The project aims to get its big start with a film first and then expand to TV, just like Legendary’s ‘Dune‘ franchise moved to the small screen after making its mark on the big screen. This strategy by Hasbro is a big step towards bringing the rich world of Magic: The Gathering to life on both big and small platforms.
Hasbro’s New Vision: Prepare to Bring Magic to Film and TV!
Magic: The Gathering Universe Expands
Hasbro Entertainment is building a new cinematic universe based on its popular Magic: The Gathering game. In partnership with toy company Legendary Entertainment, plans are being made to bring the Magic: The Gathering universe to mass broadcasting and television. The first step in this project is to adapt the game into a spectacular film, after which it will be released as a TV show.
The World’s First Trading Card Game
In 1993, Wizards of the Coast launched Magic: The Gathering as the world’s first trading card game. The game quickly gained popularity and became the talk of the town in the 90s, from schoolyards to gaming conferences.
50 Million Likes
In 1999, Hasbro acquired Wizards of the Coast and made it one of the most iconic games of French design. According to the company, Magic: The Gathering has reached more than 50 million players today thanks to its interesting characters, amazing fantasy world, and deep strategy.
This first installment from Hastro is set to take viewers on a new magical journey that blends fantasy, adventure, and strategy!
Magic: The Gathering—Steps Towards a New Multimedia Universe!
Legendary’s ambitious plans
“We consider ourselves custodians of iconic and beloved IP, and there is no better property to fit that role than Magic: The Gathering,” said Mary Parent, President, Worldwide Production, Legendary Entertainment.
She also pointed out that this partnership with Hasbro will thrill the game’s existing fans as well as attract new audiences.
Blockbuster franchise experience
Legendary Entertainment has mastered franchise-building. The company has expanded blockbuster films like Godzilla vs. Kong and Dune not only to the big screen but also to TV platforms.
In addition, it is also the architect behind Netflix’s hit Enola Holmes films and the upcoming Jason Momoa-starrer Minecraft film.
Hasbro and Netflix’s strategy
Hasbro has already developed a “Magic: The Gathering” TV show with Netflix, with Star Trek: Picard showrunner Terry Matalas at the helm.
However, nearly a decade ago, 20th Century Fox tried to develop a Magic: The Gathering film universe with producer Simon Kinberg, but that project did not move forward.
Hasbro Entertainment’s new partnership
Zev Foreman, Hasbro Entertainment’s film chief, expressed excitement about the partnership and said,
“Magic: The Gathering has inspired epic world-building and creative storytelling for decades.” He further added that with Legendary’s vision and Hasbro’s experience, this partnership will help lay the foundation for a new and expansive Magic: The Gathering universe.
