Magic: The Gathering's 2027 lineup is beginning to take shape, with Hasbro, the parent company of Wizards of the Coast, indicating a strategic shift for its popular Universes Beyond crossover sets. CEO Chris Cocks revealed that upcoming collaborations will likely be more "fantasy-adjacent" and move away from urban settings like New York City, a departure from recent themes.
While specific partnerships remain under wraps, the company plans to reveal more details at MagicCon Atlanta in November. Three new Universes Beyond sets are slated for release in 2027, scheduled for April, August, and November. This focus on fantasy IP opens the door for numerous highly anticipated crossovers.
Speculation is rife regarding potential franchises that could align with this new direction. One prominent candidate is Nintendo's "The Legend of Zelda" series. Given Hasbro's existing relationship with Nintendo for Zelda toys, a TCG collaboration is a logical next step. The epic fantasy adventure core of Zelda, with iconic elements like the Master Sword and various iterations of Ganon, makes it a strong contender, especially with a live-action film on the horizon.
Another strong possibility lies within the realm of grim fantasy video games, with "The Witcher" franchise frequently mentioned. CD Projekt Red's acclaimed series, spanning games and books, offers a rich tapestry of characters, creatures, and lore. The existence of "Gwent: The Witcher Card Game" also suggests existing synergy for card game adaptations. This would allow for iconic characters and quests, such as those from "The Bloody Baron" storyline, to be translated into Magic cards.
While not strictly traditional fantasy, Marvel's "Midnight Suns" is also a compelling possibility, shifting the focus within Marvel IP towards magic and supernatural characters like Doctor Strange and Blade. Alternatively, a return to Asgard for a set focused on Norse gods could also fit the "fantasy-adjacent" criteria.
Fans of Warhammer's previous Universes Beyond success are hopeful for "Warhammer: Age of Sigmar." Following the popular "Warhammer 40,000" Commander decks, an "Age of Sigmar" set could explore its high-fantasy setting, featuring familiar fantasy archetypes like dwarves, elves, and orcs. More factions from the 40K universe, such as T'au, Astra Militarum, and Adeptus Mechanicus, are also possibilities.
Despite the divisive reception of its television conclusion, "Game of Thrones" remains a powerful IP. With multiple spin-offs, books, and even a standalone card game, a "Song of Ice and Fire" Magic set could draw from the main series, prequels like "House of the Dragon," or deeper cuts like Lady Stoneheart.
FromSoftware's "Elden Ring" and the broader Soulsborne universe are also strong contenders. The medieval fantasy aesthetic, vast bestiary of bosses like Ornstein and Smough, and the cosmic horror of "Bloodborne" offer immense potential. The massive success of "Elden Ring," coupled with an upcoming live-action film, makes it a particularly likely candidate for a dedicated set.
Finally, while Wizards of the Coast has already announced a "World of Warcraft" expansion for Dungeons & Dragons, a "Magic: The Gathering" crossover for the MMO itself is plausible. However, to avoid overlap with Blizzard's "Hearthstone," a "Diablo" set might be a more distinct option, leveraging the game's demonic themes and loot-driven gameplay. The success of "Diablo" and its alignment with Magic's existing themes of demons and hellfire make it a fitting choice.