The world of fantasy literature is often synonymous with iconic races like elves and dwarves, popularized by J.R.R. Tolkien’s seminal works. However, one of the most successful fantasy authors working today, Brandon Sanderson, has deliberately chosen a different path. As Sanderson’s literary universe, the Cosmere, gains even more prominence – recently securing a landmark deal with Apple TV for adaptation into film and television series – he’s addressed a long-standing question from fans: why his novels largely eschew these traditional fantasy staples. Sanderson’s explanation, shared in a recent YouTube video, reveals a conscious decision rooted in a desire for originality and a focus on human-centric storytelling.
The expansive Cosmere, encompassing series like Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive, has captivated readers with its intricate magic systems, compelling characters, and unique worldbuilding. The Apple TV deal, announced in January 2026, is unprecedented in its scope, granting Sanderson a remarkable level of creative control over the adaptations. The Hollywood Reporter detailed the agreement, noting Sanderson will not only write and produce but also have final approval on the screen translations, a level of involvement rarely afforded to authors. This control underscores the author’s commitment to faithfully bringing his vision to life on screen.
A Reaction to Tolkien’s Influence
Sanderson’s decision to avoid elves and dwarves isn’t a rejection of Tolkien’s work, but rather a reaction to its pervasive influence on the fantasy genre. In his “SanderFAQ” video series, Sanderson explained that when he began writing in the late 1990s, fantasy literature was “deep in Tolkien’s shadow,” a situation amplified by the success of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings film trilogy. He observed that many authors were simply replicating elements from Tolkien’s world, leading him to question the genre’s creative boundaries. He even admitted to writing a “controversial essay” – which he now describes as “very clickbaity” – arguing that Tolkien had, in a way, limited the imagination within fantasy. Sanderson has since revisited Tolkien’s work through Andy Serkis-narrated audiobooks, suggesting a more nuanced appreciation for the author’s contributions.
This initial frustration stemmed from a desire for innovation. Sanderson felt that fantasy should be a genre defined by limitless possibilities, and he wanted his writing to stand out by prioritizing human stories and developing entirely new fantastical races. He wanted to establish a hallmark of his work as being “more human-focused than fantastical-creature-focused,” as he stated in the video. This isn’t to say he avoids fantastical creatures altogether; he acknowledges the enduring appeal of dragons, admitting that creating a creature with the same impact as a dragon is a significant challenge. However, even with dragons, Sanderson aims to bring a unique perspective to their portrayal within his worlds.
Creating Original Fantasy Races
The core of Sanderson’s approach lies in worldbuilding. He actively seeks to create original races and cultures, avoiding the temptation to simply re-skin existing archetypes. This commitment to originality is evident throughout the Cosmere. Instead of elves and dwarves, readers encounter unique beings like the Koloss in the Stormlight Archive, massive, sentient creatures formed from highstorms, or the Kandra in Mistborn, shapeshifting beings with a complex history. These races aren’t merely aesthetic variations; they are integral to the cultures, conflicts, and magic systems of their respective worlds.
This focus on originality extends to the magic systems themselves. Sanderson is renowned for his “hard magic” systems, which are meticulously defined with clear rules, and limitations. These systems aren’t arbitrary or mystical; they operate according to consistent principles, adding a layer of believability and strategic depth to his stories. Polygon highlighted this aspect of Sanderson’s work, noting his dedication to creating internally consistent and logically sound magical frameworks. This approach, combined with his focus on human characters and original races, distinguishes his work from many other fantasy authors.
The Evolution of Sanderson’s Perspective
Sanderson’s views on Tolkien and the use of traditional fantasy races have evolved over time. Although his initial reaction was one of resistance, he now acknowledges the value of Tolkien’s contributions and recognizes that there’s room for both innovation and tradition within the genre. He concluded his YouTube video by stating, “I no longer feel like we need to ‘kill the elves’… I feel like, write your book, read your book, read what you love, write what you love. And there is room to do new things even still all these years later with some of these ideas that Tolkien approached back in the ’50s and ’60s.” This shift in perspective reflects a growing appreciation for the breadth and diversity of the fantasy genre.
The success of Sanderson’s Cosmere demonstrates the appeal of his approach. With over 50 million copies of his books sold worldwide, according to The Hollywood Reporter, he has cultivated a dedicated fanbase eager to explore his unique worlds and characters. The upcoming Apple TV adaptations promise to bring the Cosmere to an even wider audience, further solidifying Sanderson’s position as a leading voice in contemporary fantasy literature.
What’s Next for the Cosmere?
The Apple TV deal marks a significant milestone for Sanderson and the Cosmere. The first projects in development are a feature film adaptation of the Mistborn series and a television series based on The Stormlight Archive. Blue Marble, led by former WME agent Theresa Kang, is attached to executive produce the Stormlight Archive television adaptation. This partnership suggests a commitment to bringing Sanderson’s complex and ambitious vision to the screen with fidelity and care.
Beyond the Apple TV adaptations, Sanderson continues to expand the Cosmere through new novels and short stories. He has outlined a long-term plan for the universe, with interconnected storylines and recurring characters that reward dedicated readers. The Cosmere’s enduring popularity is a testament to Sanderson’s skill as a storyteller and his ability to create worlds that are both imaginative and deeply engaging. The author’s commitment to originality, combined with his meticulous worldbuilding and compelling characters, has established him as a unique and influential voice in the fantasy genre.
Fans can expect further updates on the Apple TV adaptations and future Cosmere projects through Sanderson’s official website and social media channels. The author remains actively engaged with his fanbase, providing insights into his creative process and answering questions through platforms like his SanderFAQ video series. The future of the Cosmere looks bright, with exciting possibilities on the horizon for both readers and viewers alike.
The next major update regarding the Apple TV adaptations is expected during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2026, where further details about production timelines and casting are anticipated. Stay tuned to World Today Journal for continued coverage of Brandon Sanderson and the Cosmere.