Apple TV Lands Rights to Brandon Sanderson's 'Cosmere' Fantasy Universe

Apple TV+ has made a major play in the fantasy genre, securing the rights to Brandon Sanderson's expansive Cosmere universe in what industry insiders are calling an unprecedented deal. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the agreement gives Sanderson an extraordinary level of creative control rarely seen in Hollywood adaptations.

Unprecedented Creative Control

The deal reportedly emerged from a competitive bidding situation where Sanderson met with most major studio heads in Hollywood. What sets this agreement apart is the level of creative authority granted to the author:

"[The deal] gives the author rarefied control over the screen translations, according to sources. Sanderson will be the architect of the universe; will write, produce and consult; and will have approvals. That's a level of involvement that not even J.K. Rowling or George R.R. Martin enjoys."

This level of involvement is particularly noteworthy given that even authors of comparable stature in the fantasy genre typically have less direct control over adaptations of their work.

What is the Cosmere?

For those unfamiliar with Sanderson's work, the Cosmere represents an ambitious interconnected universe spanning multiple fantasy series set across different worlds and eras. As Sanderson himself describes it, the Cosmere is "the fictional universe I created for many of my fantasy novels to take place within."

This interconnected approach allows for rich storytelling possibilities, with characters, magic systems, and cosmic forces linking seemingly disparate narratives across Sanderson's bibliography.

First Projects in Development

The initial slate of adaptations will focus on two of Sanderson's most popular series:

• Mistborn series - Slated for feature film adaptations
• The Stormlight Archive series - Planned for television adaptation

The Stormlight Archive already has producers attached, suggesting development is already underway.

Why This Matters for Apple TV+

The speculation that this could become Apple's first major fantasy franchise is well-founded. Sanderson brings several significant advantages:

Massive and Engaged Fanbase: With over 50 million books sold worldwide, Sanderson has cultivated one of the most dedicated readerships in modern fantasy literature. His fans are known for their enthusiasm and loyalty.

Proven Crowdfunding Success: Sanderson has raised more than $140 million through crowdfunded publishing projects, demonstrating his ability to mobilize his audience and generate substantial financial support.

Built-in Marketing Infrastructure: The author's annual fantasy convention, Dragonsteel Nexus, regularly sells out and features Sanderson as a headliner. The next convention is scheduled for December 3-5, 2026, potentially serving as an ideal platform for Apple and Sanderson to build anticipation for the adaptations.

Apple TV+ Context

This acquisition represents a strategic move for Apple TV+, which currently costs $12.99 per month and features acclaimed original content including Severance, The Studio, The Morning Show, Shrinking, and Silo.

The fantasy genre has proven particularly valuable for streaming platforms, with shows like Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power demonstrating the genre's ability to attract subscribers and generate cultural impact.

What's Next?

While no release timeline has been announced for the Cosmere adaptations, the December 2026 Dragonsteel Nexus convention presents a likely opportunity for updates and initial reveals. Given the scale of the Cosmere universe and the level of creative control granted to Sanderson, these adaptations could take several years to materialize.

For Apple TV+, this deal represents more than just acquiring another fantasy property—it's an investment in a franchise with built-in audience enthusiasm, creative vision aligned with the source material's fans, and the potential to establish Apple as a major player in the fantasy genre for years to come.

As development progresses, fantasy fans and Sanderson's dedicated readership will be watching closely to see how this unprecedented level of creative control translates to the screen.