I can’t wait to seeThe Stormlight Archivein a live-action adaptation, butBrandon Sanderson is right that it’s better to wait for the best possible opportunity. Adaptations ofBrandon Sanderson’s Cosmere universehave been a discussion topic among fantasy fans for years, especially after the boom that followedGame of Thrones. Despite Sanderson’s books being some of the most popular in contemporary fantasy, theMistbornmovie was announced as being scrapped, among other things the author spoke about in his annual State of Sanderson blog post.
The Stormlight Archiveis by far my favorite series Brandon Sanderson has written, but like many others, I began my Cosmere journey withMistborn, and I’m looking forward to seeing both in live action. InSanderson’s blog post, he shared some thoughts on aStormlight Archiveprestige TV series, saying that he’s declined opportunities because he doesn’t “feel like it’s the right time for The Stormlight Archive.” This is saddening news, in a way, but I understand the thought process and think he’s absolutely right.Waiting for the opportune moment can unlock the full potentialof aStormlightadaptation.
As Much As I Want A Stormlight Archive Adaptation, Brandon Sanderson Is Right To Wait
It’s Better To Wait For A Better Filmmaking Landscape
I want to seeThe Stormlight Archiveon television just as much as anyone, but it’s not the right time. As someone who loves the Cosmere books but also closely follows the film industry’s trends, Sanderson is correct in saying that Hollywood is struggling right now. After the pandemic and the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes,the money that was flowing into studios for projects likeThe Rings of PowerandThe Wheel of Timeis no longer there. Streaming services are being far more cautious about the projects they’re willing to invest in.
AfterGame of Thrones, studios all hoped to emulate HBO’s success, but none of the subsequent fantasy series have come anywhere close to their expectations. I likeThe Rings of PowerandHouse of the Dragon, so believe me when I say this isn’t to criticize those series, but they’re simply not on the level ofGame of Thronesin quality or cultural presence. Every service insists that their shows are performing well with viewers, but I don’t believe they’re performing well enough to merit the budgets these studios dished out earlier in the decade.
I’m Dying For One Stormlight Archive Moment That I’m Going To Have To Wait At Least 6 Years For
The next five books of The Stormlight Archive are going to be packed with moments I’m excited about, but there’s one spiteful moment I can’t wait for.
As for the angle ofThe Stormlight Archive, this is how I’ve been looking at it:Lord of the Rings,Harry Potter, andGame of Thronesare titles that have proven to be profitable successes in visual media. Because of that, they’ll continue to get a few more chances to rekindle the fantasy hype.The Stormlight Archiveis a popular book series, butit’s nowhere near the level of those other titles in terms of general cultural awareness. It won’t be given the same consideration and opportunities. I’d say the series needs to wait for a better fantasy media climate.
These Brandon Sanderson Books Need To Be Adapted Before The Stormlight Archive
Mistborn Has To Come First
Aside from reasons relating to the current film and television landscape,The Stormlight Archiveisn’t the opportune story to start Cosmere adaptations with. Honestly,I wouldn’t want anything butMistbornto be the first series adapted if Sanderson’s intent is to create a shared universeacross film and television akin to the MCU.Mistbornoffers the perfect balance between a story that’s accessible enough to dive straight into and enjoy while also having addicting complexity and set-up for more.
Introducing audiences to concepts like the Shards and Investiture would be much easier to do inMistborn.
The Stormlight Archive novelsare some ofBrandon Sanderson’s best books, but they’re way more complicated and less approachable than his other titles. By following the path that I, and many others, have taken in starting his oeuvre withMistborn,the live-action Cosmere universe could draw viewers in with a more straight-forward action/heist fantasy story rather than an epic ensemble project that requires some investment to understand. Introducing audiences to concepts like the Shards and Investiture would be much easier to do inMistborn.
The Stormlight Archive Needs The Right Studio & Creators Behind It
Throwing Money At The Project Isn’t Enough
I’m glad Brandon Sanderson is being selective with his choices in terms of whom to adapt his books with.There are studios out there with tons of money to throw at projects, but that doesn’t mean it will get the respect and effort it deservesto make an excellent television series. This is a complex story that needs to be handled with care, involving the best creatives available from top to bottom to write, direct, and create the world of Roshar as authentically as possible.
This Long-Awaited Brandon Sanderson Sequel Is More Necessary Than Ever After Wind And Truth
The Stormlight Archive book 5 is filled with references to other Cosmere novels, including one that readers are waiting on a sequel for.
The Rings of PowerandThe Wheel of Timehave huge budgets, but there have been so many divisive topics, whether it pertains to wigs, set design, or CGI, that prevent those interpretations from being their respective title’s definitive adaptation.The Stormlight Archivedeserves a definitive adaptation like theHarry Potteror theLord of the Ringsmovies, creating a visual interpretation of Roshar that exists in the vernacular. This is the fan base that helped put together a record-breaking Kickstarter project, and that scale and dedication deserve the utmost care.
Stormlight Fans Deserve A Worthy Adaptation
Waiting around for the right opportunity to adaptThe Stormlight Archiveseems good on paper, but there’s an obvious counterargument to it, which is, “Well, what if it’s never the right time?” First, I’d say that Hollywood trends come and go in waves all the time. We’ve seen two fantasy booms already in the 21st century, and there will undoubtedly be more, which isn’t even to say that the current one is finished; it might not be. That being said,I’d rather get noStormlight Archiveadaptation than get a bad onethat doesn’t feel anything like the books.
I don’t hate theWheel of Timeshow, but despite all that money, it just doesn’t really feel like Robert Jordan’s books.The Stormlight Archivewould require even more CG to perfect, and I’d rather wait until a studio is willing to provide the budget and attention that would be needed. WhenThe Stormlight Archiveis brought to life on screen, I want it to feel like the Roshar that I imagined when I openedThe Way of Kingsfor the first time, grinning from ear to ear as Kaladin and Bridge Four began to unite, or as Shallan had her lessons under Jasnah. I’m willing to wait for that.
