Maya Hawke to Headline 'Magic: The Gathering' Movie for Legendary and Hasbro

Maya Hawke will star in "Magic: The Gathering," a live-action movie adaptation of the trading card game, with Legendary Entertainment and Hasbro Entertainment producing. Deadline first reported the news.

Hawke's role has not been disclosed, and plot details remain under wraps. The tabletop game is set across a multiverse of fantasy worlds, where players act as wizards known as Planeswalkers engaged in battle. Hawke is expected to anchor an ensemble of actors who have not yet been cast, according to Deadline.

Who is making the film?

Matt Johnson is set to direct. Johnson, whose credits include "Blackberry" and "Nirvanna the Band the Show," is a longtime "Magic: The Gathering" player. He is also writing the screenplay with Noah Gardner ("Super 8") and Aidan Fitzgerald ("Calls").

Johnson marked the announcement with a personal story about his own history with the game, told in the language of tournament play:

"I was x&0 with good breakers going into day 2 of GP Detroit and telling myself, 'I'm going to drop out of film school and become a pro Magic player,'" Johnson said. "Pod one I'm seated across from Rich Hoaen. By round five I'm x&5 and tilted so badly that I sac Lifespinner and a lethal board (I'm serious) for a lone Jugan. My opponent goes end-step Rend Spirit and within 10 minutes I'm driving back to Toronto thinking 'My Magic career is officially over.' To all the dreamers reading this: in every pool, there is a day 2 deck."

The anecdote signals a director with firsthand competitive experience in the game — a credential fans of the property will weigh closely as the project develops.

What is Hawke known for?

Hawke is best known for playing Robin Buckley in Netflix's "Stranger Things." Her film credits span a range of high-profile directors:

• Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood"
• Wes Anderson's "Asteroid City"
• Jennifer Kaytin Robinson's "Do Revenge"
• Bradley Cooper's "Maestro"

She voiced Anxiety in Pixar's "Inside Out 2." Her next role is in Lionsgate's "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping."

What remains unknown?

No release date, additional cast members or production start have been announced. The film joins a wave of game adaptations as studios continue to mine established fan properties for theatrical material, and Hawke's attachment gives the Legendary-Hasbro project a bankable lead as casting continues.