Why Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn Movie Going Back to “Square One” is a Positive Development

Brandon Sanderson, the acclaimed author of epic fantasy, is well-known for his exceptional writing productivity and his candid updates regarding his various projects, including the beloved Mistborn series. In his recent “State of the Sanderson”blog entry for 2024 (accessible via Brandon Sanderson), he shared an overview of his achievements during the past year, announcing mainly positive developments. However, he also revealed the disheartening news that the anticipated Mistborn movie has officially been shelved, extinguishing hopes of seeing Millie Bobby Brown embodying the character Vin.

With the cessation of the Mistborn film project, this leaves Brandon Sanderson without any active adaptations of his Cosmere multiverse. This situation arises at a pivotal moment, as the dramatic conclusion of the latest Stormlight Archive novel introduces new dynamics to the Cosmere’s foundation. This unexpected hiatus may serve as a valuable opportunity; Sanderson can now reassess which of his works would best transition to the big screen. With Stormlight currently concluded, he is strategically positioned to make informed choices about future adaptations.

Reevaluating the Return to Square One: Sanderson’s Adaptation Strategy

Fourteen Years of Development Challenges Call for a Fresh Approach

For over a decade, the Mistborn films have held Sanderson’s primary focus, following their initial optioning in 2010. Unfortunately, due to numerous changes in studio partnerships and script revisions, the project is now effectively abandoned. Nevertheless, this juncture presents a chance for reevaluation.

While many agree that Mistborn serves as an ideal introduction to the broader Cosmere for new readers, the same rationale does not necessarily apply to film adaptations. The narrative structure of Mistborn, although a trilogy, is complex and chaotic, which may lend itself more naturally to an extended television series rather than a straightforward film format.

A Strategic Framework for the Cosmere Cinematic Experience

Crafting a Cohesive Universe: The Vitality of Connected Worlds

The intricate timeline of the Cosmere features characters who traverse different worlds, often under various identities. This interconnected mythos echoes the potential for a sprawling cinematic universe akin to Marvel’s; however, achieving this ambition requires methodical planning, something that may clash with studios’ hesitance to finance new franchises.

Many characters in the Cosmere are known as “worldhoppers,”transitioning between realms—one prominent example being Hoid, who showcases a deep understanding of the overarching conflicts within the Cosmere through his appearances in works such as The Stormlight Archive and Warbreaker.

The rich narrative potential of the Cosmere necessitates a thoughtful and unified adaptation strategy. This can help avoid pitfalls exemplified by Amazon’s adaptation of The Lord of the Rings, which faced criticism due to deviations from its source material when solely relying on the Appendices. A similar backfire could occur with any Cosmere adaptation that neglects its intrinsic multiversal connections.

The Diverse Worlds of the Cosmere
Book	World
Mistborn (Novel series)	Scadrial
The Stormlight Archive (Novel series)	Roshar
Sixth of the Dusk	First of the Sun
Warbreaker	Nalthis
Tress of the Emerald Sea	Lumber
Elantris (Novel and novellas)	Cell
White Sand (Graphic novels)	as a team
Shadows for Silence in the Forest of Hell	Threnody

The goal is not to replicate the Marvel Cinematic Universe with its constant crossovers and relentless production pace, which may not resonate with audiences. Moreover, creating a similar scale for the Cosmere would likely deter studios from investing. What is essential for any adaptation, whether it’s Mistborn, The Stormlight Archive, or a standalone narrative like Sixth of the Dusk, is the opportunity for grandeur.

Despite these complexities, Mistborn remains the most promising candidate for the first visual adaptation within the Cosmere, as Vin’s character struggles resonate with audiences. Her flaws and growth alongside her mastery of Allomancy offer a compelling arc. Nonetheless, it’s crucial for Mistborn to stand independently as a series while still hinting at Scadrial’s pivotal role in a larger conflict. Sanderson’s current reevaluation of the project may serve as a unique opportunity to honor Vin’s journey while establishing the broader framework for the Cosmere.

(Source: BrandonSanderson.com)

Source & Images