With the recent reset of the Mistborn movie adaptation project, Brandon Sanderson now has the opportunity to kickstart cinematic adaptations of his Cosmere universe with a different narrative. As one of today’s most acclaimed fantasy authors, Sanderson has captivated audiences with titles like Mistborn, The Stormlight Archive, and various other works within the expansive Cosmere. In light of the recent boom in shared universes, following the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the cultural impact of Game of Thrones, it’s surprising that Sanderson’s richly woven tales have yet to make it to the big screen.
For years, Sanderson has pursued bringing Mistborn to life on film, even reaching an advanced stage of development before strikes in Hollywood during 2023 halted progress. In his 2024 State of Sanderson update, he revealed the involvement of several well-known actors with the project. However, with the cancellation of the Mistborn film, there now lies an exciting possibility for Sanderson to explore new adaptations within his Cosmere universe.
Why Elantris Could Be the Ideal Launchpad for Cosmere Adaptations
Elantris: A Compelling Candidate for Film Adaptation
Although Elantris may not stand as Sanderson’s most polished literary accomplishment—he himself acknowledges that it showcases earlier writing that lacks finesse—it marks the author’s debut published work from 2005. Despite its rough patches, the novel is replete with intriguing fantasy concepts, memorable characters, and foundational ideas that resonate throughout the entire Cosmere universe. Choosing to adapt Mistborn carries an inherent advantage due to its widespread readership, potentially drawing a substantial audience from the book’s fanbase. Yet, after years of attempts to realize this project, a fresh approach could breathe life into Sanderson’s storytelling through Elantris, which is rich in vivid imagery.
Elantris: A Prime Candidate for the Cosmere Cinematic Universe
Elantris: Sanderson’s First Major Publication
While Elantris is not Sanderson’s most celebrated work, it often serves as a lesser-known entry point into the Cosmere universe due to its exploratory nature. However, a film adaptation could represent a unique chance to enhance the narrative, correcting some of the novel’s flaws and amplifying its strengths, especially given Sanderson’s growth as a storyteller in the intervening years. If the cinematic journey commenced with Elantris, audiences could witness Sanderson’s evolution as a writer unfold onscreen, showcasing a deeper understanding of his characters and themes.
Starting with Elantris would allow viewers to traverse the entire Cosmere timeline, experiencing firsthand how Sanderson’s style and storytelling have matured over time. By navigating from this initial novel to more recent titles like Wind and Truth, fans can engage in an enriching exploration of Sanderson’s development as an author.
The Timing is Right for an Elantris Film Adaptation
Two Upcoming Sequels for Elantris
The timing for a film adaptation of Elantris is particularly auspicious, as sequels to this beloved novel are slated for release soon. Unlike the Mistborn series, which is also set for future installments within the late 2020s, Sanderson has primarily extended Elantris through short stories and novellas, leaving the original novel as a standalone piece in his expansive narrative.
Importantly, characters and themes from Elantris continue to weave through Sanderson’s other works, reinforcing its significance in the overarching Cosmere saga. If a film adaptation were to begin production in the near future, it could coincide beautifully with the sequel’s release, currently anticipated for Summer 2029. This would position Elantris‘s cinematic debut alongside Mistborn’s third era, creating a promising landscape of Cosmere excitement for fans of Sanderson’s stories.
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