Brandon Sanderson, renowned for his captivating fantasy novels, is shifting gears towards science fiction for his most likely book to be adapted into a television series. While his acclaimed series, Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive, have been subjects of adaptation discussions, it is the lesser-known title Skyward that appears to be making significant headway.
In a recent update on his blog titled “State of the Sanderson” for 2025, Sanderson shared insights on the status of his various adaptations. While the progress on adaptations for Snapshot and Tress of the Emerald Sea was less than promising, he reported that both Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive are moving forward, albeit slowly. Notably, Sanderson revealed that the Skyward television adaptation has made substantial progress, stating, “Last year, we were hunting showrunners, and we picked them. We are technically still in Step Four, but we have showrunners, and together we’re writing the pilot.”
This indicates that the adaptation is firmly established in the development phase, which can often be one of the lengthiest stages of the creative process. While Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive are also at Step Four, their adaptations are more likely to manifest as films rather than series.
Skyward’s Appeal in Today’s TV Landscape
Sanderson’s Skyward series, which follows a young girl named Spensa aspiring to become a starfighter against an alien threat, aligns seamlessly with the current trends in television. The ongoing shift in content focus from fantasy to science fiction has opened doors for new adaptations, presenting a ripe opportunity for Skyward.
The popularity of science fiction programming has surged in the past few years, with successful shows such as Severance, Andor, and Fallout capturing audiences’ attention. Networks like Apple TV are actively expanding their offerings within this genre, and the positive reception of many recent sci-fi shows further enhances the prospects for Skyward.
Sanderson acknowledges the challenges that often plague fantasy adaptations, which is why he is carefully navigating the right deals for his projects. The burgeoning demand for engaging sci-fi narratives makes this an optimal time for the potential adaptation of Skyward.
Less Complexity, More Accessibility
Another advantage for the adaptation of Skyward is its independence from Sanderson’s expansive Cosmere universe. This standalone nature makes it less intimidating for new viewers and allows for a more straightforward narrative. As audiences increasingly express fatigue with interconnected universes like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Star Wars franchise, a simpler story could resonate more effectively.
The Skyward adaptation will not carry the burdens of spinoffs or sequels, enabling the creators to concentrate on the inherent challenges of adapting a book for the screen. This focus on a singular narrative could prove beneficial, allowing the creative team to hone in on delivering a compelling story rather than managing an expansive franchise.
In summary, while adaptations of Sanderson’s more prominent works like Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive are still in the pipeline, Skyward emerges as the frontrunner for a successful transition to television. As audiences continue to seek innovative science fiction content, the prospects for Skyward look increasingly promising. The adaptation’s progress is being closely monitored, and many fans are hopeful that it will pave the way for future adaptations of Sanderson’s celebrated works.
