Exciting Potential Replacement for the Mistborn Movie: Will It Propel the Cosmere Universe?

The long-awaited Mistborn film adaptation has hit a significant roadblock, leaving fans yearning for a Cosmere universe on screen. Over the past decade, the prospects of a movie based on Brandon Sanderson’s acclaimed Mistborn series seemed increasingly promising. With Sanderson’s growing popularity, many believed that 2023 would be the year these ambitions would finally materialize. Unfortunately, the recent WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes have led to the cancellation of the project, causing Hollywood to shy away from ambitious fantasy endeavors.

In his annual State of Sanderson blog, Brandon Sanderson shared that the film adaptation of Mistborn was on the verge of production, even with notable actors attached to the roles. However, with the project now shelved, the focus shifts to another prospect: Tress of the Emerald Sea. This standalone Cosmere novel, released in 2023 during Sanderson’s record-breaking Kickstarter campaign, has captured the imagination and may find its way to the screen next.

An Animated Adaptation of Tress Of The Emerald Sea: A Promising Prospect

Why Tress Is An Ideal Candidate for Animation

Tress watches Hoid and the Sorceress battle with AonDor magic

With animation enjoying a surge in popularity—exemplified by hits like Arcane on Netflix—now could be the perfect time to introduce Sanderson’s Cosmere to animated storytelling. The unique art style and rich narratives lend themselves beautifully to animation, especially for fans eager to see Cosmere tales like Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive transformed into anime-style visuals.Tress of the Emerald Sea stands out as one of Sanderson’s most visually striking and vibrant narratives, and its Kickstarter edition features stunning artwork capturing the essence of Lumar.

From a narrative perspective, Tress of the Emerald Sea is arguably Sanderson’s most approachable work, making it an excellent starting point for new readers. Unlike the complex plots found in the Stormlight Archive, Tress offers a whimsical, lighthearted experience, ensuring it is perfect for a family-friendly animated series. There’s a strong case to be made for this adaptation, which would undoubtedly resonate with both new and seasoned audiences alike.

Tress Of The Emerald Sea: An Exciting Project But Not a Catalyst for the Cosmere

The Need for a Mistborn Film Adaptation Remains

Elantris, Tress of the Emerald Sea, and The Way of Kings covers — Cover art for *The Way of Kings* by Michael Whelan

Although Tress of the Emerald Sea is currently in the early stages of development, according to Sanderson’s update, it still ranks as the closest Cosmere project to realization. While an animated series could be a delightful addition for fans, it may not have the broad appeal necessary to establish a cinematic universe. Even if it reaches the popularity of Arcane, directly influencing further adaptations may still rely more heavily on a successful Mistborn film.

The harsh reality is that while animation has a dedicated audience, it still struggles to garner the serious attention that live-action projects receive in Hollywood. Recent controversies surrounding the Max streaming service’s removal of beloved animated series highlight this skepticism. While developing Tress of the Emerald Sea as a television show is worthwhile, the likelihood of it igniting the widespread popularity needed for expanded Cosmere adaptations is slim compared to the potential of Mistborn.

The Importance of a Mistborn Adaptation for the Future of the Cosmere

Mistborn: A Potential Blockbuster for Cosmic Franchise Success

The adaptation of Mistborn is pivotal for Brandon Sanderson if he envisions the Cosmere becoming a full-fledged cinematic universe. In a landscape where studios are increasingly pursuing shared universes akin to the MCU or captivating fantasy series like Game of Thrones, Sanderson’s works offer a unique blend of both. If executed effectively, catering to both fans of the novels and broader audiences, Mistborn has the potential to evolve into a major Hollywood franchise.

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