Netflix has officially restarted its animated series based on the popular card game Magic: The Gathering, providing fans with fresh updates and insights about the show.
The streaming powerhouse Netflix first revealed intentions to develop an MTG series in collaboration with Wizards of the Coast back in 2019. At that time, acclaimed directors Joe and Anthony Russo, famous for their work in the MCU, were set to guide the creative direction of the CGI animated series.
However, the Russo Brothers departed from the project in 2021, leading Netflix to enlist Jeff Kline, known for his work on Transformers: Prime, as the new executive producer. Following this change, news regarding the MTG series had been scarce, but we now have an update.
During Geeked Week 2024, the animated adaptation of Magic: The Gathering stepped back into the limelight after years of silence.
Who’s behind Netflix’s Magic: The Gathering series?
While Netflix has yet to unveil a trailer for the new MTG series, the key art released hints at its overall tone.
Netflix‘s press release lacks specific details about the series’ creative vision. Nonetheless, it does clarify the new leadership behind the project.
The Russos and Jeff Kline are not currently involved; instead, the production team is following a “new creative direction” led by EP and showrunner Terry Matalas, known for his executive production work on 12 Monkeys and Star Trek: Picard.
Patrick Osborne, an Oscar-winning director known for the short film Feast, will serve as supervising director and executive producer.
Does the MTG series have a release date?
As of now, Netflix’s Magic: The Gathering does not have a specified release date or even a projected launch window.
The announcement made during Geeked Week 2024 simply indicates that production is currently underway. The timeline of development for this version of the series remains uncertain.
What will the MTG show’s story focus on?
Chandra Nalaar could be the central character of the new show.
Details about the plot have not been officially disclosed, but Netflix’s announcement mentioned the “Pyromancer’s Goggles,” referencing Chandra, a powerful Planeswalker with the ability to control fire.
This mention may be merely a passing comment, but the teaser image showcasing a woman wielding an open flame suggests significant involvement from Chandra.
Moreover, Joe Russo previously informed an SDCC 2019 audience to “get excited” if they were fans of Jace and Chandra, hinting that these characters might be central to the storyline.
With the Russo Brothers no longer attached to the project, it’s unclear how much—if any—of the initial narrative concepts remain in play.
What happened with Netflix’s original MTG plans?
Brandon Routh was previously cast to portray Gideon Jura.
Following the departure of Joe and Anthony Russo over creative differences, Netflix appointed Jeff Kline to develop a fresh storyline for the MTG series.
In the weeks after Kline’s involvement became public, Brandon Routh, known for his roles in Superman Returns and Legends of Tomorrow, was announced as the lead, specifically set to voice Gideon, suggesting a change in focus away from Jace and Chandra.
Curiously, during a September 2024 interview at the Toronto International Film Festival, Routh mentioned to Collider that, to his knowledge, the show was no longer in development.
Details regarding Jeff Kline’s now-abandoned iteration of Netflix’s Magic: The Gathering remain undisclosed, and it appears Brandon Routh is also no longer associated with the project.
We will continue to update this post as new information emerges. For additional insights on MTG, check out the latest Duskmourn card reveal for the House of Horrors set.
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