Brandon Sanderson Is Done With the Mistborn Screenplay, but Says ‘There Are Many Drafts to Come’
Brandon Sanderson has completed the first draft of the Mistborn screenplay, marking a significant milestone in adapting his acclaimed fantasy novel series for Apple TV. The author announced the achievement two weeks ago on his YouTube channel and reaffirmed the update in a recent video, emphasizing that while the screenplay is finished, substantial work remains ahead.
The Mistborn adaptation project has progressed remarkably quickly since its official announcement in February 2026. Sanderson has worked at a rapid pace to deliver the initial screenplay, demonstrating his commitment to shepherding his intellectual property through the adaptation process. However, the author expects the development timeline to slow considerably from this point forward as the screenplay enters the feedback and revision cycle.
Sanderson has clarified that completing the first draft represents just the beginning of a longer development process. He anticipates multiple revisions and additional drafts before reaching a final version suitable for production. The screenplay will now be reviewed by professional editors and executives at Apple TV, whose input will shape subsequent iterations.
This milestone reflects Sanderson’s broader efforts to adapt his Cosmere universe—the shared fictional setting spanning multiple book series—for television and other media. By managing the screenplay writing himself initially, Sanderson aims to establish a strong creative foundation for the adaptation before collaborating with industry professionals on refinements.