Maya Hawke, known for her roles in Stranger Things and Inside Out 2, has been cast in a lead role in Legendary Entertainment and Hasbro's upcoming live-action film adaptation of Magic: The Gathering. The specific character Hawke will portray has not yet been announced, but reports indicate it is a "key" role in the project.
Directed by Matt Johnson, whose credits include Blackberry and The Dollhouse, the film is based on the 33-year-old trading card game. Johnson is also co-writing the script with Noah Gardner and Aidan Fitzgerald. This casting marks the first announced actor for the film.
Johnson, a self-proclaimed fan of Magic: The Gathering, has expressed his long-held enthusiasm for the franchise. He previously described the opportunity to work on the project as "surreal," comparing the game's significance in his life to Star Wars. His involvement suggests a deep understanding and passion for the source material.
The adaptation is reportedly leveraging resources from the production of Dune, including storyboard artists, costume designers, and filming locations. Legendary Entertainment is also said to be planning Magic: The Gathering as a trilogy of films. This initiative is part of a larger expansion of the franchise into a live-action film and television universe, which was announced in February 2025. Additionally, an animated series based on Magic: The Gathering is currently in production for Netflix, with Terry Matalas serving as showrunner and executive producer.