AppleTV has successfully acquired the rights to Brandon Sanderson's extensive and interconnected Cosmere universe, signaling the author's debut on screen. After a highly competitive bidding process, Apple intends to adapt these beloved books for both the big and small screens.

Notably, Sanderson will retain an unprecedented level of creative control over these adaptations, a degree of power that surpasses even that of renowned fantasy authors like George R.R. Martin and J.K. Rowling. Reports indicate that Sanderson will be involved in writing, producing, and consulting on Apple's projects, with final approval over the adaptations, highlighting Apple's belief in the value of this chart-topping author whose works have yet to be brought to cinematic life.

Two prominent series from the Cosmere have already been earmarked for development. The 'Mistborn' series, which follows a band of heroes fighting a tyrannical empire on a world covered in ash, is slated to become a feature film. Meanwhile, 'The Stormlight Archive,' an epic saga set in a world frequently ravaged by magical tempests, is being considered as a potential television series. Both of these intricate series are integral parts of the Cosmere, a fictional universe comprising various fantasy planets, each characterized by its unique rules of magic. A hallmark of the Cosmere is the intriguing crossover of several characters between different series, enriching its complex tapestry.

Brandon Sanderson, a native of Lincoln, Nebraska, grew up within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and attended Brigham Young University, where he notably shared a room with future Jeopardy! champion and host Ken Jennings. His literary career began with the publication of his first novel, 'Elantris,' in 2005. Since then, Sanderson has become incredibly prolific, having published 71 novels and selling over 50 million books globally. He is also renowned for his highly successful crowdfunding campaigns, through which he has raised over $100 million USD, and he presides over his own annual fantasy convention.

Furthermore, Sanderson was entrusted with the monumental task of completing Robert Jordan's epic 'The Wheel of Time' series after the original author's passing, successfully concluding the saga with three best-selling books.

The acquisition of Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere marks another significant addition to Apple's growing portfolio of notable science fiction and fantasy literary adaptations. Their existing and upcoming projects include 'Foundation,' based on the seminal works of Isaac Asimov, an acknowledged hero of Sanderson's; 'Silo,' adapted from Hugh Howey's novel; 'Murderbot,' inspired by Martha Wells' series; and the highly anticipated 'Neuromancer,' William Gibson's cyberpunk classic that was once deemed unfilmable.

This commitment to complex, rich narratives positions Apple as a major player in bringing beloved literary universes to the screen, with Sanderson's Cosmere being a jewel in this crown.