While Netflix is still developing a CG-animated series based on Magic: The Gathering, the project is moving forward without the involvement of Joe and Anthony Russo. Transformers: Prime co-creator Jeff Kline has joined the project as executive producer, taking over for the Avengers: Endgame directors, as reported by Deadline.
While the project was originally announced with the Russo brothers attached, reports indicate that the duo exited the project early on in the process over disagreements with Netflix on the creative vision for the series. Henry Gilroy (Star Wars: The Clone Wars) and Jose Molina (Agent Carter), who were originally tapped to serve as head writers and co-showrunners, also left the project alongside the Russos.
Following the Russo brothers' departure, Netflix tapped Kline to assemble a team to create a new storyline based on the tabletop trading card game. The Russos met with Kline during the creative transition.
"I’m grateful to the Russos for bringing me into the world of Magic: The Gathering — specifically, over dinner at one of their go-to Cleveland restaurants,” Kline said. “Magic is one of those rare intellectual properties with such a wellspring of mythology that 'picking and choosing' is half the battle. Every single person working on the series understands how beloved this universe is – and feels both the exhilaration and tremendous pressure that comes with translating Magic across mediums.”
Although Joe and Anthony Russo are no longer attached to the project, check out our argument for the importance of Magic: The Gathering finally getting a television adaptation. Also, read our rundown of the biggest anime and animation announcements from Netflix's Geeked Week last month.
J. Kim Murphy is a freelance entertainment writer.
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While the project was originally announced with the Russo brothers attached, reports indicate that the duo exited the project early on in the process over disagreements with Netflix on the creative vision for the series. Henry Gilroy (Star Wars: The Clone Wars) and Jose Molina (Agent Carter), who were originally tapped to serve as head writers and co-showrunners, also left the project alongside the Russos.
Following the Russo brothers' departure, Netflix tapped Kline to assemble a team to create a new storyline based on the tabletop trading card game. The Russos met with Kline during the creative transition.
"I’m grateful to the Russos for bringing me into the world of Magic: The Gathering — specifically, over dinner at one of their go-to Cleveland restaurants,” Kline said. “Magic is one of those rare intellectual properties with such a wellspring of mythology that 'picking and choosing' is half the battle. Every single person working on the series understands how beloved this universe is – and feels both the exhilaration and tremendous pressure that comes with translating Magic across mediums.”
Although Joe and Anthony Russo are no longer attached to the project, check out our argument for the importance of Magic: The Gathering finally getting a television adaptation. Also, read our rundown of the biggest anime and animation announcements from Netflix's Geeked Week last month.
J. Kim Murphy is a freelance entertainment writer.
Continue reading...