By Hasbro’s intended Magic: The Gathering film universe seems to be advancing toward genuinely initiating a pre-production phase, with Deadline reporting that Nirvanna the Band the Show director Matt Johnson is being considered to lead the essential film in what Hasbro and studio Lionsgate are hoping will develop into a full series of films and shows based on the classic card game. No agreement has been finalized as of yet.
Announced back in February, the Magic: The Gathering film universe (for lack of a better term) is intended to include films, streaming series, and “other content” that will all connect as a fully-realized interpretation of the vast lore of Magic, which has presented a broad range of narratives set across diverse realities throughout its 32-year history.
For those unfamiliar with the card game, Magic: The Gathering entails assembling a deck of carefully selected cards that represent spells, creatures, artifacts, and more that fill the narrative world, and engaging in competitive, fast-paced duels with opponents. It’s somewhat akin to poker, where the luck of the draw and a player’s ability to form strategies and stay aware of the game are significant factors in how the play unfolds. However, unlike traditional card games, each player has their own deck containing unique cards that can alter the game state in an instant.
As an individual who has engaged with Magic intermittently since the ’90s, I am quite eager to see which characters and settings from this extensive game might find their way to the screen (I’m revealing my age when I mention that I’m personally hoping for at least a glimpse of the Weatherlight Saga that took up a substantial part of the late ’90s).
Nevertheless, I’m also quite cautious about what it signifies when film studios start discussing the creation of a “universe” around their brand. The Marvel-ization of franchise media has proven to be a significant double-edged sword, often resulting in numerous films and shows that aim to weave a narrative yet end up feeling overstretched and disconnected. Even Marvel itself is facing challenges, striving to return to a version of the MCU that resonates strongly with audiences. Hence, I have my doubts about the concept of beginning from the idea of developing an entire universe rather than simply focusing on crafting a quality film.
Nonetheless, Matt Johnson presents an intriguing potential choice for directing a Magic: The Gathering film, as his work Nirvanna The Band The Movie The Show is an eccentric mockumentary centered around time travel, rather than a grand fantasy narrative or an action-filled story.