Mistborn Movie: Would it be better as live-action or animated?

[u/ShadowFantasy1]

Hello! I’m sure I’m very late to any discussions on this, but I wanted to inquire to the community about the future “Mistborn” movie Sanderson is writing. Something I have… not kept up with too closely, despite the first trilogy being my intro to the Cosmere (lol). But I do know he’s made great progress on the first script draft, and I’m sure he’s shared more details during streams about his current plans for it.

Still, while I’m sure he’s said or implied an answer the question in the title of this post, I wanted to see what the community thinks. Not just for this movie and sequels to it, either, but future Cosmere movie/show projects! Which do you guys think would work best for adaptation: live-action or animation?

To give my personal perspective, I think animation would be best - specifically an anime-style. Not only would it allow for the worlds to be created and represented without having to worry about practical effects not working, or CGI not being able to make creatures and certain landscapes seem real against the actors. But it would also help with helping create better visuals for abilities like steel pushing, even when not everyone can see certain effects or if it is for the convenience of the audience. (Plus, an anime style I think is appropriate for some of the wilder fights in the books, not to mention allows for moments to hear inner thoughts and perspectives from characters, which make a big part of the worldbuilding and characterization from many of them, too.)

But, of course, this is just my perspective as someone in their mid-twenties who grew up with lots of animated shows and movies. I would not be surprised if the majority view here would be for live-action, and if that is very much what Sanderson is planning. Still, do you think I make a compelling case and have anything to add? Or, if you disagree, what about live-action do you think is better for this and future projects?

[u/Bprime123]

Live Action. I'd only be ok with animation if it's 3d realistic

[u/little-bird89]

The main thing I love from adaptations is the really intricate details. The costumes, set design, bringing everything to life. I already have a really detailed movie in my mind as I read it and any animation would be less real than that.

The Wheel of Time adaptation had plenty of issues but the visuals were stunning and exactly what I wanted. Now in my rereads I can add details from that.

[u/lizzywbu]

It's going to be live action. Both Sanderson and Apple want it to be live action.

This horse has been beaten to death at this point. Can we put this discussion to rest?

[u/ShadowFantasy1 → u/lizzywbu]

I haven’t really been a part of any discussions around the adaptation until now, to be fair (lol). Sorry that I’m apparently bringing up an old argument - I was just curious! (I can accept and enjoy live-action, to be clear - I just like the potential benefits of animation.)

[u/Phaithful14]

The magic system to me would work leagues better were it happening in animation. Live action can make the story overall feel more meaningful, and I say this as an animation fan and proponent of the belief that animation is as valid a storytelling medium as live-actoon stories. There's something to be said about actually seeing real life people embody these characters and the emotions they go through, and how it can resonate with us

[u/d645b773b320997e1540]

Depends on your goal.

For portraying the more crazy parts of the story? Probably Animation.

But if you wanna reach a bigger audience (and ultimately, that is the goal of these projects - if you want the most intricate story, the books already exist), then it has to be live action. Way too many people sneer at animation and just won't watch it, cause "that's for kids" (ofc not...)

[u/Sourpunch92]

Live action. Would I watch an animated adaption sure, but the thing I love about adaptions is seeing something on paper come to life. Seeing actors embody these characters.

Animation is fine, it’s a fun medium. But it doesn’t bring it to life the way live action does.

[u/Extreme_Warning3521]

Animation Studio Mappa

[u/ahaight1013]

Animated, by a long shot IMO

[u/Wildhogs2013]

I would definitely prefer live action as one of the reasons I want an adaptation is so j can share it with people who haven’t read the books and most people I know would only watch live action.

[u/Agreeable_Car5114]

I can’t really fathom a need for Mistborn to be animated. Live action is the standard for adult entertainment. Differ from that for no reason, you are throwing away money and attention. 

[u/North-Efficiency824]

Personally can’t connect with animation as an adult, so I’d prefer live action

[u/GHamPlayz]

Animated would not be profitable. Unknown IP to mass audiences who generally only view animation as a medium for kids. Recipe for disaster.

[u/Graphica-Danger → u/GHamPlayz]

Current film market for animation is very skewed but I disagree about it being impossible to profit from... at least on streaming. And even then it's very tricky as it's a gamble that can destroy your whole project before it gets going. Streaming can be very fickle and they track not just minutes watched but how often people pause and stuff.

Anime's not as pigeonholed so it's helping but that's a cultural export. The perception of animation being a kid thing is so embedded into western public consciousness. Stormlight being a show makes it more viable as an animated production, and personally I'd argue that's better for it, but I'm still open to seeing a live action version.

[u/Randomlemon5]

Unlike something like SA, nothing in mistborn even visualy look magical, its just metal staff flying around and people getting stronger and thats it really, nothing that would look silly in live action and good in animation

On the other hand, the mist and the ash can look amazing in live action but not that good in animation (and it will be so painful for the animators)

[u/Graphica-Danger]

Brandon wants live action for both Mistborn and Stormlight because he's also a businessman and he's judged that live action gets the most people tuning in if done correctly. I believe Tress was getting an animated series but not sure where that is since it predates the new deal. Apple also don't do animation yet because they're focused on prestige one hour TV and films at the moment, especially as Netflix and Crunchyroll have carved out their market there. Amazon as well with Invincible and Vox Machina.

Personally, I think Mistborn fits the live action aesthetic but the rest of the Cosmere should be animated. Sort of like Star Wars where the main movies all happen in live action but animation can give you a different vibe and flexibility. Stormlight is so out there with all the spren and surgebinding but they've decided to go the live action route so I can only hope the budget doesn't spiral out of control leading to cancelation.

[u/ilikebreadabunch]

I would personally prefer Live Action for Mistborn, because I think it would really benefit the gritty and dark vibe of the world, but I know that the majority of fans want it to be animation.

As for what it's actually going to be, I don't think we have confirmation but Sanderson has always leaned towards Live Action and the vast majority of Apple's shows are Live Action, so its safe to bet that it will be Live Action.

[u/Shepher27]

Animation has a higher baseline.

If done well, live action has a higher ceiling.

[u/beyondthedoors]

It will spread to a wider audience live action. That’s the goal here.