Full Breakdown
Brandon Sanderson’s “Skyward” Moves Toward Television Adaptation
5/21/2026, 1:03:34 AM
Skyward TV Series Development
Tomorrow Studios announced that Brandon Sanderson’s novel *Skyward* will be adapted into a television series. Sanderson will co-write the pilot with Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen, and all three will executive-produce alongside Tomorrow Studios CEO Marty Adelstein and President Becky Clements. The project is in pilot stage; no network or streaming service has been named.
Background & Context
*Skyward* (2018) is the opening novel of Sanderson’s Cytoverse, a five-book series that also includes *Starlight* (2019), *Cytonic* (2021), three 2021 novellas (*Sunreach*, *ReDawn*, *Evershore*), and the concluding novel *Defiant* (2023). Universal Television bought the rights in 2020 but did not move forward. In January 2026 Apple TV secured separate deals for Sanderson’s *Mistborn* film and *The Stormlight Archive* series, underscoring a broader push to adapt his works. The *Skyward* adaptation follows this trend but remains independent of the Apple TV agreements.
Key Figures & Production Team
- Brandon Sanderson – author, pilot co-writer, executive producer.
- Jed Whedon & Maurissa Tancharoen – co-writers; both previously ran *Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.*.
- Marty Adelstein (CEO) & Becky Clements (President) – executive producers at Tomorrow Studios.
- Tomorrow Studios – production house behind Netflix’s live-action *One Piece* and series such as *Snowpiercer*.
Timeline
- 2018 – *Skyward* published.
- 2020 – Universal Television acquires rights (no development).
- 2021 – Release of three Cytoverse novellas.
- 2023 – Concluding novel *Defiant* released.
- Jan 2026 – Apple TV announces *Mistborn* film and *Stormlight Archive* series.
- 2026 – Deadline reports *Skyward* TV adaptation; pilot development begins.
Data & Statistics
Sanderson’s books have sold over 50 million copies worldwide. The Cytoverse comprises five novels, three novellas, and an earlier short story, offering ample material for franchise expansion.
Official Statements & Responses
Sanderson called the partnership “a dream come true” after a decade of work on the series. Adelstein praised the “thrilling universe” and highlighted the adaptation’s “defiant to the end” vision. Clements echoed this enthusiasm, noting the project’s potential to showcase courage, curiosity, and determination.
Criticism & Opposition
No public criticism or opposition to the *Skyward* adaptation has been reported.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The series’ distribution platform remains undisclosed, and no official confirmation exists regarding adaptation of later Cytoverse books or the short story.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’ve been working on the Skyward series for nearly a decade, and to have a partner like Tomorrow Studios to help bring this story to television is a dream come true.” — Brandon Sanderson
- “ Adelstein seemed similarly enthused, saying, “Brandon has created a thrilling universe where courage, curiosity, and determination to challenge what we think can change the fate of entire worlds.” — Marty Adelstein
- “Brandon has created a thrilling universe where courage, curiosity, and determination to challenge what we think can change the fate of entire worlds. The vision that he, Jed and Maurissa have for a television adaptation is ‘defiant to the end.'” — Marty Adelstein
What’s Next
The pilot script is under development, and Tomorrow Studios will seek a commissioning partner. Future announcements may reveal the series’ broadcast home and whether additional Cytoverse books will be adapted.
