It’s looking less and less likely thatBrandon Sanderson’s Cosmere will make it to the screen any time soon, but there’s one book of his that needs to be adapted ASAP — and perhaps it can replaceMistbornandThe Stormlight Archiveas a priority. The announcement that theMistbornmovie was back to “square one"came as a disappointment to fans eager to see Sanderson’s fantasy worlds brought to life on-screen. And givenSanderson’s recent complaints about fantasy TV shows, it’s unclear if aMistbornorStormlight Archiveadaptation is in the cards.
It’s possible we could see them as films, but even going through the proper stages for that could take a while. In the meantime, adaptations of Sanderson’sSnapshot, Skyward,andTress of the Emerald Seaare tentatively on the table (via the author’s2024 State of the Sanderson). Butthere’s another book by the author that’s incredibly underrated and would make for a compelling adaptation. The 12-year-old novel would also fit in with recent trends, potentially meaning it’d be easier to adapt than something like the Cosmere.
Brandon Sanderson’s Steelheart Is The Perfect Book To Bring His Work To The Screen
It Has Action, Emotional Stakes, & An Interesting Cast Of Characters
2013’sSteelheartisn’t often mentioned amongSanderson’s best books, but there’s no denying it’s great adaptation material. Sanderson’s YA novel isn’t part of the Cosmere, and it’s a change of pace from his usual high fantasy fare.Steelhearttakes place in a world where select human beings develop powers after an incident dubbed Calamity. Called Epics, these people use their newfound abilities to oppress those without them. And the book’s main character, David, is sick of the injustice of it all and eager for revenge.
He does so by joining a group called the Reckoners, who are willing to actively oppose the Epics. And things spin out from there, with Sanderson delivering a superhero story with a compelling dystopian twist.Sanderson’sSteelheartticks all the right storytelling boxesfor a great screen adaptation. It has emotional stakes and an interesting cast of characters, and it also features superhumans with abilities that will look flashy and entertain viewers. There are also two more books, leaving plenty of material to continue the story in more seasons or sequels.
If The Cosmere Isn’t Being Adapted, Studios Should Pick Up The Reckoners Series Instead
It’s A Better Starting Point For Brandon Sanderson Adaptations
Steelheartand its sequels are ripe for adapting, and if the Cosmere isn’t going to be brought to life any time soon, this Sanderson story should be.The Reckonersmay not be as expansive or as popular asSanderson’s Cosmere, but it could find a larger audience if it became a TV show or movie.It has enough strengths to appeal to newcomers and Sanderson fans alike— and at this point, the latter will be happy to see any of the author’s works make it through production and to release.
Steelheartis likely an easier narrative to bring to the screen as well, as superhero shows and films are already so common.
Steelheartis likely an easier narrative to bring to the screen as well, as superhero shows and films are already so common. Therefore, there’s a better blueprint for them. While fantasy TV shows are also increasing in popularity afterGame of Thrones,streaming and Hollywood haven’t necessarily mastered the genre yet.Steelheartcould be a better first adaptation for Sanderson for that reason, and it could even increase the urgency to adapt his other works if it’s successful.
The Reckoners Would Fit Right In With The Current Anti-Superhero Trend
The Success Of Shows Like The Boys Proves How It Can Work
In addition to being a good fit for an adaptation,Steelheartalso fits in with a current TV trend, making it even more perfect to adapt. Anti-superhero shows are common and popular nowadays, with the success of series likeThe Boys,Invincible,andThe Umbrella Academyall proving how well this type of story works. Audiences are interested in seeing superhero trends subverted, and they’re embracing narratives that ask the question: what if superheroes used their powers in reckless and harmful ways?
That makes it the ideal time to capitalize on the premise ofSteelheart,which fits right in with series likeThe Boys.The interest in the subgenre would benefit any adaptation ofBrandon Sanderson’s books, and combined with his name recognition, aSteelheartshow or movie could really blow up. If the Cosmere is unlikely for the time being, his YA story is a great alternative. It’s a shame it’s not discussed more when adaptations come up.
