Brandon Sanderson, renowned for his expansive Cosmere universe, has dropped a significant hint about the interconnected nature of his upcoming adaptations. In a recent episode of his podcast, Intentionally Blank, Sanderson discussed his review of Apple TV's Murderbot series, based on Martha Wells' Murderbot Diaries books, and inadvertently shed light on a crucial connection to his highly anticipated Stormlight Archive TV series.
The conversation, which included his wife Emily Sanderson, revolved around their assessment of Murderbot's first season. Sanderson praised the series, stating:
"I think I would give it a nine, but I also am comparing it to the books. It's possible that this is a 10 because: Is there anything I can imagine they should have done better?"
Brandon Sanderson
This high praise, coupled with his wife's more aligned-with-mainstream score (comparable to IGN's 8 out of 10), set the stage for a broader revelation.
The Connection Revealed
Further into the podcast, Sanderson revealed the pivotal link between Murderbot and Stormlight Archive: a shared TV executive. Sanderson explained:
"It's actually one of the same TV execs as on Stormlight, so I'm glad it was good because I watched it and I'm like 'Oh, good. I sold him this.' I didn't know which exec I was going to get, but it is one of the execs on Murderbot."
Brandon Sanderson
This disclosure not only highlights the personal satisfaction Sanderson derives from the executive's positive experience with Murderbot but also implies a harmonious and potentially influential relationship for the Stormlight Archive series.
This news comes amidst a period of relative silence on the Stormlight Archive front, aside from Sanderson's confirmation of his role as co-showrunner once production commences. Currently, his focus is split, with the majority of his attention dedicated to completing the Mistborn movie screenplay, already 72% complete according to his website's progress bar. The Stormlight Archive pilot, though still in the planning phases, now carries the implicit promise of seasoned oversight, courtesy of the shared executive.
Implications and Looking Forward
The shared executive producer, while not guaranteeing success, bodes well for the Stormlight Archive series, suggesting a level of continuity and understanding of Sanderson's vision across projects. For fans eagerly awaiting any glimpse into the Stormlight Archive's development, this connection serves as a positive indicator, albeit an indirect one.
Meanwhile, Murderbot fans and newcomers alike are encouraged to explore the source material, with Martha Wells having recently released Platform Decay, the latest novel in the Murderbot Diaries. This development, coupled with Sanderson's endorsement of the series, makes for a compelling reason to dive into (or back into) the world of Murderbot.
A Waiting Game for Cosmere Fans
Despite this uplifting news, both the Stormlight Archive series and the Mistborn movie remain in the distant future. Sanderson's dedication to his meticulous storytelling process, evident in the detailed progress tracking of his Mistborn screenplay, reassures fans of the quality to come, even if it means a lengthy wait.
As the Cosmere expands across mediums, this interconnectedness promises a rich, unified experience for fans. Until more concrete details emerge for Stormlight Archive, the success and shared oversight of Murderbot serve as a beacon of promise for what's to come.