A new space opera based on a bestselling YA sci-fi book series is in the works, and it is hard not to see how it perfectly combines some of the best story elements from Top Gun and Attack on Titan. Top Gun and Attack on Titan are two very distinct franchises on the surface. While the Attack on Titan brand hails from Japan and has both manga and anime under its umbrella, Top Gun is one of Hollywood’s most iconic action drama franchises.

Yet, a closer look at both reveals how they share the same narrative foundation. The overarching threat in Attack on Titan is far bigger in scale and more supernatural than the ones shown in the Top Gun movies. However, both feature high-stakes aerial battles and walk through story beats involving everything from intense military combat training to adrenaline-fueled squad dynamics.

This common ground between the two iconic action franchises is one of the biggest drivers of Brandon Sanderson’s Cytoverse book series. As reports confirm, the first book from the series, Skyward, is now getting a small-screen adaptation. While it is a unique addition to the YA sci-fi genre in more ways than one, it is Skyward‘s intriguing parallels with Attack on Titan and Top Gun that make its upcoming adaptation truly exciting.

What Is Skyward About?

Like Attack on Titan, Brandon Sanderson’s Skyward combines military sci-fi with a coming-of-age story. It unfolds on a desolate planet where humans live trapped in underground caverns. Like the titans from Attack on Titan, an alien species keeps attacking the remaining humans by bombing them from the planet’s orbit. Humanity’s only line of defense is the Defiant Defense Force (DDF), a fleet of starfighter pilots who engage the Krell in deadly dogfights.

Similar to Eren Yeager, Skyward‘s protagonist, Spensa Nightshade, is an ostracized teenager who hopes to join the DDF someday. Skyward, like Attack on Titan, keeps the nature and motivations of its Krell aliens a mystery. Initially, they are almost portrayed as these invisible forces, but Nightshade remains determined to save humanity from them.

While telling a coming-of-age story, Sanderson does not shy away from highlighting the brutality of war in Skyward. Many characters in the story also perish in high-stakes battles while several others realize the harsh realities of enrolling in the DDF.

The book series’ Top Gun parallels emerge when it features gripping aerial battles and training arcs. Like Rooster from Top Gun: Maverick, Spensa from Skyward also operates under the shadow of her father’s history as a pilot.

Sanderson also immerses readers in his story by delving into the details of the mechanics of space dogfights. Everything from G-forces to track velocities is considered, making it even more reminiscent of Top Gun. Considering the similarities between Skyward, Attack on Titan, and Top Gun, Skyward‘s upcoming adaptation could be the perfect series for both Top Gun and Attack on Titan fans.

A Whole Wave Of Brandon Sanderson Adaptations Are In The Works

Earlier this year, Apple TV picked up the movie and television rights to Brandon Sanderson’s massive, interconnected Cosmere universe. As reports suggest, a movie adaptation of his Mistborn books is in the works, while The Stormlight Archives is set to get the small-screen treatment. Sanderson reportedly has unprecedented control over both adaptations and is actively penning their scripts.

Apple TV’s long history of delivering some of the best modern sci-fi shows and Brandon Sanderson’s active involvement with the franchise spells hope and promise for its future.

Skyward‘s adaptation is being developed by Tomorrow Studios, which gave us Netflix’s live-action One Piece. Considering how the studio succeeded with One Piece even though the anime/manga franchise seemed unadaptable in the live-action medium, its take on Skyward seems to hold immense potential.

Sanderon also reportedly has immense creative control over Skyward, like his upcoming adaptations on Apple TV. He is also co-writing its pilot’s script, and the series is expected to have a multi-season run. With so many exciting Brandon Sanderson adaptations lined up ahead, it is hard not to be excited about the author’s “on-screen” future.

While the live-action takes on both the Cosmere and Cytoverse universes sound enthralling, Skyward‘s parallels with Attack on Titan and Top Gun make it seem more intriguing.