Netflix is finally bringing the beloved tabletop universe of Magic: The Gathering to its streaming service. This new animated series, now in production, marks a significant move for the franchise, which has been captivating players for over three decades.
The series will be helmed by Terry Matalas, known for his work on Star Trek: Picard and 12 Monkeys, with Oscar-winner Patrick Osborne (Feast) overseeing the project as supervising director and executive producer. This collaboration was proudly announced at Geeked Week 2024, highlighting a partnership with Hasbro Entertainment and Wizards of the Coast, the original creators of the game. Matalas was also recently named showrunner of Marvel’s Vision series for Disney+.
“It has been an absolute dream collaboration with Netflix, Hasbro Entertainment, Wizards of the Coast, and the brilliant Patrick Osborne to bring the many worlds of Magic: The Gathering to streaming,” Matalas told Netflix. “Those new to this sprawling saga will learn what millions of fans who play every day already know. Magic is the ultimate storytelling sandbox, brimming with iconic, complex characters, extraordinary mind-bending powers, and portals to every genre imaginable. It is also a powerful reminder that no matter what culture, country, or plane of existence you come from, we can all unite and become heroes together.” This sentiment captures the essence of the game’s appeal—its ability to forge connections across diverse backdrops through compelling, strategic play and rich storytelling.
Despite previous attempts to adapt Magic: The Gathering for screen — including a project that never progressed beyond development — this series signifies a fresh start. Initially introduced in 2019 with high-profile names like Joe and Anthony Russo attached, the project faced several setbacks, including creative differences that led to a complete overhaul of the creative team. Jeff Kline (Transformers: Prime) took over in August 2021 but left. Brandon Routh, initially cast as the voice of heroic Planeswalker Gideon Jura, revealed in a recent interview that the prior version had been scrapped, and it remains unclear if he will be involved in the latest adaptation.
Netflix’s announcement reassures fans that the series is actively moving forward, with significant investment in both creative talent and production quality. Set to explore the foundational elements of the Magic: The Gathering lore, the series will focus on the adventures and trials of its iconic characters in a format that promises both depth and accessibility.
With Terry Matalas at the helm, the series is expected to blend high-stakes magical conflicts with deep character exploration, making it a must-watch for both longtime fans and newcomers of Magic: The Gathering.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
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