Brandon Mull brings Fablehaven to cinema with 2027 movie
The fantasy author is expanding his magical preserve through a feature film and potential prequels two decades after the series debuted.
The magical world of Fablehaven is expanding beyond the page as author Brandon Mull prepares to bring his celebrated fantasy series to cinema and explore the franchise's deeper history. In a recent interview with Polygon, Mull detailed his ongoing commitment to the universe he first established more than 20 years ago.
Central to this expansion is a proposed Fablehaven movie slated for a 2027 release. Produced and distributed by Angel Studios, the project has already secured significant community backing. To launch the film, the production utilized a crowdfunding campaign via BackerKit, which successfully raised $1.1 million to help bring the secret preserve of magical creatures to life.
A Legacy of Magic
Fablehaven first captured readers as a middle-grade fantasy following siblings Kendra and Seth, who discover a hidden sanctuary for mythical beings. The original series established a massive following, which Mull later expanded with the five-book sequel series, Dragonwatch. This foundation has allowed the franchise to maintain a presence in the fantasy genre for two decades, bridging the gap between original readers who are now adults and a new generation of children discovering the books.
Industry Implications
The move toward a feature film and the exploration of new stories signal a strategic resurgence for the franchise. By leveraging a dedicated, multi-generational fanbase, Mull and Angel Studios are tapping into a proven market of fantasy enthusiasts. For Mull, the project is as much about personal legacy as it is about business. "I get to do for somebody else what C.S. Lewis did for me," Mull told Polygon, highlighting the emotional weight of seeing his world transition to a visual medium.
Future Horizons
While the movie is the most concrete development, Mull is also teasing the possibility of further literary expansions. He specifically mentioned a potential prequel series centered on Patton Burgess, an ancestor of Kendra and Seth, set approximately a century before the events of the original books. While a prequel remains a tease rather than a confirmed release, Mull indicated that his creative drive for the series remains strong. "My brain won't quit on that one... It just keeps seeing opportunities there," he noted.
Fans will now look toward 2027 for the film's arrival, while awaiting official confirmation on whether the Patton Burgess chronicles will move from a concept to a published series.