TheMistbornmovie is no longer in the works, andthe best argument for an adaptation makes this disappointing status update worse. Written by fantasy icon Brandon Sanderson,Mistbornis a series of fantasy novels which take place withinSanderson’s fictional universe, the Cosmere.Mistbornis made up of two different series, each of which is set in a different time period, yet they are both connected by lore and history. There was aMistbornmovie in the works, which would likely have adapted the first book,The Final Empire.
Unfortunately, Sanderson confirmed in 2024’sState of the Sandersonblog post that theMistbornmovie is back to “square one.“This news comes on the heels of years of waiting, leaving many fans ofBrandon Sanderson’s bookswonderingwhat happened with theMistbornmovie. The author gets into this in his post, confirming that the film “died” somewhere between getting a studio on board and getting a production deal. Several ofSanderson’s works are still being adapted. However,it’s a shame thatMistbornwon’t come to the big screen any time soon, as one argument for a movie is solid.
Mistborn’s Cinematic Storytelling Would Have Worked Well As A Movie
The Books' Action Sequences Lend Themselves To This Format
Sanderson’sMistbornupdate doesn’t rule out a new movie or television deal in the future, and the latter could work better for the story. Even when the film was being worked on, there were discussions among the fan base about whetherTV would be a better medium forMistborn.After all, it’d be challenging to cover its large cast, detailed magic system, and complex political setup in a film’s runtime. However,the best argument for aMistbornmovie is its cinematic storytelling. That’s the prospect that makes Sanderson’s news much more disappointing.
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Mistbornis full of awesome action scenes that would transfer to the big screen in a fantastic way. Allomancy often sees characters like Vin and Kelsier flying through the air, which would make even their training sequences exciting to watch. There are also numerous one-on-one fights and battles throughoutMistborn,all of which would look great on the big screen. Television can certainly create good action sequences, but with a movie budget, these moments had the potential to be truly outstanding.
Mistborn Would Still Work Better As A TV Show
Even if the potential to see Sanderson’s epic and cinematic action sequences is squashed thanks to the latestMistbornmovie news, there’s still a silver lining. The action may have been the best argument for this format, buta TV adaptation would still suit Sanderson’s story better. Not only isMistborna large series, but each book is dense.AMistbornmovie simply cannot include as much as aMistbornTV show.Mistbornwould have more time to get its audience situated on TV, whereas a movie would inevitably be rushing its audience.
WithMistborn’s adaptation returning to “square one,” Sanderson has the opportunity to fix the biggest flaw in the original adaptation: its format.
WithMistborn’s adaptation returning to “square one,“Sanderson has the opportunity to fix the biggest flawin the original adaptation: its format. Shows likeGame of Thrones, The Rings of Power,andThe Wheel of Timeall prove that action and stunning cinematography can work well on television, too. While theMistbornmovie might have made the series' world and magic more exciting, a TV show is still a better means of adapting it faithfully. It would also make connected spinoffs tackling other Cosmere books more likely.
Source:State of the Sanderson
Mistborn
TheMistbornseries, created by Brandon Sanderson, is a high-fantasy saga set in the world of Scadrial, where magic is powered by metals through a system called Allomancy. The series focuses on political intrigue, heists, and the battle between good and evil. The first trilogy,Mistborn: The Final Empire, follows the struggle to overthrow a tyrannical ruler, the Lord Ruler. Later books in the series, includingEra 2, take place hundreds of years after the events of the original trilogy, expanding the story into new settings with new characters, all while maintaining connections to the original storyline.Books:Mistborn: The Final Empire (2006)Mistborn: The Well of Ascension (2007)Mistborn: The Hero of Ages (2008)Mistborn: The Alloy of Law (2011)Mistborn: Shadows of Self (2015)Mistborn: The Bands of Mourning (2016)Mistborn: The Lost Metal (2022)
