Netflix’s Magic: The Gathering Series Adds Terry Matalas as Showrunner

A Netflix animated adaptation of the popular online card game Magic: The Gathering has seen its fair share of production troubles. The series was originally announced in 2019 but failed to receive any update on its progression since. Consequently, speculations regarding its cancelation began to surface, with hopes for the show’s release diminishing with every passing day. Nevertheless, Netflix has finally come out with positive news regarding Magic: The Gathering series, having recently confirmed Terry Matalas as its showrunner.

Netflix moving forward with Terry Matalas as Magic: The Gathering’s showrunner

Writer and director Terry Matalas has been chosen to lead the reins of Netflix’s animated rendition of the popular game, Magic: The Gathering. The news was disclosed during Netflix’s annual Geeked Week event, which concluded on September 19.

As such, the series has now entered the production phase, according to a report by Variety. It is set to be produced in collaboration with Hasbro Entertainment and Wizards of the Coast. Nevertheless, specific details regarding its plot are currently being kept under wraps.

Prior to Terry Matalas’ appointment as the showrunner, Netflix’s Magic: The Gathering was originally scheduled to be helmed by the Russo Brothers. However, the duo ultimately parted ways with the project over creative differences. Following their departure, Jeff Kline was recruited to serve as the new executive producer and creative lead. Shortly afterward, Superman Returns star Brandon Routh was roped in as one of the leading voice actors.

Routh recently shared his opinion regarding the show in an interview, stating that ‘it’s not happening.‘ Nevertheless, Netflix has now squashed all such rumors by announcing Terry Matalas as Magic: The Gathering’s showrunner. The 48-year-old creative executive is especially known for creating the Syfy series 12 Monkeys.

Matalas is also credited with masterminding the acclaimed final season of Star Trek: Picard, which came out in 2023. Additionally, he was recently named the showrunner for the upcoming Vision series by Marvel. Matalas’ other notable works include Star Trek: Enterprise, Nikita, Nightflyers, and the CBS reboot of MacGyver, among others.

Despite the major update on Magic: The Gathering, Netflix is yet to attach an official release window to the project.