future, teasing a 2027 film adaptation of his popular fantasy series and hinting at a potential prequel. The author, whose work has inspired countless young readers, expressed his excitement about new and continuing avenues for the Fablehaven universe.
Mull's insights come as a new illustrated edition of the first Fablehaven book is released. This edition features artwork by Brandon Dorman, an illustrator who has collaborated with Mull for two decades. Dorman's visual interpretations have become intrinsically linked with Mull's mental images of the series' young protagonists, Kendra and Seth. Mull noted that Dorman's art has even influenced his own perception of his creations, offering new perspectives on his world, particularly in depicting Seth's initial wonder at seeing fairies.
The enduring appeal of Fablehaven, Mull suggests, lies in its accessibility and the idea that magic can be found close to home. The series' protagonists, Kendra and Seth, are not depicted as "chosen ones" but rather as children with a capacity for awe who discover their grandparents' secret lives as caretakers of a magical preserve. This relatable dynamic has resonated with both children and adults, with many families reading the books together. Mull shared a poignant anecdote about a Make-A-Wish Foundation request from a child who wished to know the conclusion of the fifth book before his passing, highlighting the profound impact the series has had on its readers.
Mull, who belongs to the LDS church, also reflected on the unique connection between his faith and his inclination toward fantasy writing. He believes that a religious tradition which accommodates the possibility of angels, revelation, and miracles creates fertile ground for imaginative storytelling. However, he also acknowledged that some within his religious community have raised objections to the Fablehaven books' embrace of monsters and demons, as well as the protagonists' actions. Mull's intention was to create a family-friendly story that did not shy away from danger or consequences, respecting children's ability to engage with frightening themes within appropriate boundaries.
His approach to faith and storytelling is characterized by a resistance to absolute certainty. Mull embraces the idea that "we know some things, not all things," encouraging a continuous process of learning and exploration. This philosophy is mirrored in his fictional world, where characters like Lena, a former naiad, acknowledge that no single mythology or religion holds all the answers.
Mull also revealed the quirky origins of milk's magical properties in Fablehaven. His personal fondness for milk, coupled with a childhood experience on a farm and the idea of a giant cow, led to the development of milk as a potion that grants the ability to perceive supernatural sights. This blend of personal experience and imaginative extrapolation is characteristic of his creative process.
While Fablehaven has been his most significant success, Mull has also explored other projects. His Guardians series is described as his closest work to adult epic fantasy, a direction that even impressed author Brandon Sanderson. Despite these ventures, Mull finds himself continually drawn back to the Fablehaven world, seeing ongoing opportunities for new stories.
Among these future possibilities is a prequel centered on Patton Burgess, an ancestor of Kendra and Seth, set about a century before the original series. Mull envisions this as a way to explore the familiar world from a new perspective, with Patton potentially serving as a mirror to Seth's own youthful curiosity that matures into courage.
The upcoming Fablehaven film, slated for a 2027 release, is another significant development. Mull expressed satisfaction with the screenplay, believing it captures the book's humor and heart. He acknowledges the constraints of a lower-budget production but sees an advantage in Angel Studios' approach, focusing on capturing the wonder of the first book without the pressure of competing with major studio franchises. The film aims to translate the magic of Fablehaven's initial story, which begins in a seemingly ordinary backyard, into a compelling cinematic experience. Mull remains enthusiastic about the continuing potential of the Fablehaven universe, excited by the books, the movie, and the future contributions of others to its world. His ultimate motivation, he shared, is to provide for new generations the same kind of transformative experience that C.S. Lewis's The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe gave him.