THE Born from the mists the films have a chance to expand on smaller stories from Brandon Sanderson’s books, and the adaptation may even highlight the series’ most underused villain after 17 years. There are countless villains throughout Born from the mists Era 1, although the Lord Ruler and Ruin are the two biggest and most notable threats to Scadrial. The series also features minor antagonists, such as Elend Venture’s father and Zane, who seek to destabilize the power structure established by Kelsier’s crew.
Minor villains like Elend’s family members receive adequate attention from the fantasy series, but there is a Born from the mists character that deserves a longer story: Jastes Lekal. The adaptation may finally rectify that, expanding one of Elend’s most interesting relationships in the process. While villains like Lord Ruler and Straff Venture seem one-note, Jastes could offer the film series a deeper portrayal. He could prove to be a better villain than in the books and improve the series’ emotional stakes when it comes to the big screen.
Jastes Lekal is the most underused villain from the original Mistborn books
His motives and actions are not fully explored in Era 1
Jastes Lekal is one of the most underused villains in the original Born from the mists seriesdespite having a huge impact on the Final Empire. Jastes is one of the characters whose attacks on Luthadel had a huge impact on Elend’s reign as king. One of Elend’s oldest friends, Jastes betrays him and leads an army to Luthadel – full of Koloss soldiers. The Koloss are destructive and pose a huge danger to the people living in Luthadel, so this is a questionable choice. It’s also confusing, as Jastes initially agrees with Elend.
Jastes is one of Elend’s friends who runs away to debate philosophy with him during the first Born from the mists book. Originally it seems he has similar values and issues about the Final Empire. Unfortunately, when the Lord Ruler is finally overthrown, Jastes goes in a very different direction than Elend. Resentful, he gathers an army of Koloss to attack his former home. This turns him into a full-on villain, but one whose motives and actions are not fully explored in the original series.
The Mistborn movie may finally give Jastes Lekal the attention the books should have
His betrayal of Elend must be front and center
Although the original Born from the mists the trilogy doesn’t give Jastes Lekal the attention he deserves – especially since he’s Elend’s former friend – the film can do that justice. More than 17 years later The Well of Ascensiondebut, films could bring Jastes’ story to the big screen with more nuance. While it makes sense for characters like Straff Venture to feel sociopathic and dull, villains like Jastes should be more interesting. Someone who doesn’t follow his supposed values is an interesting figure, and it’s not just his solo arc that should be expanded upon.
Expanding on Jastes’ storyline and his bond with Elend will make his villain more powerful and allow him to hit viewers harder.
His relationship with Elend before his betrayal should also receive more attentionas Elend eventually needs to execute Jastes for the sake of his kingdom. The emotional weight of this decision is not as apparent in the Born from the mists books, but it can be in the movies. Expanding on Jastes’ storyline and his bond with Elend will make his villain more powerful and allow him to hit viewers harder. Readers don’t have a lasting impression of Jastes, but his underrated story may leave one once adapted.
How highlighting this Mistborn character will help with the film adaptation
The emotional risks will be greater
Highlighting Jastes’ history will make him a more intriguing villain – something Born from the mists could use more – but it will also raise the emotional stakes of the story. The adaptation needs to deliver when it comes to characters, and giving Jastes a deeper relationship with Elend will make his arc more compelling later on. While he still ends up betraying his friend and choosing the wrong thing, it will be better if he gets a more nuanced portrayal in the earlier books. A few extra scenes of Elend’s philosophy meetings should make this work well.
Additionally, fixing Jastes’ storyline will improve Elend’s rise to power. He spends a lot The Well of Ascension learning to become a better leader, and having to kill your friend is a tragic part of that. Showing the weight of this decision when portraying his friendship with Jastes is fundamental. This will make Born from the mists much more moving films and will highlight how much Elend deserves the title he holds.