Apple TV+ Solidifies Sci-Fi Dominance and Eyes Fantasy Genre with Brandon Sanderson Partnership

Apple TV+ has rapidly develop into a leading destination for science fiction programming, building a reputation for ambitious projects and a relatively low cancellation rate. With successful series like Severance, Silo, and Foundation, the streamer is now poised to expand into the fantasy genre with a significant partnership with author Brandon Sanderson, potentially rivaling established franchises like Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings.

Expanding Existing Universes

Apple TV+ has already demonstrated success in building interconnected universes with its existing shows. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters is set to be followed by a Cold War spy thriller, while For All Mankind will expand its lore with a spin-off series titled Star City. This strategy of developing spin-offs and expanding existing narratives has proven effective in attracting and retaining viewers.

The Cosmere Universe: A New Frontier

The acquisition of the rights to Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere Universe represents a major step for Apple TV+. Plans are underway to adapt the Mistborn novels into a series of films, and The Stormlight Archive will be developed as a television series. This marks a significant investment in the fantasy genre for Apple TV+, moving beyond a primarily sci-fi focus.

Sanderson’s Creative Control: A Key Advantage

A crucial element of this partnership is the unprecedented level of creative control granted to Brandon Sanderson. Unlike previous adaptations of his perform, such as his experience with the Wheel of Time series where he felt his input was largely ignored, Sanderson will be directly involved in the creative process. He is writing the script for the first Mistborn movie and will serve as a co-showrunner for The Stormlight Archive series. This level of authorial involvement is rare, even compared to other prominent fantasy authors like J.K. Rowling and George R.R. Martin, and is expected to significantly increase the likelihood of a successful adaptation.

Apple TV+’s Sci-Fi Success

Apple TV+’s success in the science fiction genre is well-established. Foundation, based on Isaac Asimov’s seminal work, has seen a surge in popularity, even surpassing Severance and Silo on Apple’s viewership charts as of October 23, 2025 [Collider]. Severance, created by Dan Erickson and executive produced by Ben Stiller, premiered in February 2022 and has garnered critical acclaim [Wikipedia]. The series explores the concept of “severance,” a procedure that divides an employee’s memories between their work and personal life.

Looking Ahead

Apple TV+’s approach to adapting Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere Universe, combined with its proven track record in the sci-fi genre, positions the streamer for potential success in the fantasy market. The commitment to granting the author significant creative control is a unique advantage that could set its adaptations apart and establish Apple TV+ as a major player in the realm of prestige fantasy television, and film.