Brandon Sanderson, a renowned author celebrated for his fantasy novels, is shifting focus towards a potential television adaptation of his sci-fi series, Skyward. This development aligns with the current trends in streaming, where science fiction is gaining traction over fantasy. While adaptations of Sanderson’s popular series, Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive, have been discussed, it is Skyward that appears closest to becoming a reality.
In a recent update shared on his blog, titled “State of the Sanderson” for 2025, Sanderson provided insights into the status of his various adaptations. While he noted setbacks regarding Snapshot and Tress of the Emerald Sea, he confirmed that progress is being made on both Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive. More significantly, he indicated that the adaptation of Skyward is advancing, stating, “Last year, we were hunting showrunners, and we picked them. We have showrunners, and together we’re writing the pilot.” This suggests that the project is at a relatively advanced stage, which is promising for fans.
Skyward’s Unique Appeal in Today’s TV Landscape
The Skyward series follows protagonist Spensa, a young girl aspiring to become a starfighter in a battle against an alien threat to her home planet. This narrative fits well with the current emphasis on sci-fi content, which has garnered significant viewership in recent years. Successful shows like Severance, Andor, and Fallout have paved the way for more sci-fi adaptations, and platforms such as Apple TV are keen to expand their offerings in this genre.
Unlike many fantasy adaptations that have struggled to find their footing, sci-fi series are enjoying positive reception and numerous renewals. Sanderson is aware of the challenges that often accompany fantasy adaptations, which may explain his preference for exploring the Skyward narrative in a television format.
Advantages of Adapting Skyward
One notable advantage of adapting Skyward is its independence from Sanderson’s broader Cosmere universe. This characteristic makes it less complex and more accessible to new audiences, who may find the interconnected stories of the Cosmere daunting. The standalone nature of Skyward allows for a focused narrative without the weight of an expansive franchise, which is particularly appealing given the current market’s fatigue with extensive cinematic universes.
The absence of interconnected narratives means that the show can be developed without the pressures of spinoffs or sequels, giving creators the freedom to tackle the inherent challenges of book-to-screen adaptations. This makes Skyward an ideal candidate for testing the waters for potential future adaptations of Sanderson’s other works.
As the adaptation progresses, fans and critics alike will be watching closely. The timing appears favorable, with a growing audience eager for quality sci-fi content. With Skyward being the farthest along in development among Sanderson’s works, it stands as the most promising candidate for a successful television adaptation.
