Maya Hawke has been cast in a "key" role for Legendary’s live-action Magic: The Gathering movie, with the project also slated to develop a television series.
Hawke, known for her role in Stranger Things, is the first actor officially announced for the film. Sources indicate that her role is significant and that the movie will feature an ensemble cast. The project is being developed by Legendary and Hasbro, aiming to bring the iconic trading card game to screens.
Matt Johnson, who previously directed the comedy-drama BlackBerry, is attached to direct and write the film, collaborating with co-writers Aidan Fitzgerald and Noah Gardner. The combination of Johnson's comedic background and the report of an ensemble cast suggests the Magic: The Gathering movie might adopt a tone similar to Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.
This marks the latest development in a long journey for a live-action Magic: The Gathering adaptation. Previous attempts, including a deal with Universal in 2008 and film rights secured by 20th Century Fox in 2014, did not come to fruition. Netflix also explored live-action movie and animated series options in the early 2020s, which also did not proceed.
Legendary and Hasbro's partnership aims to finally realize an on-screen adaptation of the Magic: The Gathering universe. This follows Legendary's recent Street Fighter movie, which achieved a number one box office opening despite a mixed reception.