There’s one major difference betweenMistbornandGame of Thrones, pointed out by Brandon Sanderson, that could indicate something about how his books should be adapted.George R.R. Martin’sA Song of Ice & Firenovelsare some of the most prolific fantasy books ever written, and given the popularity of the HBO adaptation, they’re a common comparison point for any series hoping to be made into a film or television show. Brandon Sanderson has long discussed the possibility of aMistbornmovie adaptation, and there’s much to theorize about regarding how that would look.
In aRedditthread from 2016,Sanderson was prompted by a fan, questioning if he would consider finishingA Song of Ice & Fireif Martin doesn’t. The question was asked in praise of Sanderson as an author and also due to the fact that he famously finished Robert Jordan’sThe Wheel of Timeseries after Jordan passed away in 2007. Brandon Sanderson had an interesting and honest response about why he wouldn’t be suitable for the job. While it’s all worth reading, the focus here is on how they differ in their approach to magic, saying the following:
“My work is also fundamentally different from George’s in our use of magic. We’ve talked about books, and he points out (rightly) that I often use a heavily magical component in my stories–particularly the endings. This is becauseI’m writing science/magic hybrids, and the idea of magic as progress is fascinating to me. George, however, prefers his magic to be arcane, unknown, and dark–not a tool, but a force you can sometimes (with great danger) apply. This is a small issue, as I’m fond of books that use magic differently, I’ve just made a stylistic choice in how I do what I do.”
“I’d say it’s not the divine nature of magic in mine, so much as the reliable, tool-based nature of the magic. In both, you can use it for good or for evil–but in George’s books, he often takes a more classic “Wonder” style approach to magic. Meaning, you never know exactly what the ramifications of using it will be, and you can’t ever truly control it. In a way, most magic in his books is akin to the One Ring, while my magic tends to be an unexplored science that–if understood–can indeed by used reliably. Strangely, in this,he’s more Tolkien, and I’m more Asimov.”
Brandon Sanderson’s Magic Systems Are “Science/Magic Hybrids”
Brandon Sanderson’s Magic Is Based On Calculable Values
First of all, it’s fascinating that Brandon Sanderson compared his approach to magic to Isaac Asimov, a prolific science fiction writer. Sanderson has cited his inspiration from Asimov before, as the writer had a shared sci-fi universe of his own that combined his book seriesFoundation,Robot, andGalactic Empire. When examining magic in Brandon Sanderson’s books, such asMistborn’smagic system, it’s true that he mixes science with his fantastical elements in a way that differs from George R.R. Martin or J.R.R. Tolkien.
Before becoming an author, Brandon Sanderson majored in biochemistry at Brigham Young University.
The term “magic system” has been popularized mainly because of his books, and it’s often misused regarding other fantasy stories that don’t have a set system. Consider Allomancy as the prime example. It all works in a system that, while still complex, can be understood in tangible, measured ways.Every mechanism has a push and a pull, with defined attributes and accompanied costs, almost like abilities in a video game or tabletop RPG. It leaves little room for ambiguity or inconsistency, as there are defined properties that determine what can be done with each Allomantic ability.
Magic In Game Of Thrones Is Much More Mystical & Ambiguous
There Are No Definitive Properties To Magic In Game Of Thrones
A Song of Ice & Fireis often considered to be antithetical to Tolkien andThe Lord of the Rings, but that’s less of the case than people might think. In terms of their views on the human condition, they may differ. In terms of magic, Martin and Tolkien both draw from ancient mythology and epic poetry, which oftenconsiders magic to be an ambiguous subject with properties that are incomprehensible to a mortal being. Just as it’s not clearly defined what powers the One Ring actually has, it’s not clear what powers Melisandre or Quaithe have.
Melisandre is an excellent example, as she’s prominently featured inGame of Thrones. She arrives in season 2 with visions of prophecy, projecting Stannis Baratheon to be the one true king and thePrince That Was Promised, who would lead the realm against the darkness. Multiple people are sacrificed in his name, including his own daughter, and yet, the prophecy turns out to be wrong. Thousands die for nothing because Melisandre picked the wrong person. But Melisandre still has magical powers.
The Next Mistborn Book’s Release Plan Will Make 1 Confirmed Change Less Jarring
The release plan for Brandon Sanderson’s next Mistborn book may feel frustrating at first, but it could actually benefit Era 3 in the long run.
InGame of Thronesseason 2, she gives birth to a shadow creature that goes and assassinates Renly Baratheon. As Stannis says, after seeing what she gave birth to, it can’t really be denied that her god is real.Melisandre definitely has powers of dark magic and foresight, but whether they come from the Lord of Light or some other source is entirely unclear. Melisandre doesn’t know, and the reader will never know either. It’s purposeful ambiguity.
Why Mistborn’s Magic System Is Crucial For A Movie Adaptation
Mistborn’s Magic System Moves The Plot Forward
Magic isn’t just a factor in Brandon Sanderson’s stories like it is in Martin’s;it’s a crucial element of his plots. In order to defeat the Lord Ruler inThe Final Empire, Kelsier, Vin, and the team need to find a strategy using Allomancythat could defeat him, considering the Eleventh Metal as a possibility. In order to defeat Ruin inThe Hero of Ages, Marsh rips out Vin’s earring, which was actually a Hemalurgic spike, allowing her to draw upon the mists. Sanderson plants his plot twists, relying on the reader’s understanding of his magic systems to execute them.
For aMistbornfilm adaptation to work, the audience needs to understand the magic system, or else these narrative beats need to be drastically changed. It’s an interesting situation to be in, as it’s much harder to lay out information for not one but three magic systems to an audience in films than it is in books. In the novels, audiences can refer to the Ars Arcanum at any time, and Sanderson is always clear in explaining what exactly his protagonists are doing with their various metals to obtain specific effects.
Framing Mistborn As A Sci-Fi/Fantasy Hybrid Could Work As A Movie
Using Sci-Fi Movies As A Narrative Frame Could Work For Mistborn’s Movie Script
On the one hand, there’s some difficulty in laying out the understanding ofMistborn’smagic system. But on the other hand, similar things are done all the time in various sci-fi films, especially superhero movies. ConsiderDeadpool & Wolverine,for example. The movie’s core is about the relationship between its heroes, but the climax revolves around them figuring out the mechanics to defeat Paradox and destroy the Time Ripper. Theheroes are faced with sets of obstacles until they eventually find the mechanic that worksand beat the bad guy.
This isn’t to say thatMistbornshould be a sci-fi film, but rather that itshould use the narrative beats from sci-fi films to establish its pacing and the introduction of Allomancy.Mistborncan and should draw from other fantasy titles likeThe Lord of the RingsandGame of Thrones, seeing what worked well for them. However, as Brandon Sanderson points out, his stories are driven by his magic systems, which ultimately changes the frame of how aMistbornmovie would play out.
Mistborn
TheMistbornseries, created by Brandon Sanderson, is a high-fantasy saga set in the world of Scadrial, where magic is powered by metals through a system called Allomancy. The series focuses on political intrigue, heists, and the battle between good and evil. The first trilogy,Mistborn: The Final Empire, follows the struggle to overthrow a tyrannical ruler, the Lord Ruler. Later books in the series, includingEra 2, take place hundreds of years after the events of the original trilogy, expanding the story into new settings with new characters, all while maintaining connections to the original storyline.Books:Mistborn: The Final Empire (2006)Mistborn: The Well of Ascension (2007)Mistborn: The Hero of Ages (2008)Mistborn: The Alloy of Law (2011)Mistborn: Shadows of Self (2015)Mistborn: The Bands of Mourning (2016)Mistborn: The Lost Metal (2022)
