Magic: The Gathering's Universes Beyond series continues to grow, prompting further speculation about future crossovers. While Wizards of the Coast has three Universes Beyond sets planned for 2027, Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks has indicated that upcoming collaborations will lean more towards "fantasy-adjacent" themes, following fan feedback. This leaves considerable room for imaginative possibilities.
The Elder Scrolls
Given Bethesda's existing partnership with Magic through the Universes Beyond: Fallout set, a collaboration with The Elder Scrolls franchise seems like a natural progression. The epic fantasy setting of The Elder Scrolls aligns perfectly with Magic's core aesthetic, and the potential for integrating lore and characters from games like Oblivion or the anticipated Elder Scrolls VI is immense.
Supernatural
While a more unconventional pick, the long-running CW series Supernatural presents a unique opportunity. Its extensive mythology, featuring angels, demons, spells, and various supernatural creatures, could translate effectively into Magic's established card types and mechanics. The show's distinct visual identity, characterized by Americana and roadside settings, could also offer a fresh aesthetic for a Universes Beyond set. Moreover, Supernatural's significant cultural impact and enduring fanbase present a strong nostalgia play.
The Chronicles of Narnia
For a more traditional fantasy crossover, The Chronicles of Narnia stands out as an obvious choice. The world of Narnia, with its talking animals, mythical creatures, and epic conflicts, fits seamlessly into Magic's established fantasy framework. The vast array of characters from C.S. Lewis's books, coupled with the nostalgia from the 2000s film adaptations and an upcoming Greta Gerwig project, makes this a compelling prospect.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Similar to Supernatural, Buffy the Vampire Slayer offers a rich source of supernatural elements that could translate well into Magic cards. The series' extensive roster of vampires, demons, witches, and other creatures provides ample material. Although it shares thematic ground with Supernatural, the enduring popularity and nostalgic appeal of Buffy make it a strong contender.
Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere Universe
Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere universe, encompassing series like Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive, is frequently cited as an ideal fit for Universes Beyond. Sanderson himself is a known Magic: The Gathering player and has previously contributed to Wizards of the Coast's lore. Though a partnership previously stalled, the deep connection between the author and the game makes this a highly anticipated potential collaboration.
The Wheel of Time
Robert Jordan's expansive fantasy world, The Wheel of Time, is another strong candidate for a fantasy-adjacent Universes Beyond set. Brandon Sanderson's role in completing the series adds another layer to this potential partnership. The recent Amazon adaptation has introduced the world to a new generation, making the timing opportune for a crossover that could capitalize on both existing and new fan interest.