Sanderson finally signs Cosmere adaptations after years of struggle, and Apple gives him more control than George R.R. Martin has

Apple TV has secured an unprecedented deal to adapt Brandon Sanderson's expansive Cosmere literary universe, signaling a significant shift in creator-platform relationships. The agreement grants Sanderson, author of "Mistborn" and "The Stormlight Archive," unparalleled creative control, surpassing that of other major literary franchises. This move positions Apple TV as a key player in high-budget fantasy adaptations and underscores the growing trend of platforms investing heavily in established intellectual property with built-in fan bases. The deal includes film adaptations of the "Mistborn" saga and a series based on "The Stormlight Archive," with Sanderson serving as an executive producer and having final approval on creative decisions. This extensive involvement aims to ensure fidelity to his complex worlds and character arcs, a notable departure from typical Hollywood production models. Such creative autonomy is rare, reflecting a premium placed on IP holders who can guarantee authentic translations of their work. This landmark agreement follows years of development challenges, including a previous rights acquisition in 2016 that never materialized. Sanderson himself confirmed the restart of adaptation efforts after prior negotiations for "Mistborn" films collapsed despite advanced stages. The proposed structure involved a hybrid film and television model, with principal actors contracted for both mediums to maintain continuity across different storytelling formats.