Brandon Sanderson, renowned for his fantasy novels, is shifting focus toward the television adaptation of his lesser-known science fiction series, Skyward. This development aligns with current trends in streaming, where science fiction content is gaining significant traction. In a recent update on his blog, Sanderson outlined progress on various adaptations, revealing that Skyward is currently the most advanced project in his portfolio.
In his blog post titled “State of the Sanderson” for 2025, Sanderson shared that while adaptations of his popular fantasy series, Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive, are also in the works, Skyward has made more substantial progress. He stated that the team has successfully identified showrunners and is actively writing the pilot episode. This places the project in a promising position, though it has yet to secure a network or streaming platform.
Skyward’s Adaptation Fits Current Streaming Trends
The Skyward series follows Spensa, a young girl aspiring to be a starfighter in a world threatened by alien forces. This narrative resonates with contemporary audiences, as studios increasingly favor science fiction over fantasy. Recent successes in the genre, such as Severance and Andor, demonstrate the potential for engaging sci-fi storytelling on the small screen.
Unlike many fantasy adaptations that have struggled to connect with viewers, the sci-fi genre is flourishing, with several shows receiving critical acclaim and renewals for additional seasons. Apple TV has been particularly active in expanding its sci-fi offerings, indicating a strong market demand for such narratives. Sanderson recognizes these industry dynamics and is strategically pursuing the right opportunities for his adaptations.
Accessibility of Skyward Compared to Sanderson’s Other Works
Another key advantage of adapting Skyward is its independence from Sanderson’s larger Cosmere universe. This lack of interconnectedness makes it more approachable for new audiences, reducing the complexity that often accompanies adaptations of expansive fantasy worlds. As viewers face franchise fatigue from entities like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a standalone series could capture interest without the burden of extensive lore.
By focusing on Skyward, the adaptation team can concentrate on the unique challenges of translating a book to screen without the pressures of building a broader franchise. This approach allows for creative freedom, potentially leading to a more faithful and engaging adaptation.
As Sanderson continues to navigate the adaptation landscape, the progress of Skyward remains a beacon of hope for fans eager to see his work brought to life. The combination of a compelling story, favorable industry trends, and a less daunting narrative structure positions Skyward as a promising candidate for a successful television adaptation.
