‘Magic: The Gathering’ Animated Series Set for 2022
It won’t be too long before another hit fantasy IP joins Netflix. Magic arrives in 2022.
An animated series based on Wizards of the Coast’s massive card game, which spawned a huge fantasy universe across different media, was announced back in 2019 with the Russo Brothers attached as producers. This project was (and still is) supposed to mark the first of many collaborations between WotC and Netflix, as the Magic: The Gathering universe (multiverse, actually) contains endless possibilities for storytelling.
A few days ago, we learned (via Deadline) that the Russos and their head writers had left the project early in the process due to creative differences. That, somehow, didn’t leak to the press, and only just now we’re learning about changes in the creative team. Jeff Kline (Transformers: Prime) is overseeing the “creation of an all new storyline.” Kline’s team includes co-executive producer and story editor Steve Melching (Star Wars: The Clone Wars), supervising director Audu Paden, art director Izzy Medrano, and writers Nicole Dubuc, Russell Sommer, Dan Frey, and Taneka Stotts. Apparently, the Russos were involved in the transition and met with Kline before fully departing the series.
But that’s not all. WotC announced during yesterday’s Magic event, where they discussed upcoming card sets and future plans for the IP, that the Netflix-distributed animated series would arrive sometime next year. Furthermore, Brandon Routh (Superman Returns) will play Gideon Jura, one of the main Planeswalkers — legendary heroes who can travel between reality planes and are among the most powerful beings in the multiverse. Basically, they’re the characters propelling the narrative of Magic: The Gathering since they debuted back in 2007.
Okay here's what we learned at Wizard's Magic: the Gathering Showcase 2021… First, Brandon Routh (Superman!) to play Gideon Jura. pic.twitter.com/V2urcnPqYD
— Netflix Geeked (@NetflixGeeked) August 24, 2021
Routh is a good start for a cast which could be quite packed, plus he’s said to be a huge fan of the card game since his teenage years. Gideon Jura is an unfaltering hero, so the role isn’t a far cry from playing Kal-El.
The animation will be done by Snowball Studios (Muppet Babies, Fancy Nancy), taking over the originally announced Bardel Studio. Expect more news regarding the show’s cast in the coming months.
Francisco J. Ruiz is that guy who has watched Jurassic Park a thousand times and loves Star Wars. His hunger for movies is only matched by his love for video games. He graduated in English Studies from the University of Malaga, in Spain. As he keeps writing about what he enjoys (and doesn’t) for websites all over, he’s continuing his studies.
