Apple TV's Upcoming Fantasy Adaptation Makes Even Harry Potter Look Small

Apple TV is preparing to unveil a project that could redefine the scale of the fantasy genre and rival the upcoming Harry Potter remake. The Harry Potter franchise has long dominated pop culture, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that HBO has opted to capitalize on the universe’s continued popularity by bringing Harry’s story to the small screen. HBO's Harry Potter series is, of course, one of the most exciting upcoming fantasy projects, but another show is coming for its crown.

Apple TV’s upcoming adaptation of The Stormlight Archive is poised to be the biggest fantasy TV show on any streaming platform. Based on Brandon Sanderson’s series of the same name, the ambitious production will not just compete with the most popular names in fantasy; it could surpass them in scope, depth, and narrative complexity. Set in the war-torn world of Roshar, The Stormlight Archive is renowned for its intricate worldbuilding and a magic system unlike any other.

Beginning with The Way of Kings, The Stormlight Archive has worldbuilding that makes Harry Potter seem small. Sanderson’s novels unfold through a sprawling ensemble of characters, each navigating personal struggles against the backdrop of an impending apocalyptic threat. This multi-perspective storytelling allows for a level of depth rarely seen on television, offering audiences an immersive experience that extends far beyond traditional fantasy tropes.

The Harry Potter books are great, and HBO will undoubtedly endeavor to make the series as faithful to its source material as possible. However, The Stormlight Archive is far more complex compared to most fantasy epics, which is why its upcoming adaptation is exciting. With multiple novels already published and more still to come, the series provides Apple TV with a blueprint for a long-running and interconnected narrative that could rival and even eclipse genre-defining franchises.

The Stormlight Archive Adaptation Can Launch A New Era For Apple TV

When it comes to science fiction titles, no one can deny that Apple TV is ahead of the competition, with shows like Severance, Pluribus, Foundation, and For All Mankind some of the best the genre has to offer. However, the streaming platform is behind with fantasy TV shows, especially compared to HBO, Prime Video, and Netflix, which is why a lot is riding on The Stormlight Archive adaptation.

The fantasy adaptation represents a major step for Apple TV as the streamer continues to invest in high-concept cinematic storytelling designed to rival the biggest franchises in entertainment. With its sprawling narrative and multiple character perspectives, The Stormlight Archive offers the depth and longevity Apple TV needs to break into the fantasy genre. If the upcoming series is handled with the same level of care and ambition as the source material, the show has the potential to become a flagship title for Apple TV.

Brandon Sanderson Has A Special Deal With Apple

Many might assume that whenever there is a book-to-screen adaptation, the author has complete creative control, but that is rarely the case. This is why Brandon Sanderson’s deal with Apple TV is interesting. Sanderson’s reported arrangement with Apple for The Stormlight Archive stands out because of the level of creative control he has retained, even more so than J.K. Rowling or George R.R. Martin.

Unlike most traditional book-to-screen deals where authors take a backseat once rights are sold, Sanderson has been vocal about wanting meaningful involvement in the adaptation process, from story development to worldbuilding accuracy. Sanderson will serve as a writer, producer, and architect of the show’s world, with input on what goes into the story and what will be scrapped. During a recent author's event with fellow fantasy titan Joe Abercrombie, Sanderson confirmed that he would be "writing a huge chunk" of the "10-episode television show."

Before Sanderson made his deal with Apple TV, the author met with several studios but wasn't comfortable with the way streaming had handled epic fantasy shows in the past. In an interview with Polygon in January 2025, the author said that he was "not convinced that we have hit stability in the streaming market," mentioning The Rings of Power, The Wheel of Time, and Shadow and Bone. He also said that he would want to write "all of [the protagonist] Kaladin's scenes in screenplay form for the whole season" in any future Stormlight Archive TV adaptation.

Thankfully, Apple TV, which has a solid track record with major genre shows, recognized that The Stormlight Archive’s appeal lies in its carefully constructed narrative arcs, all of which require the creator’s guiding hand to adapt effectively. As a result, Sanderson is positioned not just as the original author but as a creative partner who will help shape the series in a way that preserves its tone and long-term vision. This level of involvement is especially important for a story as expansive as The Stormlight Archive, where early decisions can have major implications for future seasons.