The race to find "the next Game of Thrones" just got another contender.
Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere universe is officially headed to Apple TV+, ending years of development speculation and giving fantasy fans something new to obsess over while we wait for George R.R. Martin to finish The Winds of Winter.
For the uninitiated - and there are many of you - the Cosmere is Sanderson's interconnected fantasy universe spanning multiple planets, magic systems, and storylines. Think Marvel Cinematic Universe, but with more detailed magic mechanics and fewer quips.
According to Gizmodo, Sanderson has been navigating the adaptation process carefully, determined not to see his life's work turned into generic fantasy slop.
Smart man. Hollywood has a terrible track record with fantasy literature. For every Lord of the Rings, there's an Eragon or a Golden Compass.
The Cosmere poses unique challenges. Sanderson's magic systems are intricate and rule-based - the opposite of the "magic does whatever the plot needs" approach most fantasy takes. His worlds require extensive worldbuilding that can't be shortcut with exposition dumps. And the interconnected nature of the universe means casual viewers might miss references that reward dedicated readers.
But if done right, this could be massive. Sanderson has a devoted fanbase, his books actually get finished on schedule, and the source material is rich enough to sustain multiple series without running out of content.
Apple needs a prestige fantasy hit. has . has . is throwing money at everything hoping something sticks. The could be Apple's entry into that conversation.
