Brandon Sanderson has been a vocal advocate for Netflix’s hit animated series, showcasing how essential it is to adapt Mistborn properly for the screen. Although there have been ongoing talks about bringing Sanderson’s Mistborn to life through a feature film, his latest update in the State of Sanderson blog from late 2024 indicates that no current production is underway. This leaves fans with some extra time to ponder how this much-anticipated project could ultimately unfold.
Envisioning the Cosmere universe on screen is thrilling for fantasy enthusiasts, and Sanderson is candid about the challenges that come with such adaptations. One of the delightful aspects of following Brandon Sanderson is his transparency regarding his creative process. On his podcast, he delves into the intricacies of his writing and the potential adaptations of his works, plus he often critiques different media that he enjoys. These discussions can shed light on his thoughts about the adaptations of his own stories.
Brandon Sanderson Has Consistently Praised Netflix’s Arcane
The Two-Season Show Is Beloved Among Fantasy Fans
Arcane is an acclaimed two-season animated series set in the universe of League of Legends, co-produced by animation studio Fortiche and Riot Games. Achieving a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes, it has earned a reputation as one of the finest fantasy shows, celebrated for its brilliant animation that captivates its audience. Video game fans and television enthusiasts alike hold it in high regard, and Sanderson’s admiration for it shines through, including his comments in an interview with Polygon, where he analyzes various fantasy streaming shows.
In addressing the shortcomings of popular adaptations like The Wheel of Time and The Rings of Power, he highlights, “There is one excellent [fantasy] show: Arcane“. This high praise stands out, particularly from an author who has always maintained that his Mistborn books deserve a film adaptation. He acknowledges in the same interview that Arcane was an expensive undertaking and would be nearly impossible to replicate for any production house that isn’t Riot Games.
What Exactly Made Arcane Such a Successful Adaptation
Arcane Was A Labor Of Love From Its Source Material’s Studio
Arcane was not just a simple transaction where Riot Games offloaded their intellectual property to another studio; instead, it represented a passionate project driven by a team that intimately knew the source material. The development of this show diverged from the common Hollywood blueprint, tapping on the expertise of a studio that had previously collaborated with Riot on promotional and musical content, ensuring that fans were well-acquainted with the rich world-building. Stunning visuals aside, this series is a fantasy lover’s dream come to life.
Arcane stands as a piece of art in two often underappreciated categories: animation and video game adaptations.
The narrative was carefully crafted to resonate with players while also introducing new, mature, character-driven elements that are both refreshing and unique. This synergy has resulted in Arcane establishing itself as an exceptional work in two typically overlooked areas—animated films and video game adaptations. The combined budget of the two seasons was approximately $250 million, with the first season undergoing six years of development before premiering in 2021. Riot Games opted for the ambitious route, and the outcome speaks for itself.
Brandon Sanderson Wants To Get It Done Right, No Matter How Long It Takes
If Brandon Sanderson wanted to cash in quickly on his intellectual property, he could easily hand over the rights to a studio, resulting in a mediocre adaptation. As he once noted, “Hollywood doesn’t know what to do with people who don’t need their money” (via Arcanum). Sanderson’s success has afforded him considerable freedom, allowing him the luxury of patience. He doesn’t have to compromise his stories for the sake of a hasty and poor adaptation. He can take inspiration from Arcane, meticulously crafting a project that fulfills his fans’ expectations.
Related
The Mistborn Adaptation I’ve Always Wanted Is Unlikely Now, But I’m OK With It After Brandon Sanderson’s Fantasy Complaints
The Mistborn adaptation I’ve wanted for years isn’t going to happen, but Brandon Sanderson has highlighted the exact reasons why that’s okay.
The production cost for Arcane reached an impressive $250 million for its two-season run. While this is a significant investment, it’s worth noting that Brandon Sanderson has successfully raised around $41 million through Kickstarter campaigns to publish four books in a single year. If anyone has the capability to transform Mistborn into a groundbreaking fantasy series, be it animated or otherwise, it’s certainly him. If he remains patient, he will surely discover the right path to realizing this vision.
Sources: Polygon