Summary
One character’s casting is vital to the success of aMistbornmovie adaptation, and it should be one of the film’s main focuses in development. Brandon Sanderson’s belovedMistbornseries film adaptationhas been in and out of early production for years, nearly reaching the mark in 2023 before the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes halted progress. While Sanderson has stated that this iteration of the project has been canned, he also encouraged audiences, saying that it would only be a matter of time before his stories were brought to life on screen.
TheMistbornfantasy series is known as one of the pillars ofBrandon Sanderson’s Cosmere book universe. Given that it’s also his most widely read work, it’s no surprise that Hollywood has taken an interest in bringing it to life.The world ofMistbornis highly cinematic, with engaging action, strong characters, and a unique fantasy aesthetic, all while maintaining ease of accessibility. Until there’s more concrete news about film production, Sanderson’s novels offer plenty of material to hypothesize on what the idealMistbornmovie would look like.
Kelsier Starts Off The Series As An Experienced Mistborn, Making Him The Perfect Audience Draw
When considering the production for something likeMistborn, it is important to consider how the film can be marketed to non-readers. Of course, the film should be adapted with respect to the material and for long-time fans, but for it to be commercially successful and kick off a series, it needs to be welcoming to new audiences as well. Kelsier is the perfect vessel to welcome said audiences. Vin is the main hero of the originalMistborntrilogy, but it’s important to note thatKelsier is essentially the viewer’s guide to understanding the world while Vin comes of age.
It’s the perfect way to demonstrate the excitement of the world, only for audiences to watch the movie and discover Vin as the true emotional core that brings them back for more.
In terms of casting, it would be appropriate for Vin to be played by a relatively unknown young actress, butit seems important for Kelsier to be played by a charismatic and rather familiar face. Kelsier could be one of the main lures for the movie’s marketing, as trailers could highlight him putting together a team to defeat the Lord Ruler and also showing off some neat Mistborn magic moves. It’s the perfect way to demonstrate the excitement of the world, only for audiences to watch the movie and discover Vin as the true emotional core that brings them back for more.
Every Mistborn Book, Ranked From Worst To Best
Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn books are some of the most beloved 21st-century fantasy novels. Here’s how they compare to each other in quality.
Kelsier Introduces Audiences To Mistborn & Its Magic System
Kelsier Shows Audiences The World While Vin Comes Out Of Her Shell
Kelsier essentially serves a similar purpose inThe Final Empire. He’s introduced as the main POV character, and while he’s not quite the standard, heroic male fantasy archetype, he has some similar qualities. He’s a charismatic leader, a powerful warrior, and everyone seems to love him.Kelsier is someone that audiences feel like they can follow, and it allows them to resonate more with Vin as they embark onherjourney. The audience is there with her, learning about the world, the characters, and the conflict.
Kelsier literally introduces audiences to theMistbornmagic system, utilizing it himself early in the novel and then demonstrating it to Vin shortly thereafter. Sanderson is known for his phenomenal magic systems, but explaining such a complicated system is a challenge that requires a solid halt in the momentum for exposition. When handled right, however, such a scene can become as unforgettable as, say, Yoda training Luke in the Force inThe Empire Strikes Back. Kelsier needs to be engaging for that scene to work, and if it does work, it can be truly magical.
The Mistborn Movie’s Perfect Vin Actor Is Already Too Old For The Role
With a Mistborn movie hopeful for the future, casting Vin is one of the most crucial elements of doing Brandon Sanderson’s books justice.
Why Kelsier’s Death Is Pivotal For The Mistborn Movie
Audiences Need To Care About Kelsier’s Death
Introducing Kelsier as a lovable protagonist in the firstMistbornmovie comes with the chance of a pitfall, as he dies at the end of the first book. So, there’s a difficult balance to strike, asaudiences need to have a strong enough emotional bond with Kelsier to be affected by his death, but they need to be willing to move on without him. And that’s where Vin comes in. All along, while the viewer should be lured in by Kelsier, Vin is the one who should truly be raising curiosities.
Vin hears voices; Vin has special Mistborn powers; Vin has an engaging love subplot. Then, at the end of the film, Kelsier dies. Vin receives the letter from him that brings the viewer to tears, and then she goes out and finishes his mission. Suddenly, she’s an action hero like Sarah Connor or Ellen Ripley, as the one who survived the film and won the day. There’s so much potential forMistbornto have an iconic movie adaptation, but nailing the casting to make all of its character elements work is vital to the story.
