November 5, 2026, 12:52 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
In Hollywood, there’s always a dominant medium that everyone wants to adapt. Book adaptations have a long tradition there, and the new millennium ushered in the comic era in cinema. Currently, game fever is sweeping through the dream factory. While this mainly involves video games, other formats are also of interest–including the popular card game “Magic: The Gathering.”
“Magic: The Gathering” Film in the Works
Since early 2025, it’s been known that a live-action film for “Magic: The Gathering” is planned. There aren’t many details about the project yet. However, director Matt Johnson (also co-writer) and screenwriters Noah Gardner and Aidan Fitzgerald are the first known personnel. Now, there’s a new update to report.
According to the U.S. industry magazine “Deadline,” citing insider sources, Maya Hawke is set to be the first well-known actor to join the project. Hawke, the daughter of Ethan Hawke, became widely known to audiences through “Stranger Things,” where she appeared as Robin starting in the third season.
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“Magic” Offers a Vast Narrative World
Who Hawke will play is currently unknown. However, it’s expected that she will have a central role in a larger ensemble, and it was important to the creators to make her the first offer. There are no specific plot details available at this time.
There is no shortage of options. Since its debut in 1993, numerous expansions and countless cards have been added, featuring characters set in a multiverse of fantasy worlds with their own stories. There are also crossover collaborations with other famous brands, including “Final Fantasy,” “Star Trek,” and “The Lord of the Rings.”
Since “Magic: The Gathering” is published by Wizards of the Coast, the creators of “Dungeons & Dragons,” there are many overlaps with the iconic role-playing game.
Not the Only “Magic” Project
Since “Dungeons & Dragons” also played a role in “Stranger Things,” Hawke’s casting fits well. The film is not the only project related to “Magic: The Gathering.” Companies Legendary and Hasbro are also planning a “TV universe” for the brand–so streaming series are also expected.
Also of interest: Netflix plans new “Dungeons & Dragons” series
In parallel, an animated “Magic” series is also set to be developed at Netflix. This has been planned since 2019, but was completely scrapped in 2024 and is now being redeveloped from scratch.