Brandon Sanderson's New Apple TV Mistborn Movie Gets Exciting Progress Update

Sanderson shares details on the upcoming Mistborn film adaptation for Apple TV.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Brandon Sanderson, the acclaimed fantasy author, has provided an update on the status of the upcoming Mistborn film adaptation being produced by Apple TV. Sanderson revealed that the script is about 13% complete, and he is in ongoing discussions with the studio to ensure the adaptation will appeal to both fans and newcomers. The Mistborn series is set in Sanderson's expansive Cosmere universe, which was the subject of a reported bidding war between major studios before Apple TV secured the rights.

Why it matters

Mistborn is one of Sanderson's most popular fantasy series, with a passionate fanbase eagerly awaiting its adaptation. The Cosmere universe has significant potential for successful adaptations, as seen with the popularity of other fantasy franchises like Harry Potter and Game of Thrones. Sanderson's involvement and creative freedom in the process are seen as positive signs for the film's potential success.

The details

Sanderson announced the Mistborn film's progress update during a weekly YouTube video, where he keeps his nearly 1 million subscribers informed about his various projects. He noted that the script is still in early development, and the studio is working closely with him to ensure the adaptation will appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers to the Cosmere world. Sanderson has been given more creative freedom in the adaptation process than even George R.R. Martin, the author of the A Song of Ice and Fire series that was adapted into the hit HBO series Game of Thrones.

  • In January 2026, Apple TV acquired the rights to adapt the Mistborn series from Sanderson's Cosmere universe.
  • Sanderson provided the 13% script completion update in a recent YouTube video.

The players

Brandon Sanderson

A prolific fantasy author known for his Cosmere universe, including the popular Mistborn series, which is being adapted into a film for Apple TV.

Apple TV

The streaming platform that acquired the rights to adapt Sanderson's Mistborn series, outbidding other major studios in a reported bidding war.

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What they’re saying

“Ding! About 13%,”

— Brandon Sanderson, Author (YouTube)

“They haven't read it yet, 'cause it's not done,”

— Brandon Sanderson, Author (YouTube)

What’s next

The projected period for script completion is Summer 2026, with production going forward from there.

The takeaway

Sanderson's involvement and creative freedom in the Mistborn adaptation process are positive signs for the film's potential success, as the author has a strong understanding of what works in fantasy adaptations. Fans of the Cosmere universe can look forward to the upcoming Mistborn film on Apple TV, which is expected to appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers.