It ’s looking less and less likely thatBrandon Sanderson ’s Cosmere will make it to the screen any time presently , but there ’s one book of his that ask to be adapt ASAP — and perhaps it can replaceMistbornandThe Stormlight Archiveas a priority . The declaration that theMistbornmovie was back to " square one"came as a disappointment to lover eager to see Sanderson ’s fancy worlds brought to life on - screen . And givenSanderson ’s late complaints about fantasy idiot box shows , it ’s unclear if aMistbornorStormlight Archiveadaptation is in the cards .

It ’s possible we could see them as cinema , but even going through the right stages for that could take a while . In the interim , adjustment of Sanderson’sSnapshot , Skyward , andTress of the Emerald Seaare tentatively on the table ( via the author’s2024 State of the Sanderson ) . Butthere ’s another volume by the author that ’s unbelievably underrated and would make for a compelling adaptation . The 12 - year - old novel would also fit in with late trends , potentially meaning it ’d be promiscuous to adjust than something like the Cosmere .

Brandon Sanderson’s Steelheart Is The Perfect Book To Bring His Work To The Screen

It Has Action, Emotional Stakes, & An Interesting Cast Of Characters

2013’sSteelheartisn’t often mention amongSanderson ’s good books , but there ’s no denying it ’s great adaption material . Sanderson ’s YA novel is n’t part of the Cosmere , and it ’s a change of pace from his usual high fantasy fare . Steelhearttakes place in a world where select human beings grow powers after an incident dub Calamity . call Epics , these people expend their newfound ability to oppress those without them . And the book ’s primary quality , David , is sick of the injustice of it all and eager for retaliation .

This Brandon Sanderson phantasy novel is much light in tone than his other work , and it ’s a capital choice for a mid - Stormlight Archive break .

He does so by joining a grouping called the Reckoners , who are willing to actively oppose the Epics . And things spin out from there , with Sanderson delivering a superhero story with a compelling dystopian kink . Sanderson’sSteelheartticks all the right storytelling boxesfor a with child projection screen version . It has worked up stakes and an interesting cast of characters of characters , and it also features superhumans with ability that will wait flashy and entertain viewing audience . There are also two more books , leave plenteousness of fabric to cover the story in more season or sequels .

Covers of Wind and Truth, The Hero of Ages, and a mystery cover

If The Cosmere Isn’t Being Adapted, Studios Should Pick Up The Reckoners Series Instead

It’s A Better Starting Point For Brandon Sanderson Adaptations

Steelheartand its sequels are ripe for conform , and if the Cosmere is n’t going to be institute to life any clip soon , this Sanderson story should be . The Reckonersmay not be as grand or as popular asSanderson ’s Cosmere , but it could find a larger hearing if it became a TV show or film . It has enough strengths to invoke to newcomers and Sanderson fans alike — and at this stage , the latter will be happy to see any of the author ’s works make it through production and to release .

Steelheartis likely an easier narrative to bring to the screen as well , as superhero shows and films are already so rough-cut .

Steelheartis likely an easier narrative to bring to the projection screen as well , as superhero appearance and films are already so common . Therefore , there ’s a better blueprint for them . While phantasy TV shows are also increasing in popularity afterGame of Thrones , streaming and Hollywood have n’t of necessity get over the literary genre yet . Steelheartcould be a better first adaptation for Sanderson for that cause , and it could even increase the urgency to adapt his other works if it ’s successful .

Warbreaker And Elantris By Brandon Sanderson against a red, pink, and yellow background with blue dots

The Reckoners Would Fit Right In With The Current Anti-Superhero Trend

The Success Of Shows Like The Boys Proves How It Can Work

In addition to being a good fit for an adaptation , Steelheartalso fits in with a current television style , making it even more perfect to accommodate . Anti - superhero show are common and pop now , with the success of series likeThe Boys , Invincible , andThe Umbrella Academyall proving how well this character of story works . Audiences are interested in seeing superhero trends subverted , and they ’re embracing narration that ask the question : what if superheroes used their powers in reckless and harmful way of life ?

Brandon Sanderson is celebrated for write Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive , but lover of his work need to read these lesser - known al-Qur’an by him .

That make it the idealistic clip to capitalise on the premise ofSteelheart , which fits flop in with series likeThe Boys . The interest in the subgenre would benefit any adaption ofBrandon Sanderson ’s Holy Scripture , and combined with his name recognition , aSteelheartshow or movie could really blow up . If the Cosmere is unlikely for the time being , his YA story is a bully alternative . It ’s a shame it ’s not discussed more when adaption come up .

Serena furious and crying in The Handmaid’s Tale season 6 episode 8

The covers of Mistborn: The Final Empire and The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson with a black box with a question mark in the middle of them

Custom Image by Ana Nieves

Steelheart Cover featuring the title in silver block text and a blue background

Custom image by Simone Ashmoore

Cover of Mistborn Shadows of Self and Stormlight Archive Oathbringer

Custom image by Simone Ashmoore