Renowned epic fantasy author Brandon Sanderson has consistently established himself as one of the most productive writers in the literary field. His remarkable ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously is truly commendable, but what elevates his reputation further is his commitment to transparency regarding his creative process. Each year, Sanderson delivers his annual “State of the Sanderson”address, which can be viewed on his official blog. In these updates, he shares a detailed overview of his completed works from the past year, highlighting his extensive bibliography.
The latest installment of the “State of the Sanderson”revealed some disappointing news: the cancellation of the highly anticipated Mistborn movie. However, it also provided an exciting first look at several of Sanderson’s upcoming projects, many of which are transitioning from the written word to visual media. Interestingly, some of these adaptations are not part of Sanderson’s intricate Cosmere universe but originate from his standalone novels.
|
Title |
Confirmation Status |
|
Snapshot |
In development (at studio) |
|
Skyward |
In development (optioned for TV) |
|
Tress of the Emerald Sea |
Pre-development (waiting for TV option) |
|
Mistborn: The Final Empire |
Canceled |
4 Snapshot
A Standalone Sci-Fi Detective Procedural
Snapshot, a standalone novella released in 2017, transports readers into a cyberpunk future where detectives use advanced technology to recreate past events with astonishing precision. The narrative follows Anthony Davis and his partner, Chaz, as they delve into a Snapshot to investigate minor crimes, only to uncover a horrifying mass murder that their superiors wish to conceal. This leads them down a dark path towards a notorious serial killer known only as the Photographer.
Currently, MGM holds the production rights to Snapshot, which they acquired in 2021. Sanderson has indicated progress in development, yet full production has not been greenlit. While a pilot episode may be on the horizon, details about potential cast and crew remain unclear, suggesting that fans may need to exercise patience before official announcements are made.
3 Skyward
Book One In The Sci-Fi Cytoverse
Sanderson’s young adult science fiction novel Skyward, published in 2018, marks the beginning of a captivating series set in his Cytoverse—a far-future space opera. Earlier, during a reading in 2017, Sanderson intriguingly described it as “How to Train Your Dragon, but it’s a girl who finds a spaceship and goes to Top Gun school” (via YouTube). The story centers around Spensa Nightshade, an aspiring fighter pilot determined to protect her home colony of Defiant from the alien Krell.
Originally envisioned as part of the expansive Cosmere universe, Skyward evolved into a self-contained narrative referencing Earth, thus distinguishing it from Sanderson’s other works. The project has recently been optioned for a television adaptation, and efforts are underway to find an appropriate showrunner to spearhead development. As details about the adaptation’s scope remain limited, it is yet to be determined whether Skyward will exist as an independent series or extend into its sequels: Starsight, Cytonic, and Defiant.
2 Tress of the Emerald Sea
A Fairy-Tale Cosmere Novel
In Tress of the Emerald Sea, readers meet Tress, a young woman who has spent her life on a remote island surrounded by a toxic ocean. Her adventure begins when she embarks on a mission to rescue her dear friend Charlie from an unwanted marriage to the Sorceress of the Midnight Sea. Sanderson has disclosed that discussions are ongoing with various studios to potentially adapt this story into an animated series.
While the adaptation of Tress of the Emerald Sea is still in its early stages, promising dialogues are being held with studios. Sanderson is optimistically awaiting an offer for adaptation, though it’s essential to note that securing an option does not guarantee immediate production. As such, fans may have to wait to see this enchanting tale unfold on screen, especially following the troubled fate of the Mistborn adaptation.
1 Mistborn: The Final Empire
Book One Of The Mistborn Series, The Cosmere’s Grim Industrial Fantasy Epic
Mistborn: The Final Empire immerses readers in the ash-ridden world of Scadrial, where the protagonist, Vin, a young street urchin, becomes intertwined with the charismatic hero Kelsier and his eclectic band of rebels. Under Kelsier’s mentorship, Vin discovers her Mistborn heritage and learns to harness the powerful magic of Allomancy as they both conspire to overthrow the oppressive Lord Ruler.
Unfortunately, the Mistborn film adaptation has officially been canceled in its current iteration. Originally optioned back in 2010, the project encountered a tumultuous development process filled with setbacks, including disagreements over the script. Although this news is disappointing, it might lead to a reconsideration of the franchise, potentially paving the way for a television adaptation instead of a film.
(Sources: BrandonSanderson.com, YouTube)
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