Maya Hawke joins ‘Magic: The Gathering’ movie in major fantasy franchise role

Matt Johnson will direct and co-write screenplay for live-action adaptation with Noah Gardner and Aidan Fitzgerald

Maya Hawke has landed a leading role in the upcoming Magic: The Gathering movie, marking another major franchise project for the actor known for Stranger Things.

The live-action adaptation of the popular trading card game is being produced by Legendary Entertainment and Hasbro Entertainment. Hawke’s character has not been revealed, while plot details and additional casting announcements remain under wraps.

According to Variety, the film will be directed by Matt Johnson, known for BlackBerry and Nirvanna the Band the Show. Johnson is also co-writing the screenplay alongside Noah Gardner, whose credits include Super 8, and Aidan Fitzgerald, who worked on Calls.

The story is expected to draw from the expansive fantasy universe of Magic: The Gathering, which centres on powerful spellcasters known as Planeswalkers. The game allows players to explore different worlds within a multiverse while engaging in magical battles. However, it remains unclear how closely the film will follow the game’s established lore or whether it will introduce an original storyline.

Johnson has previously spoken about his personal connection to the game, recalling his experiences as a competitive player. His involvement has generated interest among longtime fans, who have been waiting to see the franchise adapted for the big screen.

Hawke rose to international prominence through Netflix’s Stranger Things. Her film credits include Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City, Do Revenge and Maestro. She also voiced Anxiety in Pixar’s Inside Out 2.

The actor is additionally set to appear in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, another major franchise release. With Hawke attached to Magic: The Gathering, anticipation is growing for further details about the project, including its supporting cast, storyline and release plans.